Menno Gootjes (born 1974) is a Dutch guitarist who has been a permanent member of Amsterdam progressive rock band Focus since 2010, having first played with them briefly in 1997-1998. He stepped into the role previously held by Jan Akkerman and has appeared on several later studio albums, co-producing the most recent, Focus 12 (2024), alongside bassist Udo Pannekeet. Away from touring, he teaches guitar at the Rotterdam Conservatory and the Rockacademie in Tilburg.
The Antwerp Philharmonic Orchestra performed the Dutch premiere of 'The Focus Symphony', a symphonic work based on music by Focus, on 25 May 2026 at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam.
WedgeView Music released 'The Focus Symphony' on 12 October 2025, performed by the Antwerp Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Alexandra Arrieche.
Focus is touring the United Kingdom and Europe in 2025/26, with Gootjes as guitarist in the current lineup.
Focus released the studio album 'Focus 12' on 5 July 2024, co-produced by Menno Gootjes and Udo Pannekeet and recorded at Wisseloord Studios.
Focus released the single 'Fjord Focus' on 28 May 2024 as a precursor to the album 'Focus 12'.
Dutch progressive rock legends Focus perform their classic hits and new album 'Focus 12' in an over-two-hour concert.
Dutch progressive rock legends Focus perform a two-hour concert featuring classics like 'Hocus Pocus' and 'Eruption', drawing from five decades of iconic albums.