John Farnham - Gethsemane | Vocalist From The UK Reacts

[@janita444]

You don't need to make a song in a different way just to suit it John's voice, John just sings any song in a way that his voice suits the song 😃 that's one of the (many) reason why he's the best 🤩 the songs are not there for him to show off his voice, his voice is there to show off the song, that's what he does. That passion, the sheer power and amount of emotions in this one are just insane, it just blows you away

[@marynoonan6111]

Live. Rotating stage. Full audience. No pitch correction - just talent. He nailed each & every performance.

[@Lyraa357]

I am teary eyed because I could feel the sadness, the desperation where Jesus walked. Wonderful emotional performance.

[@georgeibrahim7945]

There’s nothing John can’t sing or that John can’t do. He is the greatest entertainer off all time in my opinion.

[@jayweb51]

John has done tv and pantomime, but in 1971 had the starring role of the Australian production of Charlie Girl; he actually went London to audition for the role of Joe. Then in 1974 he had the lead role in Pippin.

[@Angelicwings1]

He is everything

[@Bobbygirl63]

John will 'have a go' at anything, and he not only succeeds with the genre, but blows it out of the water.

[@aussiemiss1315]

John starred in Charlie Girl and Pippin before JCSS he also acted in a TV soap as himself. Every stage show I ever had the privilege of attending was a masterclass in theatre performance. You should take the time to watch a 3 part series called John Farnham can sing anything. The only thing I think they omitted was his Main Event operatic number …. Granada with Anthony Warlow. Yes! He can sing Opera. I really believe John has a naturally born, untrained, gifted, operatic voice. The belting screams he can elevate to without losing power and tone are purely operatic. Now I would have loved to hear him sing Nessun dorma from Turandot. I have the CD of Michael Boulton called my Secret Passion. In another time or place John would have aced Opera. He can truely sing anything. We are so privileged to hear him anytime we want thanks to modern technology. I just have one question why the H$ll did someone never take a video of the sound check of Black Dog. All we have is vocals. Damn, John is one exceptional human! We thank you John for your passion, for sharing your gift with us. Get well, get strong, we miss you.

[@joh4391]

Yes it's also how he met his wife who was a dancer in Charlie girl

[@ladymanners618]

I've been told by people who would know, that we only have the current recording of Black Dog for that reason. They were doing the usual sound check and someone flicked the record switch that one time.

[@ladymanners618]

The original 1970- ish Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice JC Superstar is a brilliant (to my mind) normal stage show surrounding the last weeks of Jesus Christ. It opened 1969-1973-ish in Sydney, Melbourne, London, & New York. The production had regular sets/set changes, costumes etc. Those productions were huge worldwide. I saw that version in Sydney x 2 in 1972 and 1973. London ran 1972-1980 I saw it in 1978 while living in London. In the 1980s-90s many producers staged it again because it had been a very big money earner. In Sydney (above 1992) the show was pared back and done in the round. The critics weren't keen on the changes at first but the public weren't deterred and seats were sold as they were released. There were no sets, but suggestions of temples etc., costumes were modern clothes suggestive of the era. I was there that final night & it was the best musically for me as I'm a Farnsey fan, though the Sydney 1972 was a close 2nd. Funnily I met/ cared for the exec. producer a week after that last night and our discussions were a revelation. He was very entertaining. There are a number of different albums of the different productions and I wore out or lost 4 versions of them. Cheers.

[@carokat1111]

I saw him in Pippin - I just wish I could remember it!

[@marynoonan6111]

Totally agee❤❤❤

[@nikkil2580]

All the more amazing given that he was heavily smoking at the time. My singing teacher was the musical director for this production and would often snark at him about his smoking. Sadly it's eventually caught up with him but it's just insane that, even despite this, he has always outsung most people on the planet. Get well soon Farnsy 💜

[@kylieb4836]

I went to this musical - full of Australian Artists - and yes, AMAZING !

[@fistovuzi]

yes, that is EXACTLY how you sing Gethsemane. it is my favourite rendition. followed close by Ian Gillan's (Deep Purple) rendition.

[@Rondigity92]

Ian has an incredible voice aswell!!

[@helnbak9372]

This theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar was insane.

[@gamortie]

He really gets the existential agony of Christ in the Garden, wrestling with his destiny and God’s plan…

[@estherlesch2998]

He's multi-talented with his voice

[@justlinsu]

Oh my goodness his emotional performance just leaves me in tears. ... Loved your review Charlie...I've still got goosebumps....What an entertainer...No one better in my opinion...

[@treadingtheboards2875]

I played Herod and my son played Jesus in a stage version about a year before this production. When we went to see this performance, we met John and he was quite interested in how our production went. Attending this was the best thing we ever did.

[@tracyashpole9903]

Literally just here for the Farnsey reactions.

[@shenoashbay1361]

Any genre ,and he will cover it to perfection. An extremely talented individual. 💕

[@kerrypapworth1526]

Our beautiful John is just perfection and so adored here in Australia💕💕

[@hollygranger3734]

I was so lucky to have a Mum that loved John Farnham and I was blessed to see him many times growing up and saw him in Jesus Christ Superstar 😊

[@Patricia.S.]

John can sing anything ❤ I suggest you also do a reaction video on the song "Black dog" it will blow you away. Great reaction 👌

[@vickiroman189]

Yes, please!

[@katearmiger8535]

I have heard many renditions of this song , this surpasses all. Just incredible

[@danielodare3425]

Check out John Farnham sing Bridge over Troubled Water from 1979.Mind blowing.

[@beckstewart8271]

Greatest show I've ever been to, hands down. No other production ever met the grade after this!

[@FionaEm]

So glad you've seen what I regard as John's best performance. An absolute powerhouse vocally - and as you said, tremendous acting too. John has no formal training in musical theatre that I know of. He was in a terrible 70s sitcom called Bobby Dazzler, and couple of other bits and pieces, but hadn't acted much before he took on Jesus Christ Superstar. He really does make you believe he's the guy facing death on the cross - not bad for a blond Anglo guy who was 10 years older than Jesus is said to have been when he died.

[@phunkmonkeycookiegarage7773]

There ain't noth'n he can't do. He could do the entire damn phonebook and completely mesmerise a stadium audience lol

[@paulwinchester3307]

Epic vocal demonstration

[@westy4973]

"Playing to win" live with the mso... another killa Farnesy track Charlie 👍🏼

[@gayleenrooney2984]

Joan Sutherland taught him how to do deep breathing, in between notes. He was saying years ago.

[@WylieKiote]

The singers around today don't seem to know how to breathe at all. This performance in particular showcases just how amazing Johns breathing is. Thank you Dame Joan 😘

[@rosedawg7895]

John singing this song never fails to give me goosebumps.

[@barnowl5774]

Adam Stolfo has complied a four part series named, "John Farnham Can Sing Anything'. This includes about 20 genres (but not disco!). Adam has also recently made a video about John's career plus some others. He's a devoted John Farnham fan, believing, like the rest of us, that Farnsey is one of the best singers in the world.

[@aussiemiss1315]

Thank you ! I had only seen 3 of the 4 Still think they should have included Granada.

[@michelejohnson8585]

John did a lot of theatre, but I’ve seen John perform a few times, he’s amazing, such a great performer and a decent human

[@angelau1194]

This concert "in the round" was sooo amazing. John is wonderful so was Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano - they were magnificent together.

[@maryhuhnke8496]

There's No mistaking John Farnham's voice..PERIOD!!

[@narellesmith7932]

The passion ❤ thanks for watching

[@wren1960]

There are so many different versions of this song by many fine singer's. This is John's interpretation of how Jesus would of felt of having to die. In an I interview he said something to the effect that he thought Jesus's being a normal man would of been angry and upset, but eventually understanding. So he tried to relay that in his version. I think it's the best version but again just my opinion. Especially since it was done in the round without a set like most of the other stage plays of Jesus Christ Superstar. GOAT!!!🎵🎼❤️

[@r.fairlie7186]

There’s a YT video of supposedly the 10 best ever people who ever sang “Gethsemane”. John Farnham was not included. Ian Gillan of Deep Purple was the first to perform the role and was voted the best and he was great. However the singer who was also voted as a top performer, Ted Neeley, was good but unfortunately was much too old at the time to have credibility. (He’s now 79.) If Charlie and other fans of John Farnham were to watch it I suspect that you’d agree with me. John was better suited to this role than most of the others.

[@Tomiskar]

This is THE version, in my book

[@mariamerlynllido-dearsly2452]

❤❤❤love all John songs! He's incredibly talented great voice!!👏👏👏❤❤❤

[@brittelska1449]

I saw this in Adelaide when I was 6 and remember it to this day!

[@debmccleary9571]

I love your reactions Charlie! I would love to see you react to John singing “Amazing Grace” with his backing vocalists Venetta Fields and Lindsay Field from his Whispering Jack tour of 1986… phenomenal!

[@kennykarlsson6691]

John farnham can master any kind of genre to perfektion. He is a music cameliont. Please get well soon.

[@carolynh8866]

Yes he is sooooo bloody good isn't he. And YES he has had some other theatre experience, mostly when he was younger. Charlie Girl and Pippin back in the 70's. He has also starred and guest starred in a few TV Variety Shows (skits and singing. Farnham and Byrne, Young Talent Time, Hey Hey its Saturday) and also starred in his own tv series Bobby Dazzler, also guest starred in some other TV series. Mostly comedy stuff and the odd soap. But all mostly in the 70's. So 20 years earlier than this JCSS production. Which incidentally kept selling out so they had to add more and more dates to meet demand. There was also another concert he did with Olivia Newton John and Anthony Warlow that verges on the theatrical called the Main Event. Check out John and Anthony singing an operatic / comedic version of Grenada. Thankyou for enjoying John as much as we do.

[@susanmcewen8851]

I was lucky to see this production in Sydney. Loved it.. It was very emotional to be there. If you can watch the whole production it is well worth it. ❤️

[@AnnQlder]

I come to watch you react and my eyes remain utterly glued to John, I can’t help it 😂

[@LizzieRD]

Wonderful reaction, as usual. You will be awed by his acting ability in his duet with Olivia Newton John. It is called Please dont ask me. Absolutely stunning rendition

[@narellesmith7932]

❤❤❤

[@debbieg1406]

Thank you again Charlie for your great reaction and appreciation of our phenomenal Aussie Treasure John Farnham! Please watch more of his vast repertoire over 5 decades of his hits!

[@debbiehutchinson3119]

This is is Absolutely fantastic....Gooseebumps..❤

[@marclockett1003]

No there's nothing he can't sing. Check out him doing Black Dog by Led Zep - He did it as his sound check before concerts and only performed it in front of an audience once I believe. A sound technician secretly recorded him doing Black Dog so that it is available for all to enjoy.

[@JoRiceRenegade4Eva]

💯 recommend that also 👍🏻

[@karenlittle8041]

Black Dog will blow you away. Highly recommended.

[@kiwibronnie]

Oh my lord I just love your reactions 🥴😁👌 Barnsey And Farnsey, 2 of the greatest Aussie Champions. I've seen John in almost all of his tours around the country, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Live at Expo 88,The Main Event and every concert raising money for... The Farmers during the worse droughts,, Bush Fires victims, singing for Troups OS, etc etc and honest to God, never a bum note or an off night. He's just the best live performer ever and we love him soooo much. So, so proud. Still blows my mind the amount of people just discovering him now, he should have been a worldwide huge artist. Watch him sing a little ditty with Tom Jones on Hey, Hey Its Saturday from way back in the day.. you can see the look Tom gives him when he sings his bit. Pure joy and absolute admiration from one of the worlds best.

[@lesliedavis2185]

Its a fine rendition of Gethsemane. and its how its normally done. the Album JC Superstar Came out in 1970, ( Ian Gilan, did an early recording of this and was magnificent ) so it was a kind of Rock Opera. John is a very versatile performer. Id say the only thing he cant really do is Opera, but only because he hasn't had the training. I know some will disagree. I sing Opera chorus, so I work with Opera singers. Its a style that requires, a lot of practice. I am sure I don't have to explain it to you. Any popular music genre, he excels at, and as you can see a master at putting the song across.

[@carolynh8866]

I dont think ive ever heard him rap and not sure that is a genre he would even attempt...lol But I reckon he could give opera a good crack though..like with the performance of Grenada...he can hit the notes no problem I think the breath control might need a bit of work tho.

[@lesliedavis2185]

@@carolynh8866 it’s just the training, and technique his voice is good enough. Don’t know how he would go without a microphone. Opera singers don’t use them.

[@carolynh8866]

@@lesliedavis2185 have you seen how far away he holds that mike...I've had the pleasure of watching John live on many occasions and I swear he doesn't need a mike.

[@aussiemiss1315]

I think he is a natural opera talent. Most rock singer that belt out the high notes lose a bit of clarity. John could escalate to a belting high note with a scream that is perfect pitch. He also held the mike further away on those belting notes. He would have aced it. The music for opera is a big sound without the heaviness of rock. I would have liked him to have explored that. Just like Michael Boulton did. Anyway it is all beside the point isn’t it. We agree he is special.

[@Tomiskar]

Every now and then I remember that I got to see this live, and it’s a thrill. Far out it was good - every performer was incredible.

[@sue-ellentaormina781]

I was at this show .. it was incredible

[@claudiadavies5110]

Extraordinary 👏👏👏

[@aarondebattista6228]

Hey Charlie, loving your reactions, especially John Farnham reactions. But you have only scratched the surface with him!!! Please, please, please!!!!! More John Farnham!!! Songs to check out: two strong hearts, playing to win, please dont ask me(with Olivia Newton John), Granada(with another Aussie icon Anthony Warlow), Chain reaction, I could go on and on....More John Farnham please!!!!! 😁😁

[@BJM217]

He is the best JC in this role.

[@Dr_KAP]

Happy New Year Charlie! I think this is one of John’s greatest ever vocal performances- in terms of vocal range, this shows the full gamut of his talent.

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

Agree Kappy. This was amazing. Thank you for watching. Appreciate you 😁😁

[@FreeTheRocks]

Picture quality doesn't matter for two reasons.....John is singing AND this was NEVER officially released to the public.

[@iamkat-agnt99-ash-kbt.59]

I love you John reactions. Our Amaizing Aussie living Legend. ♡♡♡

[@robertscown9218]

That wasn’t a theatrical performance it was a concert performance, “Jesus Christ Superstar - In the round”, it was performed at the Melbourne Tennis Centre now Rod Laver Arena, centre court. It was wonderful

[@brycejames8770]

This was an amazing night. Seen this at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, first time I’d outside of a pub gig.

[@wesleygalvin9983]

I was so privileged to see this production live. The entire cast were excellent and the lead characters were played by people who were already household names here in Australia. It was billed as a Rock Arena version of Jesus Christ Superstar, as opposed to a more traditional version with period costumes. The CD has been on permanent rotation in my car from 1992 to the present day. Thank you for your reaction, g'day from Australia.

[@donnam5891]

Lucky you!

[@kathy1014]

Wesley, I was in awe of all the amazing talent I saw on the last night of JCS in Sydney in '92, and John was mesmerising. Such emotion, such passion. ✨

[@WylieKiote]

This was presented as a "Rock Opera" rather than a traditional theatre production with traditional costumes. It was performed in the round, with a rotating stage, (similar to Ed Sheerans recent visit here). The cast was full of Aussie artists who were well known in our music charts. I was at the Melbourne production, it was simply outstanding, loved every second of it. I wish we could jump into the Tardis & go back 30yrs so I could experience this & so many of John's solo concerts all over again. 🥰

[@KathyMacDonald-im3sv]

I was there for the final Sydney concert. The whole performance was spelling but John’s performance was electric!

[@janinebell763]

John is amazing. I saw this in Brisbane, Australia. He was incredible, but the whole show was fantastic.

[@MavisSmith-m6f]

Another song, Don't give up from John Farnham

[@GeraldineMurnane]

He owns everything he does ❤

[@alimac1469]

For a good overview, search John Farnham 25 year celebration. This will give you some history of John's journey

[@AussieDebb]

Our wonderful John ❤ See the full musical live @CharlieSmith ❤❤

[@barbaraschain9260]

LEGEND...absolute LEGEND!! So proud that he's one or our own🤘👍 🐨🇦🇺❤

[@merylstewart5418]

No…that was how the song was written…he is a musical freak!

[@alexandermuir8160]

John is a master craftsman. He is the only one I know who can sing any genre. There are not too many people that could come close to what John can do. I am sure Paul will ask for "Hay Mate 2019 Christmas Bush Concert Appeal". He must have been 70 I think and still a master craftsman. 🪃🪃🦘🦘👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@mssuziquzi]

A mind blowing performance from John. Another great song from this production is Everything's Alright with Kate Ceberano, John Farnham and John Stevens. Kate has a beautiful voice which contrasts with two the powerful male voices. This production was a later Aussie version of J C bSuperstar and it was in the round as opposed to the original stage versions. You can see the revolving stage with the audience surrounding it. It was more of a upbeat concert version. I saw it in Melbourne and thought it was fantastic. Just as an afterthought, Trevor White who came out from England to play Jesus in the original Australian production also did a fantastic version of this. It's on KZbin but audio only. Unfortunate because his stage performance was riveting..

[@ChrisFirth-do2sm]

Dame anna Nagel, and, Derek Nemo were the two british actors that stared, with him in charlie girl. He said he learnt more from derek in the time they worked together, than he could have in 15 years on his own.

[@WylieKiote]

This particular production was billed as a Rock Opera. I believe David Hirschfelder (John's Keyboard Player) who is an insanely talented muscian, did the musical arrangement for this production. I think that's why it ended up being a Rock Opera instead of just a Musical. It was mind blowing to see it for real, so much Australian talent in the cast. There is a new production of JCS here at the moment, I can't bring myself to go see it, the production before this one in the 70s was also particularly good, & this production for me was the one. I dont even know why they bothered with another one, as nothing will ever surpass this production with John as Jesus.🤩 They've just celebrated John's 60yrs in the business here recently, & he was still belting out songs in his 70s like he did in his 40s & younger. He is a phenomenon. It completely breaks my heart to think I will never hear his voice live ever again. But the memories I have of all his gigs I will treasure forever. And I thank God everyday for youtube, & its showcase of John Farnham content, including some of his comedic interviews. 🥰

[@marvellousmartha07]

Watch John with Olivia Newton John. A beautiful duet... Great theatre too.. plus Anthony Warlow...

[@karenhp2922]

He was on tv in the 70s

[@Jan-bl7ru]

John was in a stage show called Pippin years ago when he met his wife who was a dancer on the show

[@ChrisFirth-do2sm]

Charlie girl is the one they were both in.

[@ChrisFirth-do2sm]

He stared in the Australian production of Charlie girl with Anna Neagle and Derek Nimmo. Who said he had talent and star quality, and that not everyone has both.

[@marynoonan6111]

He was truly bloody amazing in this show, and no, he has never had any acting training. The rest of the cast were unreal too. There are some magnificent duets with other very very strong singers in the show too. Jon Stevens played Judas & Mary Magdalene Was played by the very beautiful Kate Cerbrano - some of their duets were fantastic

[@stephanielane1821]

Check out John singing it's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll. With the Melbourne Symphony orchestra, the energy is palpable, a stunning performance.

[@devilsadvocate2548]

He did that about a month before he did this.

[@merylstewart5418]

There’s a reason why he’s called “The Voice” in Australia…

[@karlenemacdonald6549]

John started out in musical theatre, and he can most definitely sing any genre.....

[@susanmcewen8851]

You can watch the whole production on KZbin.. you can't buy it on DVD as far as I know.

[@queen-of-puddings]

A genuine all-rounder. He was a teen popstar in the 60's, king of pop for 5 years running, was relegated to doing cabaret by the late 70s, was broke and a has-been in the early 80's, had a small revival in the early to mid 80's when he joined LRB, went solo in late 80's and finally took over the world. He did play Jesus in the Aussie production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 92.

[@KathyMacDonald-im3sv]

There isn’t much John couldn’t do. If you want to hear him perform opera in a theatre in the round setting, watch John sing with Australian Opera Singer Anthony Warlow. Astounding performance vocally and theatrically, both laced with John’s wit, humour and talent. He also performs a wonderful duet with the now deceased Olivia Newton John.

[@shenoashbay1361]

Best version of this song

[@tomwareham7944]

I'm shocked that you've never seen JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR an Andrew loyd Webber Classic but it came out in the 1960's and I keep forgetting that not everyone is as old as me , if it's available you should check out the whole rock opera the version Farnsey was in also featured one of our great female singers Kate Sobrano who performs the best Mary Magdalene I've seen . John acted in other musical theatre and played himself on a day time soap opera .he would have made an excellent actor the cameras love him .

[@toddyrocket296]

Proves rolling stones top 200 singers is completely of the mark and there absolutely clueless.

[@carolynh8866]

Totally agree. Someone should point them un Farnseys direction

[@paulwinchester3307]

Awesome

[@carbine5378]

John did a couple of stage musicals in his younger days.

[@Rassskle]

He was a young untrained singer with the wrong manager. When he needed guidance and management he got told to sing mundane girly pop songs that made a little money, but damaged his long term career . When his career seemed to be ending he was offered a role in an Australian theatre production and enjoyed the experience and LEARNING. From there he performed in Australia’s production of Pippin and learnt a lot more. After many years of performing in theatre he learnt to act, and how to manage his voice..... use it to enhance the message. His voice didn’t get any better, he learnt to use it better and to choose better songs to sing.

[@xxTICxxTOCxx]

1st comment, haven't watched it yet, but looking forward to it.

[@noelanderson8915]

Another video you should check out if from the "Twelfth Night" tour he did with Olivia Newton-John and Anthony Warlow. Another performed the "Phantom of the Opera" many times and one of my favourite songs from this tour was John and Anthony performing "Granada" they also added a little humour into the act. It's bloody brilliant.

[@melanieslack8645]

The Main Event tour you mean?

[@noelanderson8915]

@@melanieslack8645 that's the one/ I have the DVD myself. Just never checked. Thanks for sorting that for me. 👍👍👍👍

[@robertcockerell3640]

John performed in pantomimes early in his career.

[@dominiquemmaurice]

Can you imagine if he did Broadway? I mean he’d have owned it.

[@lmaree200886]

He still did Charlie Girl and Pippin in the Australian casts

[@malashreehome5880]

Chalie i carn t see that you have sern johnF the voice epic

[@wellingtonsboots4074]

Thank you, enjoy your reactions. I know John was in a few plays in the 1970s. Dame Anna Neagle was also in one and if my memory serves, she wanted to take him back to London. Although John has an amazing voice and like so many of us Aussies I love him, I was brought up with Ian Gillan singing this song and I think his version is better

[@Katrinagaming-en1os]

Firstly John Legend is a wonderful singer but watch John Farnham Vs John Legend on this same song to really appreciate Farnsey’s power and range 😀 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJSwZKWlrL6InNk PS, really enjoy your reactions

[@sueaddison9958]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 this is magnificent 😮🌏🪐🌕🙏👣🇦🇺🦋🌺🦘🦉🏡🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@katemakesvideo]

Check out The Last Supper from the same production, a vocal orgasm.

[@robertdusting2021]

Mate - He was a plumber to start with, never had a bean.

[@kennethdodemaide8678]

No. There is nothing he can't do.

[@littleflick]

Jesus Christ Superstar is a great rock musical. You should try to check out more if you can.