Who Sang The "Gethsemane" High Note Best?
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- čas přidán 6. 04. 2018
- From "Jesus Christ Superstar" Enjoy!
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#jesus #musical #theatre - Hudba
Sing it, Jesus
YAS
*SING FOR US!!!!!!!!!!* ;)
Mister Golightly Praise JESUS!
Listen to Jesus, Jimmy
Nobody is even in the same ballpark as Ted Neeley!
So many of them treat the "WHY" as a separate part of the song. They transition to it and then shift back over to their normal voice. Gillan and Neely are the only ones that fit it in as an organic part of their phrasing.
Fenholt also did it beautifully
And also I noticed a lot of them sort of "singing" it. Like it is some sort of challenging vocal exercise and nothing more. If it was only that they would surely pass, but Gillan and Neely put all their passion and heart into it and their powerful dramatic delivery feels much more on point in the context of the song. It's not just a high note for a singer to sing, it's Jesus in his moment of despair.
@@kosmosyche Exactly. You should feel the ANGUISH in that note, where he's screaming to the heavens "WHY should I die?"
Agreed 100%
There is HUGE difference in knowing what note to sing.. vs. (WHY) it needs to be sung. Emotional content is paramount in any song. Especially this one.
@bloocheez3 thanks for your analysis. I have listened to this a few times and other videos. Now I can definitely appreciate the singers that incorporate that G5 through the entire phrase. It feels like a whole other experience.
Gillan and Neeley are the only ones who seem to know WHY they're singing that note
IDK. That Leo Jimenez dude sold it pretty hard too. 3:35
I feel like Balsamo also got it perfectly
@@TannovandeKamp seriously, people say this as though Steve Bálsamo does not exist and totally kill it every time. He cries in each performance, he totally understands the point of the why.
you are right
Actually, a lot more men can hit this note than people think. It is just falsetto, which is easy for a lot of men. The good ones can sing it without you knowing it is falsetto. Also, to many men use falsetto for everything they sing. A lot of men do not know how to sing in a natural voice. It is slowly becoming a lost art because people are too lazy to work on it and being excepted makes it easier to use it.
Ian Gillan and Ted Neeley are the best, but the spanish singers do a really good job too. It's not about hitting the note, it's about hitting the emotion. The anger, the confusion, the frustration, most singers hit the note but miss the mark.
Exactly! Those notes are supposed to be about raw emotion. Not the prettiness or accuracy of it. The whole song should be raw. It’s a rock opera not a regular musical.
Whrere is Camilo Sexto? The second best Jesus after Neeley
I like Miguel the best of the Spanish singers
I like Steve Balsamo best
Ian Gillan, from the original soundtrack, is easily the gold standard. Sends shivers up my spine even now. It think Chuck Negron in his prime could’ve nailed it too.
Sure but mama told him not to come.
Gillan’s “All right… I’ll die” right after the money note never gets enough due. So metal. 🤘
Ian Gillan and there is nobody else that can hold that vocal control with out flaw as he does. There is only ONE!!
@@SD-ir1vf Cause that ain’t the way to have fun. It’s easier to be hard!
Oh yes Chuck can sing the high notes
Me seeing Sebastian Bach's name pop up: "oh i didnt know he had the range for this role"
Me after hearing his attempt: "oh yeah, he doesnt"
Lol
happyMOO5 LMAOOO
He did once. Several songs that go up into the high fifth octave.
He has hit notes that high in the past, he just really whiffed when he was in JCS. Admittedly even in his prime with Skid Row he was a shaky enough singer live.
sounded like a cat being sick into a microphone
It's not Neeley's "Why?" that rips my guts out so much as his "nail me to the cross and break me!" sung with infinite longing and desperation and rage and affirmation. Utterly sublime.
Yes sir!
It still brings me to tears after hearing it for 45+ years
Yes 💯
Ian Gillan killed it too IMO
totally agree!
For me the greatest to ever do it is Neeley. And not just once or twice; the man has spent half a century embodying this role, and utterly nailing this incredibly difficult song. He’s on a different level.
Ted Neely without a doubt. So good he can still hit it flawlessly 50 yrs later at the age of 80- amazing
Ian Gillan. But I will hand it to Ted having held on to his pipes, but that's just good genes.
Ted Neely and Ian Gillan have the Rock texture to their voices, where most of the other singers have a much more classical broadway sound to their voice. Meanwhile Sabstian Bach's voice is just not doing it.
have to agree
Exactly. They are by far the best
Well said
You all need to watch this and then let us know what you think... This is the very finest performance of this song I have ever seen and I am 71 years old and have followed the show from it's very beginning...
czcams.com/video/_QozXX7Ndrk/video.html
I agree with these two..Ted is still the best. A lot of the others just switched over to a falsetto, which seemed out of place and unnecessary. Ted sings it like it's coming from his soul...
It's not just the note, it's
1. whether it was done live vs recording
2. transition out of the note once it's completed
3. emotional content
Also, I would count: "body," as in how much depth, power, fullness is in the note, rather than a thin, anemic falsetto (as some of these guys display).
There are many live recordings of Ted Neeley performing this song, into his 70s, with as much fullness and body and power as he did in the movie version, and, of course, with acres of emotional content! He still seems to be the only one who actually sings it like *he is actually Jesus asking God to spare his life* while everyone else just sings it like a song.
Recording equipment is also a major factor.
Don’t think, feel! We need emotional content. Not anger.
Neely, so much passion and longing. I saw the movie when it first came out and saw Neely in the role again at the Fox theater in Atlanta in the 90’s. Brings me to tears
Ted Neely for me, is the ONLY person who has ever brought forth the full emotional impact of this powerful song. He completely immerses himself physically, vocally and emotionally in every performance.
Couldn't agree more!!!
You're on drugs. There all just trying to put their own stamp on what Ian already perfected. Fenholt at least had the sense to try and do it like Ian.
@@dominysynclair I have never done drugs, so I wouldn't know how that is supposed to sound.
However, I do own both sound tracks, the vinyl album with Ian Gillan aswell as the one with Ted Nelly ( and the DVD). I have listened to both versions dozens of times, ( I got the vinyl soundtrack for my 16th Birthday ), as well as having watched the movie with Ted Nelly. And I have performed in a stage production of the same name.
For me, no one has come close to Ted Nelly's vocal or visual performance/s. That does not necessarily mean I don't find other versions impressive. Only for me, Ted is still at the very top!
@@ladybug160 You sound exceedingly qualified to make this call. So, how do you esplain coming up with the wrong answer?
@@dominysynclair As far as I am concerned, there is no " right or wrong answer" I am speaking from my personal opinion, and from what I personally feel about his performance as JC - nothing more nothing less. I respect not everyone may agree with me. However, that does not make my personal feelings on the subject " wrong" in anyway whatsoever. You are most welcome to disagree with my thoughts and feelings on the subject. For you too, are entitled to them as am I to mine!
Ted Neeley was 74 in his last performance of this and could still hit the high note. I have to vote for him for that reason.
I still remember seeing that tour, feeling just a little disappointed in the first act by his performance, and then immediately losing all of that disappointment when I realized he was just ensuring he had enough in the tank for Gethsemane. It was incredible.
Same. I watched that too live and though his performance in other songs was... Well, not too great, he KILLED this song, and reached that note with no problem
WRONG - Ten Neeley did a production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2018 - 2019 with Corey Glover ("Cult Of Personality" - Living Colour) as Judas. The performance he did, at 76 years old, on opening night on Broadway WILL stand the test of time as being THE BEST performance of this song EVER. It was so spectacular I felt like I was literally being levitated out of my seat. There is actually video of that performance on CZcams.
Gotta agree. Ted all the way.
Absolutely, man. Neeley FTW. I'd give my right arm to have seen him and the original cast live. If I ever met him, I'd go totally fangirl lol. Even my 11 yo son knows who Neeley is.
'Ian Gillan improvised it while recording the original concept album, and every other Jesus has been trying to top him since.' Absolutely correct; I recorded and mixed JCSS; very proud of this seminal work, which is still a thrill to hear fifty years later XX
I have loved that recording since I first heard it 40 years ago, and I still own and cherish the original album! It is for me the absolute benchmark for this musical, and Ian Gillan will always be the one and only. Iconic.
WOW! What a historic project to be part of!
That is an impressive professional accomplishment, Alan. Thanks for helping make an album that has meant so much to me. It actually was the catalyst that awakened the musician in me at age 10.
Alan, can you share anything about the Grease Band's performance? I think Alan Spenner's bass work is pure genius as well as the organ and drums.
Good sir, you did a damn fine job, 10/10.
It’s not just about hitting that high note strongly, it’s about portraying agony and suffering. I am biased since he was the first, but Ian Gillian displays such emotion in the song as well as a beautiful voice. I’ve never heard of Jeff Fenholt, but his was good too. The worst? Sebastian Bach.
Jeff Fenholt was the OG JC on Broadway.
Sebastian’s style was NOT meant for the that song.
Jeff Fenholt gets my vote.
Kinda hard doing that when the note is so high for a male. There's only so much u can do brotha
Ian is still the best. It's about more than just hitting the note. With some of these guys you can see the effort it takes to reach this pitch. It feels like Ian does it from the depths of his soul and that's rock and roll! It looks so effortless when he does it.
Ian Gillian who improvised the Scream is absolutely the best because that part wasn't supposed to be sung that way. It is the benchmark set by possibly the best voice ever in Hard Rock. Ian portrays the pain and anguish Jesus felt about His upcoming torture.
Agree with you 👍😊
Apparently he was offered the Jesus role because of ‘Child in Time’ so it’s a moral that those calling the shots wanted big screams somewhere along the line. Agreed - he set the standard.
Ian was best Jesus singer ever - what a brillant voice this mate has
AGREED. There is another performer I like for Jesus better (Amy Ray) but that's just a personal
preference. As far as being technically great, NOTHING ever touches Gillan's performance in the concept album. NOTHING.
100% agree. Ian Gillan's will always be the best because, as you said, it is the benchmark. But is is also the best technically and passionately. But out of all these others, the Jeff Fenholt version comes the closest to Gillan's.
Can we all agree that Sebastian Bach's was the worst?
Yes. Even though he was actually one of the best singers in his prime, he totally botched this performance.
I'ma have to add John Legend at the bottom
I would've loved to see him in his prime do this role. He had major pipes... drugs and drinking will do that to ya.
Would like to know where this was in a run and if recorded live - because when rested and in shape the guy could smash most of the others. So disappointing.
Yes. That was the worst.
Ian Gillian is head and shoulders above all the rest. It’s more than just the high notes, but also the raw emotion in the quiet parts, what one former opera singer called ‘quiet intensity’.
Totally agree.
he was the first jesus superstar and totally respect that but neeley performance is incomparable, adding the fact that he was acting and singing too
Well then we’ll agree to disagree regarding the singing.
Regarding the movie, I was disappointed in it. I had really been looking forward to it so perhaps I had set my expectations too high. Seeing it again years later, my opinion didn’t change.
I think Ted Neeley beats out Ian Gillan with the delivery of emotional nuance throughout the whole song but both interpretations are fantastic and both are head and shoulders above the rest.
I think it's clear, that only Gillan and Neely nail it. All others can hardly compete. As bloocheez3 said, they integrate both the high note in their process, without feeling forced to preparate it. It comes very naturally. The difference between Neely and Gillan is, that Gillan "sings" it more, with a melodic vibrato, while Neely does more a bit of "shouting" here. But both are perfect belters.
AGREED. I also think it’s a musical NOT MEANT for classical musical theatre vocals. I think you should legally have to be in a rock band and have been in and out of rehab AND prison before getting to sing this song.
Totally agree. That's because it takes a rock voice. It is a ROCK opera after all. Ian and Ted felt the rock, deep inside, plain and simple. The rest were just trying to see how high they could go. The difference between the two, is Ted was singing it for a movie, hence the more "angry" tone here. Jesus was pretty angry at God, and Ted did a perfect job projecting that.
I was gonna say Gillan was awesome as well, only one up there with the original and best - Mr Ted Neely
@@clarebirschel6951 Ted Neeley was not the original. Ian Gillan was, in 1970. Movie came after, in 1973.
Absolutely agree with you!!
I’ve noticed that the majority of them are thinking about the note and not thinking about why Jesus is “screaming” in the musical , asking why in God’s plan he should die and then they would understand that it’s a scream of fear, desperation and doubt so it’s not about how beautiful you will sound but it’s about the feeling of desperation you will cause in the crowd!
Estoy de acuerdo con su afirmación, y les recomiendo la actuación de 1977, czcams.com/video/bY2eW9-mA1U/video.html en esta interpretación Camilo entrega todo, y transmite el sentimiento y la pasión como nadie en la versión en el español que el mismo adapto y financió.
Nailed it.
Things like this are why I like Tim Minchin's Judas
Exactly 💯
I definitely care about how they sound
Ted Neeley for for me. His emotional delivery in tune with body language, facial expressions, arm gestures ...i.e. the complete package, tears me up every time. In that moment - he is Jesus showing the torment he is going through. The bit that gets me most is the end from "Why then am I scared to finish, what I started. What you started. I didn't start it" onwards. Ted wins every time.
If anyone is still watching this video years later, I recently saw the tour of Jesus Christ superstar for the fiftieth anniversary. Everybody was phenomenal, the Jesus nailed the high note.
The way Ian Gillan went for that note... pure improvisation, pure talent.
2:10 -- Should Sebastian Bach even be on this list, considering he was just making werewolf noises during the G5?
Such a disappointment too, since he had such a naturally high singing voice.
Totally agree
Werewolf noises??!!🤣🤣🤣🤣
🤣🤣🤣
I think he couldn't hit the note so he used his head voice to scream it and provide the illusion of having hit it. It's a poor illusion.
Ted Neeley 🏆... some are close and really good, but Ted takes the cake every single time!!! ❤
Ian Gillian 100. It’s they way he takes it naturally up and keeps the raspy sound. Too many of the other just jump straight into a screech.
Ian Gillan: the original, the creator
Ted Neeley: the best performer
Edit: wow the spanish guys are amazing
Camilo sesto
Camilo sesto.. Even ian gillan and adrew loyd webber admit that the best interpretation its from Camilo..
Andrew Lloyd Barber is the original creator
Definitely felt that PORR QUEEEEEEEEEEEE?!
@@keodalbarran8273 I just read a comment saying it was improvised. Might be false, but you know, mine as well mention it
It's not even a question. Ian Gillan hits the note and then does the most legit metal vibrato on it. He nails it because he's an actual rock star, not an actor pretending to be one.
Bang on! I feel like Ted Neeley is a great middleground between the rock raspiness and the much cleaner straight ahead delivery of the rest, but there's some special character to Gillan's wail. Pure hard rock. Deep Purple shit.
The history of the Jesus role has been actors trained in classical/theater vocal style singing parts that were basically improvised on the spot by a rock/metal singer.
The reason barely anyone has been able to get that note is not because not only does Gillan's style and parts require the singer to go against every rule taught in theater singing, but on top of that, he also had one of the few golden voices of the heavy rock era.
In a word: Inimitable.
@@Astrosimi To be fair, musical theater singers are trained to be able to sing those notes eight shows a week. Two shows on Saturday and Sunday. And to do that for years as many shows run on Broadway that long. Making a living means being able to hit that note that often and consistently. So, they can't squeeze the notes the way rock and metal singers do. Most rock singers can pull off those notes in the studio and live for a few years, but eventually the wear and tear takes hold and their voices are wrecked.
@@powerfuless I don't blame them at all, you're completely correct! Singing like Gillan does will fuck up your voice for the latter half of your life, and for a musical theater actor, that's your livelihood down the drain.
So definitely understandable that they do it as a falsetto - it's the least harmful way to do it consistently, and impressive in and of itself.
I think ALW learned his lesson afterwards (when he was sure he had the clout to bring compositions straight to the stage) by making sure to write musical theater vocal parts, and not bringing in more hard rock legends to improvise!
Agree that Gillan is one of the best, but not the only real rock star in here. Gary Cherone (Extreme) and Leo Jimenez (Saratoga) were rock/metal singers before being cast as Jesus. Also Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), except he got cast at probably the lowest point of his career.
A pity that Gillan's scream was turned down in the final mix and sounds much softer than it actually was (according to all his other screams live with Deep Purple).
I saw Ted Neely live twice in the last 6 years and he totally killed it
Gillan. This song and "The Temple "when he sings, "But you have made it a den of thieves. Get out!" Absolute chill city.
Neelley encompasses all the qualities you would expect at Getsemane. He has the passion and the voice. He draws you in and is believable. No one can compare.
"Mr. Gillan and Mr. Neely, please remain standing………… and the rest of you……… thank you for auditioning."
EXACTLY 🎼🎹🎶🎙👑
You have got to be joking lol
@@thomaslowdon5510 You've got to be joking to be asking me that? You think the others are better? HA!
Ian and Ted were the originators of the role's Rock power vocals, that all others have unsuccessfully tried to copy. The others have created the stereotypical, cookie-cutter, over-the-top, Broadway vocal style that's better suited for the Wednesday matinee crowd.
@@jwl2469 sorry l dont agree..
As ive said before its one thing to reach and sustain a note.
But hold a note in key and vocalise in that key is quite another...most of these guys reached high G.
But didnt sing in it..Steve Balsimo does reach hold and sing....very few can do that to a credible standatd on a professional level..
Ted Neely is always bang on the money but I also love Steve Balsamo who is technically really good, hits the note just right....and he's a lovely chap having worked with him once. As for Gillan, it's really "him" isn't it, right up his street and trademark wail. Sadly his pipes are not quite so agile now but he still has the authority to knock most pipsqueaks right out of the water!
I actually prefer the raspy, growly notes, the clean ones sound so.. empty..
Agree.
You loved Sabastian Bach then.
I would say I like a good balance between them
Absolutely!
Idk, he's kinda the embodiment of purity so shouldn't it make sense that he'd sing purely.
Neeley and Gilian. I had the honour to see Ted Neeley perform live with the musical Jesus Christ Superstar like 4 times now (different years). The only musical i visited 4 times and i would visit again.
Ted is still #1 in my book. He can still hit the note too. I met him a few years back and sat with him watching the movie.
The two spanish singing jesus' were on point
Well, talking about spanish singers, they didn't add Camilo Sesto's performance which is, hands down, the best one.
@@Seneca84 Of course, great Camilo !! He and Ted Neeley the best of all.
I know right.
I love Miguel Fernandez's version
Si te refieres a Gerónimo Rauch y Leo Jiménez, estás en lo cierto. Son increíbles, obviamente la versión de Camilo Sesto es espectacular!
I know Ian was the OG, but damn I love Ted's version. It's so raw and full of emotion, while actually hitting the note pretty damn well. Although, the fact that I absolutely love his performance and the whole movie definitely influences my opinion.
You and everyone who's seen it
Good point!
I didn’t really like the movie tbh. For me the original recording was the best cast and the best musically.
Yes indeed. He blistered the singing and the tears streaming down his face were real. GAH
@@langdalepaul Totally agree. After 3 years of absorbing the original cast recording, the movie's soundtrack, and the movie itself, was good but not quite IT.
Neely, Gillan! I was always blown away watching Ted Neely sing this as a kid. I was lucky enough to see him on Broadway. There is something about this song and how they sing it that sends chills down the spine.
Ian Gillan's voice has such depth and he just sings it with Bollocks! Lots of good performance, but his version of this song hits hardest.
None of these singers are bad by any means, otherwise they will not be selected to sing this incredibly difficult tune. That said, my picks would have to be Ted Neely and Ian Gillan, hands down.
2:10 though
What about John Arthur Greene? He nailed the high notes and sang it pretty well in general
My favorite was Ian Gillian
Try listening to a Korean singer named Jinho. He was in the Korean version of Jesus Superstar, there's only 2 versions to listen to sadly. One he performed live at his group's concert and the other is him singing live in the studio, but it has been edited with the music over him singing.
It's not just about hitting the note. Ted Neely is the only one who was able to sing it with the level of rage and pain it required.
camilo sesto
ted is def my favorite of the bunch, but let's not forget that it was ian gillan who came up with the high note part in this song in the first place :3
Having seen Ted Neely perform this role twice, I can tell you that, even over 30 years later, the rage and pain are still fresh. He's amazing.
That's why he's in the thumbnail of this video.
@@nowone666 It's about the best performance. Besides, the note was written that way, and as I recall, it was Tim Rice, not Ian Gillan who wrote the song for the Rock Opera.
My goodness..they are ALL PHENOMENAL…. But Ted Neeley has my heart… 🤣🤣❤️❤️💪💪 I love this… I saw performances I’ve never even heard of… it’s so beautiful, all of them..❤️💪💪💪🔥🔥👍👍👍🔥🔥
It isn't about being able to hit the note, it's about being able to convey the meaning and feeling behind it. I still feel Neeley is the best
Ted Neely is the only one for me. He has so much passion and pain in his singing. Makes me get goosebumps. Love that show.
Ted Neely is definitely number one, but Ben Forster is a close second imo.
You're both WAY OFF BASE! Ian Gillen is The Only Correct Answer. ALL of the others are IMITATING Him. Ted Neally being one of the worst one's, and the Reason why the Movie adaptation was a BOMB at the box office. Listen to the Original Cast Album, ON VINYL, you'll never listen to the film version again !!!
@@aragorn5284 I love Ian Gillan's voice (duh), but if I'm being honest, his performance in Jesus Christ Superstar is a bit... lackluster. Ted Neely's performance is so full of power and emotion, far more than any other performance, and imo, the only one who has come even close to that level of emotion and power is Ben Forster.
@@aragorn5284 What makes listening on Vinyl better exactly?
You need to watch Camilo Sesto.
I had the pleasure of hearing Ted Neeley live in 2019. He can still do that note.
Damn. That's amazing! Where did you get to see him??
@@deprofundis3293 In Amsterdam for the Easter tour :)
@@Theturtleowl wait, Amsterdam in the netherlands? I live in the netherlands
@@bananenneus1540 Ja daar, tijdens de Europese tour van 2019.
@@Theturtleowl leuk
To me Ted Neeley was the best by far for the film and broadway he is my go to. The version by Ian Gillan mastered the vibrato scream of the voice holding a long note. He always had great range in the upper register...in Deep Purple
Ian Gillan has the most heart and feeling. Much more than any other.
The Spanish version by Camilo Sesto is one of the best. People should check it out.
I agree with you Camilo's is the best
I agree...I don't know why he wasn't included in this video
@@roxanaborrero easy, cause for English Speakers other languages don't exist
The best was camilo sesto there's no comparation!!!
@@Thealvita I bet u speak 5 different languages as I do, don't u?
I actually liked some of the versions in different languages: Leo Jimenez in particular managed to convey actual pain and anguish with his rendition, rather than just singing the high note. Just like Ian and Ted did in their version and what made it stand out so much.
HE WAS SO GOOD def top three with than. Drew Sarich at fourth because it’s that pain and anger and confusion!!!! It’s anger at everyone around him and himself. So powerful
chocolatMouse Leo had me SHOOK. I felt that pain.
Check out the full version of Drew Sarich. I's incredible
I fully agree! It HAS to convey pain or it’s missed the point
here's the Dutch version, if you care:
zeg me dan
zeg me dan, mijn God
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR
voor moet ik sterven
laat me dan toch zien
dat 't niet voor niets zal zijn
toon me toch vooral
iets van je oneindige brein
wat is toch de reden
dat ik sterven moet
de hele toedracht weet ik wel
maar 't waarom weet ik niet goed
goed, dan sterf ik
kijk maar goed hoe ik sterf
zie dan hoe ik sterf
Ian Gillian is the omly one who combined character and emotion with range. Everything else falls short of glory
Why hasn't anyone commented on Ian's intonation? Just listen to the tremor in his voice. Goose bumps all over!!
People are underestimating my man Glenn Carter, he has such passion in the note it's really beautiful
For those that need to compare
0:21 Ted Neeley
0:39 Eric Michael Krop
0:55 Gary Cherone
1:14 Ian Gillan
1:30 Luke Kennedy
1:47 Miguel Fernández
2:10 Sebastian Bach
2:27 Tom Butwin
2:44 Glenn Carter
3:01 John Arthur Greene
3:16 Jeff Fenholt
3:31 Leo Jiménez
3:48 Gerónimo Rauch
4:06 Paul Nolan
4:23 Trevor White
4:39 Ola Salo
4:54 Ben Forster
5:11 Danny Zolli
5:28 Drew Sarich (My Fav)
5:46 Steve Balsamo
Camilo Sesto. Look for it and delight yourself
Increíble que no aparezca la versión de Camilo Sexto....por favor buscadlo y juzgad
Ted and Ian for the note....Steve for the whole song.
Sebastian Bach and Paul Nolan horrible.
Thanks so much for this!
This video is such a good example of technical skill meeting the ability to also perform the song. Like many others have said, Ted Neely's performance is absolute gold standard, hitting the note while not letting that moment to "outshine" the rest of the performance. It's not just that one moment where you get to flex your skills, but it's the emotional core of the song. It's so fascinating to hear the difference when the singer just focuses to hitting that note instead of performing the song. It's so jarring, even though it sound "good", there is just something missing.
Really cool compilation!
I can't believe you didn't put the Spanish version by Camilo Sesto! I don't know whether it is the best but definitely the more passionate and one to be taken into account
Sure, the Best performance
The composer of the song recognized Sestos version was the best, I'm really thinking it's not on this video on purpose to not accept that a spanish version was superior
czcams.com/video/bY2eW9-mA1U/video.html Sesto go to 2 minutes 45 seconds to hear his note.
Indeed the most passionate…you feel his pain all thru!!
He is a good singer and sings with passion but he is not a rock singer, and this is a rock opera.
Okay let's go through them all!
Ted: Crushed it. Went for it, did fantastic, we stan
Eric: very good and pretty good virbato
Gary: lots of feeling, the high note was a bit strange but I think that's the video
Ian: ICONIC. Still iconic and will always be.
Luke: underrated my one of the best in this video. So much emotion in his performance.
Miguel: he held the notes so well and kept them without faltering.
Sebastian: that was screaming?
Tom: Very good, lots of feeling and kept a good hold in that note
Glenn: lots of very solid acting and really felt it. Wasn't too belty!
John: yes it was good, but he just ruffed his way out of it
Jeff: nice riffs, hit it and did his own thing
Leo: He had a lot of feeling, love it
Geronimo: held it! Great!
Paul: It's good but I'm not feeling this one, Nolan.
Trevor: didn't hold it too long but picked himself up
Ola: a bit rushed, but acting in point.
Ben: A bit weird but still impressive. The start was rough but landing good
Danny: a little too high.
Drew: leaned into it too much, the note after the high note was stronger.
Steve:solid vibrato and put his heart into it.
Thank you so much for this video. As others below already mentioned, some are really good but Ted and Ian give you shivers. Singing is not only being able doing technical gymnastics with your voice but providing your soul to the audience.
Ian Guilan was astonishing. There's no other singer who used to sing this song that way. And I think there will never be anyone singing like Ian.
Steve Balsamo was AWESOME.. saw him live and he managed it brilliantly 8 times a week.
I can't see Camilo Sesto... even Ian Gillan called to congratulate him...
Drew Sarich is the top for me. Always will be. Saw him perform it life once, from one of the front rows. Outdoor stage. Absolutely breathtaking.
Ian Gillan's version is the absolute best. So much feeling and passion!! Ian Gillan has been my favorite singer for over 50 years!! So much natural talemt!! 😍 ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ian Gillan will always blow everyone else out of the water with his performance, not just for the high G but also for the follow up as well, he genuinely sounds like a man distraught at the knowledge that he must die, and is confused as to how this would help
Except he literally sings "Hiiiiiiii should i die"
I agree, the note sounds like a scream of suffering and futile desperation, which to me seems like the composer's intention. It reminds me how Diana Damrau nails the famous Queen Of The Night aria by making her high notes sound like haughty, mocking laughter. Few singers can perform it that way because it's so difficult, but it's what Mozart intended.
Ian Gillan- most of the time. Ted Neely a very close second- but he had the added bonus of the visual effect too. Went to see JCSS last night for the first time- incredible. It’s only been here for a week but I managed to fit in 2 performances. Still buzzing today.
Can we all just agree that a classical voice doesn't really work for this song? Like, props to the guys who could hit this note, but Ian Gillen and Ted Neeley nailed it because they had a rock-sounding voice. They absolutely nailed it because they portrayed Jesus's anguish perfectly. A classical voice just doesn't portray that well
Noot Noodles do you mean classical technique or like a classical voice lmao, cause anybody can have a rock voice or a classical voice but like if you’re gonna approach a G5 like this, classical technique isn’t the worst thing to have under your belt
@@winterbelle708 I meant voice :)
But I agree, a classical technique would work very well but the voice however sounds a bit odd with the rest of the song lol
Like a classical sounding voice almost feels too soft and quiet :o
Noot Noodles no no i get that but like, i mean twang is a technique that anybody can add to their voice ya know and that can sorta give it like that rock sound, but i guess i understand what you’re saying.
@@winterbelle708 ahh I get that :>
The best is petr elfimov czcams.com/video/mxuV4JrIWGs/video.html
Ian Gillan's metal scream got forever codified into a musical. The stuff that Rob Halford and Robert Plant did.
The note Ian Gillan hits is actually closer to a B6 which is even more impressive than anyone else's G5
Almost everyone in the bunch sounds very good and all but
*Ian Gillan is just eargasm-quality.*
Ian Gillan, without a doubt. Just the fact that he improvised in the first place, aswell as that magnificent vibrato. No one else comes close imo!
He sucks as an actor though.
@@aiden_macleod what the fuck are you talking about? He was never an actor
Yep
Imagine if Gillan had done the song more than just once ? A tour? Don’t you think he would have topped his original ? Me too…
Truth!!!
Ian and Ted knew what they were singing and felt it. Ian was my favorite though. That voice!
Thanks for putting this together. I have seen about 7 different productions of JCS from local community theater groups, colleges and a touring company featuring Ted Neally and Carl Anderson and I have been in two productions of JCS one with the now defunct San Jose Civic Light Opera that featured Carl Anderson as Judas and one at Da Anza Cummunity College during their summer theater program where I got to play Jesus which remains a high light of my performing days and the culmination of a dream to be in JCS and play Jesus. I have loved the show since I first listened to it when I was about 13 or so.
What I really like about this montage of men taking on the role of Jesus is that this really reveals just how difficult singing the part of Jesus is. Gethsemane is obviously the pinnacle of that challenge vocally for men but, there are other very challenging parts in that role and your montage really shows a wide array of men taking on that challenge with varying degrees of success.
Full disclosure I have been a fan of Ian Gillan's original rendition since I first heard it as a kid though I appreciate Ted Neally's version as well and respect anyone for taking on the role. That said, from this montage there is a quality in Ian Gillan's rendition of Gethsemane that I think is the gold standard and while there are a number of very good performances here I still would put folding money on Ian Gillan's original version.
Thank you again for putting this together.
Pete
Hollister, CA
I, personally, love Steve Balsamo's version. Bright, clean, high, perfect. The 1996 version of JCS is my favourite.
I agree. And there is No comparison
I totally agree!!! Steve Balsamo's performances are absolutelly stunning!! I saw him twice at London's ''Lyceum Theater'' in 1996 and he was amazing!!!!
Me too ❤️ Steve it's incredible singer 😍
I thought I'd be a Neeley die-hard, but yeah, I'm camp Steve Balsamo now! (Not that I can't love both, lol.)
Balsamo is the best!
The ones I like the best have a rasp to them or some sort of lack of polish, because to me those truly portray the anguish Christ felt.
That's why I like John Farnham's version, even though he doesn't even attempt the high note so isn't in this video. But his rendition is just so full of pain and anger and fear.
What do you think of 2:10
Big shout for Jimenez and Fernandez. That's not as easy a transition in Spanish as it is in English and they crushed it. For the rest of the non Neely/Gillian/Balsamo group, Butwin was very smooth into the note, Nolan hit the note so cleanly and with seemingly little effort, Greene was my favorite in terms of just letting it rip, and after crushing that first one he does it again! Rauch emotes the performance beautifully, he deserves a shout!
Ian Gillan and his real rock scream! No hay ninguna duda al respecto
Sebastian Bach's cry sounds like he's getting attacked by a herd of raging raccoons.
HAHAHAHAHA CORRECT!!!
He got the emotion right, he gets half a point for that 😂
Used to be able to do that stuff LMAO, guess not so much now lol. czcams.com/video/1bU37Z8xLX8/video.html
LOL
One of the best interpretations I've heard is the one in spanish by Camilo Sesto, he puts so much passion into the whole thing it's definitely worth a listen
But does he sing "POR QUUUUUUUUUEEEEEE"
He is by far the best to sing it in spanish, and is very soul touching. Im surprised he isnt here
I saw the 70s film in the theater at the time. Ted is perfect now to me as he was then. His is the only one that seems effortless and part of his vocal range and comfort zone. His note is the most natural and certainly the most beautiful and pleasing to the ear. Still it’s an interesting comparison with all of the others. Ted is the one though.
It will always be the original and amazing TED NEELY,,,😍
Except he wasn't the original :) but his version is indeed splendid.
He's not original. Ian Gillan is the original
I agree with everyone's comments about having the emotion and intention behind the "why'" and how it's important to the song, but I think it's also important to note that if someone isn't properly trained in how to sing with a rock scream, especially at such a high note, it can be INCREDIBLY damaging to the vocal cords. Doing so consistently (like a tour or on Broadway i.e.) can cause nodules which can permanently ruin someone's voice. Also, it's really hard to just plain ole' scream at a specific note (which is why Sebastian Bach sounds particularly bad). That's why a lot of people who play Jesus or sing the song tend to transition to it in a way that's vocally healthy and then shift back to their regular singing voice.
I hear you, but then the interpretation lacks depth, and it wastes the note, better not to sing it
Bach's sounds weird, like he didn't even try, I've seen amateur singers do better than that
@@joaogarcia6170 I mean he's a heavy metal singer, his intentions must have been wildly different than all the other musical singers
sebastan bach made me cringe so hard
i could tell who was straining and it was hard to watch sometimes
Ian Gillan not only sang it best, he created those screams, he set the benchmark for those who followed. None of whom surpassed him.
I agree with your statement. Neeley and Balsamo come closest.
Giglio33012 well what’s more important or impressive? Setting the standard of blowing the standard away like Nolan or Neeley?
Согласен - Gillan вне конкурса. Он - эталон, к которому стремились все
Al Green you're so right, Ian Gillan was the first to be cast as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and the best one.
He improv'ed (improvised - improved?) it, so it wouldn't be there without him. That said, I'd never heard Miguel Ferrnandez before but he just gave quite an effective performance.
Steve Balsamo far and away is the best! True vocals and well sustained! 💛👍
Even more impressive is Ians' Whats the buzz scream
3:37 now *_THIS_* is when you step on a lego
You may right but he is the only one (except Ted) who sing this high G with power. (y)
The power is so much important of this G. Everyone else concentrate to get the highness and sing falsetto and loses the power. :(
Steve Balsamo. Best pitch, vibratto, acting, emotion. Seamless transitions. PERFECT.
You may right about the phonation. BUT there is no power in his interpretation. Imagine: I love the life, I want to live but I must die. "WHY should I die?" This is not a sophisticated question but a desperated scream.
So Ted Neely (specially in this: YT / watch?v=0rEVwwB3Iw0) after him Leo Jimenez.
@@Sardnassik czcams.com/video/e-VI4c35040/video.html Here's a recording of Balsamo from the 1996 Cast, his desperation scream of "Whyyyy" is incredible
@@miajoelle3203 Actually I feel strange the falsetto in this song for this note. But it is my opinion, my liking.
@@Sardnassik And I respect that, these singers are all uniquely gifted in their own ways and it's incredible to hear the amazing talents they possess 😊
@@miajoelle3203 And one more guy with a great talent.
YT /watch?v=u4SobcNflRE
...John Farnham...
A video like this, without his vocals is like drinking water from an empty glass... something is just missing ;)
So many of them don't understand why they sing "WHY" and treat it just as "omg guys look what I can do" moment, without any emotion.
In the wise words of Lindsay Ellis-
WHYYYYYY???
In the words of Lin Manuel Miranda, "why. I. Should. Die"
LOL does she sing it?
@@tomvandongen8075
why
I
*SHOULD*
*_D I E_*
venomTang no but she made a compilation of ppl who did this song
Hal
It's about cats
Ian Gillian is the best. Of course, I grew up with the record albums where he plays the part, so I’m kind of biased in a way. Most of these performances in the video were pretty good. I thought it was interesting to hear the Spanish versions.
... And The Swedish perhaps? It's kinda different... 👍
I'd say Ted Neely in the movie and Ian Gillian close 2nd.
Yes yes! I love the gravely sounds! Ted Neely is a close second
Ted Neally was one of the worst. KILLED the Movie adaptation !
Yeah i thought this was a rhetorical question considering Ian Gillian absolutely fucking killed it. I can only hit that note like once every 14 tries and when I do my vocal chords reach bleeding status.
it's not about hitting the note perfectly, it's about conveying the pain of it, which I think only a few people are truly able to do
One of my favorite albums of all time! Excellent engineering - can't believe it was done on 8-trks. Alan Spenner's playing on this record is the reason why I learned to play bass!
Ian Gillan hands down! He sang it with the most passion and so naturally while everyone else focused on trying to get that note right.
Subjective.
True. In fact, he improvised that note, so it's the most natural.
Yep - he was the first and it was he who improvised that note. Others now just copy.
Bach didn't hit the note, but there WAS a lot of the messiness that some of the others are totally neglecting
Bach hit the note...with a lawn mower. 😂
@@hunnerdayEDT look, solid dunk, the point is that it expressed the pain they needed
Ian Gillan did it because it came naturally to him. It was his style of performing. His high voice has some distorted overtones that make the note sound intense and aggressive.
It was his use of a wide vibrato that went into the adjacent notes that made his so cool. No one else did that except Fenholt.
I love Steve Balasamo’s voice but Glenn Carter is my favorite Jesus (could be because this is the first version I watched). I felt like he was more of a softer Jesus, his “why” is anger mixed with heavy sorrow and frustration, while some of the other versions I feel like it’s just pure anger. Also he kept the conversation and thoughts in line instead of just scream why lmao.
As judgy and nitpicking we are of these guys, honestly mad respect to them for just being able to sing this note alone! I don’t even think I could hit it! That being said, drew sarich, wow.
Full offense but what is Sebastian Bach doing and who authorized it?
Man's out here clearing his throat on stage
It was.. umm.. certainly full of anguish.. And uh... Pain
I was sitting here enjoying these talented men slay this note, then here comes Sebastian .....making my eyes widen, and go “oooof....who gave a green light to this...”
You know... I don’t hate it actually
I agree with what a lot of people said ... it's not just the note or even the song but the emotion behind it and everything. I've seen Ted Neely a few times in live productions but the movie was the absolute pinnacle. Not only of HIS career but it was the peak of the highest emotional part of the whole show and the desperation he showed in the movie was never done again. I've seen him on stage - good but not as good as that. Considering he was walking around singing to a portable stereo while they taped it! (Totally unrelated as far as capturing the essence was Pilate's "washing his hands" ... he was so exasperated with the situation as went the traditional story and the lyrics of the song. )
I saw Jeff Fenholt in the 1970's and Glen Carter in 2000 ,both play Jesus on Broadway. The best EVER was John Farnham in Australia in the early 90's. I saw that version 7 times and he will ALWAYS be the GOAT. He isn't called "The Voice' for nothing! He was beyond amazing!
Agree.its my favourite Farnsy performance.
However varied our lists become I think we’re all in agreement that Ted Neeley and Ian Gillan take the top 2 and Sebastian Bach is sitting the deadzone.
Apologies for being biased. But for me, Ted Neeley is the best.