"Gethsemane" from Jesus Christ Superstar - Adam Pearce (Acoustic Cover)

Bet you didn't know I was into theater, did you? I'm not, actually, but this role kind of fell in my lap.
Auditions for the spot of Jesus were coming to New Orleans, where I happen to live. I was notified just days before and thought: "why not?" I love Ian Gillan because of Deep Purple. Figured I'd give it a try and see what happens!
Next thing I know, I'm being flown back and forth to New York for auditions with the producers. I didn't get the spot for said reasons, but I was offered acting classes if I'd be willing to audition again in 2020. Then bam! Covid! So who knows? Maybe this is how that story ends, or maybe not..
This song has taken the mantle of "hardest to perform" from Soundgarden's "Fell on Black Days." Hope y'all enjoy it!
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Mixed and mastered by Evan Juneau @ Vesperal Audio - [e-mail]
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Song: "Gethsemane" of Jesus Christ Superstar. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, & Tim Rice. Performed by Ian Gillan
Lyrics:
I only want to say
If there is a way
Take this cup away from me
For I don't want to taste its poison
Feel it burn me
I have changed
I'm not as sure, as when we started
Then, I was inspired
Now, I'm sad and tired
Listen, surely I've exceeded expectations
Tried for three years, seems like thirty
Could you ask as much from any other man?
But if I die
See the saga through and do the things you ask of me,
Let them hate me, hit me, hurt me, nail me to their tree
I'd want to know, I'd want to know, my God
I'd want to know, I'd want to know, my God
Want to see, I'd want to see, my God
Want to see, I'd want to see, my God
Why I should die
Would I be more noticed than I ever was before?
Would the things I've said and done matter any more?
I'd have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord
Have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord
Have to see, I'd have to see, my Lord
Have to see, I'd have to see, my Lord
If I die what will be my reward?
If I die what will be my reward?
Have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord
I'd have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord
Why should I die? Oh why should I die?
Can you show me now that I would not be killed in vain?
Show me just a little of your omnipresent brain
Show me there's a reason for your wanting me to die
You're far to keen and where and how, but not so hot on why
Alright, I'll die!
Just watch me die!
See how I die!
Then I was inspired
Now, I'm sad and tired
After all, I've tried for three years, seems like ninety
Why then am I scared to finish what I started
What you started, I didn't start it
God, thy will is hard
But you hold every card
I will drink your cup of poison
Nail me to your cross and break me
Bleed me, beat me
Kill me
Take me, now!
Before I change my mind

[@agab.2200]

My second favourite (after Ian Gillan obviously), chills all the time. Very impressive vocals AND the guitar 😃👏

[@osr4152]

I only clicked on this video to see the chords but was so blown away I had to put the guitar down and watch. Absolutely brilliant.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Dude! Thank you so much! Hands down the hardest song I've done on this channel with maybe the exception of "The Day I Tried to Live"

[@ochobit8147]

Same!

[@CurseMyCircuits]

The vocal ability here is astounding but also impressed with nailing all them chord changes. Song is a clinic in terms of rock composition

[@AdamPearceMusic]

This is probably the hardest song to perform on my channel so I really appreciate that!

[@ivycutler1907]

Awesome voice and wicked guitar playing .. Ian Gillan did awesome back in the day and Ted Neeley was fabulous and has sang that song for many years as JCS .👏👏👏👏❤❤❤❤

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you!

[@peacedozer]

I've been preparing to cover this bad boy for a while now, and I think yours is the best acoustic cover out there. Incredibly well-done!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thanks, dude! How's your cover going?

[@peacedozer]

@@AdamPearceMusic I think it worked out pretty decently :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5W0Y5Vvordsn68

[@philknight3517]

I wouldn't want to enter a singing competition if your in it 😂😂😂😂😂 Your totally awesome and Theatre experience or not What a performance 💥💥💥 Never heard an accoustic version Really wish they had that version on Starmaker singing app 😎😎

[@AdamPearceMusic]

I really appreciate the kind words!

[@damiansamaelmorningstar9752]

I'm a big fan of Jesus Christ Superstar and a big critic of who tries to sing this song. I give credit where credit is due. And Adam, your version of Gethsemane is on my top 5. 1. Ian Gillan 2. Shane Matthew Whiteford 3. Matt Siddi Striker 4. Drew Saritch 5. Adam Pearce Wondering why Ted Neeley was not on my top 5? Because Ted used falsetto while all you 5 top guys used headtone, just like how a true rockstar should. You're great Adam. You gave justice to this song.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Dang, man! That's some huge names you just grouped me with. Very much appreciated! And yeah, Ted Neeley is a great actor but can't touch Gillan vocally.

[@jenniferpsaki6176]

Yes, you've got a cool team of Jesuses ! But I, unfortunately, do not speak English, and therefore, with a hangover, I have to perform my favorite melodies on the airhorn.. 😂😂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJe6d6SYf8RsjtE

[@bobbeamer6797]

Well done! Wonderful singing and terrific playing, especially with all of the chord changes in the song. Jesus Christ Superstar was my first exposure to hard rock and Ian Gillan‘s voice. Soon to be followed by hearing smoke on the water and buying Machine Head by Deep Purple in 1974 or so when I was around 11 years old. I think Gethsemane is probably one of the hardest rock songs of all time to sing, and you nailed it. Bravo!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

I can easily say it's the hardest cover on this channel. Thank you so much!

[@Kicks001]

Okay, so I saved several of your songs to a folder here on KZbin so I could cast them to TV to show my wife. After the third song, Simple Man' she tells me "He could sing Jesus Christ Superstar". I had the biggest smile on my face knowing that the very next song up was..... Mind Blown! :)

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Hahah! This story cracked me up. I really appreciate yall's appreciation!

[@vitezkisszsolt]

Nagyon szépen érzékenyen, szépen adod elő! Jó volt hallgatni!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Much appreciated!

[@juanjocastillo736]

Really brilliant. One of the best I've heard singing this song. Gillan, Ted and you.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@ErrolFlynn009]

I would kill to hear you do "Too Much Heaven n their minds" and "Blood Money". Amazing! My favorite rock Opera.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Judas was such an awesome singer as well!

[@Adscg1039]

awesome

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank ya, Daniel!

[@mysterybotts]

God damn man this is amazing. Been revisiting Jesus Christ Superstar and I really love this performance. Your amazing!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Much appreciated!

[@stevecoyle1]

@mysterybotts...too bad you had to use that language to compliment, especially for this piece. What’s the matter with you?

[@mysterybotts]

@@stevecoyle1 is saying something is wrong with me supposed to make me feel bad? Because I cursed?

[@ChadKeel]

Huge 'Jesus Christ Superstar' fan and would have loved you as Jesus. This was epic beyond measure.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@mdtubio]

phenomenal interpretation (much more than a cover!) - love it, on Easter Sunday, thanks so much for sharing! :)

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Much appreciated!

[@Kicks001]

O M Goodness. I am so very, verey impressed with you young man. I can't stop watching your videos. I have chills watching this amazing performance of this song. I'm in awe.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Wow! Thank you so much! I'm glad you are appreciating my channel.

[@Beatleman76]

I love ALW and his work. However, that was bad on him for not casting you. You sing this song better than most of the new people he chooses to play Jesus.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Much appreciated!

[@lukaszmikula123]

O Man !!! Awesome , like Ted Neeley is his best years . So cool, everything the best Man !!!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Ted Neeley is a legend so thank you very much!

[@eloz9726]

Wow !!! I absolutely love it , you are so talented, thank you so much. 🥰👏🏼

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you!

[@jadaricheaux8823]

Well I was just blown away, yet again!! I love to just get lost in your voice. Man you really took this song to a whole new level. Can’t wait to to hear the next song choice. Happy Easter!!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you so much, I love to hear that. Happy Easter to you!

[@nilsonpompeo3322]

What a wonderful song ! Your videos are a great package of very good music. So, I can say: PACKAGE RECEIVED ! You can´t imagine how much I´m enjoying your " package " , ... not only the covers but Warbird, Black Magnolia, and guitar picks, as well. Thank you so much and HAPPY EASTER !!!!!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Finally! I was starting to worry that it was lost in transit. I just wanted to show a little appreciated for all your support from the very beginning. Let me know your favorite songs after listening to the albums for a bit.

[@nilsonpompeo3322]

@@AdamPearceMusic I listened to the albums for 3 times :-) I prefer Warbird songs. Frankly, I like every song from this album ! My favorites songs are: Gotta mean something, BACK HOME ( maybe my fave ), WHISKEY MORNING ( great song ), Warbird and everything beautiful. Concerning about BLACK MAGNOLIA, my favorites songs are: You are the one, Nature of the Beast ( I do like ! ) and Fields are Burning. Rock on ! and HAPPY EASTER !!!!!!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

@@nilsonpompeo3322 Yep. Warbird is a much better album in my opinion because I was 6 years older when I released it. I'm still very proud of Fields Are Burning but I evolved a lot in between those two albums. Glad you dig it, man! Rock on!

[@nilsonpompeo3322]

@@AdamPearceMusic Once again, thanks so much ! It was very nice of you. I´m hooked on listening to your albums. All the best !

[@HJoy-ms4vt]

Brilliant! 👏👏👏

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank ya!

[@thepocketco]

Fantastic. ALW should have given you the chance. Seen far too many Jesus who couldn’t sing it. You nail it *while* playing guitar. Ian Gillan didn’t play while singing! Bravo. Great voice.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@lisafennell924]

What a wonderful gift. Happy Easter.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Better than candy!

[@camborio7]

Oleee Tú!!! This is the cadencia Andalusian

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you!

[@dopestarinc69]

Wow. Amazing

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@califano26780]

Bravo,👍👍👍

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank ya, Frederic!

[@seancole1190]

Absolute bonkers!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Good bonkers? 😂

[@PurpleBreath]

Wonderful! 👏 Very inspiring too!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you!

[@alessandromandrillo2882]

grande esecuzione!!! bravissimo

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Much appreciated!

[@usmcsax81]

Yeah… you don’t suck at all. Bravo! 🤩

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank ya!

[@ЛюбовьГригорьева-с2ь]

Супер. Помню, что в 17 лет я была потрясена этой вещью. В полном отсутствии церкви и Христа в моей жизни и в окружении вообще-- о.Сахалин, середина 70-х Sorry for my Russian, i'm really impressed! Remember being shocked in late 70s--i was 17 then & had neither church nor Bible... we lived on Sakhalin, the Far East without any sign of any religion at all. The music appeared unbelievable as well as the topic--God, Christ, Bible...

[@AdamPearceMusic]

That's a really cool story. Would you consider yourself Christian now?

[@chityeah]

Wow! All I got....

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@CrawfishParish]

So wonderful!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Glad you dig it! Not everyone knows this one.

[@jasereid647]

That was awesome mate. Really enjoyed this!!

[@jonathanlafrance8643]

Moving Brother!!! Goosebumps!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thanks, man!

[@musicmann9]

amazing!!!! you have a great voice!!!!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thanks, Peter!

[@igorbilga]

Dude, you're amazing!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you so much, Igor!

[@mctoday110]

Very cool!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Hell yeah!!

[@ochobit8147]

Only 5K views? Dude you are so talented and i hope you acomplish everything you wish for

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you so much, buddy! I'm working on the views!

[@hodgepodgemomentswithrenee6857]

AMAZING!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

HALLELUJAH!

[@diaryofmadaleine6648]

Really nice work Adam! Big like 👏👏👏

[@AdamPearceMusic]

I always appreciate your big likes!

[@oneman49instruments]

Great voice man!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thanks!

[@phatcharlie4313]

I wont give up, we're gonna do this production 😁

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Good luck with your productions, dude!

[@kuzmychmaksym3843]

Thick cover. I love it. Actually you do look like Jesus, I hope the role will be yours. Good luck to you.🤞🤞🤞

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Much appreciated!

[@nigelwilliams8792]

Fantastic 🎉🎉

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you!

[@officialmusicbussdown]

This was perfect

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank ya! It was crazy hard to pull off.

[@massimomassy1316]

Bravissimo👍👍

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Much appreciated, Jack!

[@franc5148]

really nice!!!!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you, Fran!

[@paologalli3718]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thanks!

[@ETERNITYISHERE]

Phenomenal!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank ya!

[@senoronofre]

Beautiful rendition.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you!

[@senoronofre]

Beautiful.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank ya!

[@lindaaben]

Wow great cover!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you, Linda!

[@elizabethgelpi4315]

Awesome 😎 Adam!👏👏🙌🙌 Thank you 🙏 for amazingly singing 🎤 & PLAYING one ☝️ of my all time favorite songs! Happy 😊 Easter to you as well. You were in great company: Andrew Lloyd Weber I thought 💭 Broadway was close due to CV. Maybe you can try theatre 🎭 if it’s open. Seems like everything is closed 🤯 LOVE ❤️ YOUR Beautiful version of this amazing song!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

I very much appreciated it, Elizabeth! Not everyone knows and appreciates this song so that makes me happy!

[@LukeMcHale]

Adam awesome vocals brother! That G5 is a killer and you are nailing it!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

It is NOT easy to hit! Haha! Thanks, dude!

[@DmitryKush]

Просто замечательно!!! (В рок опере ее еще пел Ted Neeley...) Я пока пою эту песню под минус...но хочу разучить под гитару. У вас есть где то аккорды для этой песни?

[@robertmalone4826]

Dude you are brilliant 🤩 Wow !

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank you!

[@gladysmazzitelli428]

Beautiful🙏 Happy Easter!!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Happy Easter!

[@jennin504]

I’m kinda vacillating on covers of this song. Beyond Gillian & Neely, this and Dan Vasc’s cover are the two contenders for this generation’s JCS

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Dang. That's some major props. Thank you so much, Jennifer!

[@jennin504]

⁠@@AdamPearceMusic you and Vasc have very different approaches to the song, but I think the fact that neither or you sings in the overly polished style that trained musical theater vocalists have is actually a strength. The grit and growl is more to the point of an exhausted carpenter fixing to die, more authentic. Not to say that y’all aren’t amazing - you are! It’s just more real, down-to-earth.

[@MandolinAZlife]

Love it!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank ya!

[@renatorox]

awesome !

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank ya!

[@IGOBYTHAKID]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Much appreciated!

[@carlthoresen3232]

Incredible! I always thought that Judas Iscariot was the true unsung hero in JCS. That said, I would love to hear you arrange and play “Heaven on Their Minds” and “Damned For All Time”. Would you consider doing those?

[@AdamPearceMusic]

I absolutely would consider doing them. I sometimes likes Judas's parts more.

[@samsmith4216]

Great job man! Interesting how the last line is repeated these days but not in the original recording. I wonder who the 1st was to make that change/addition?

[@AdamPearceMusic]

They taught that to me when I was training for the part in NYC. I think the live version has always been that way.

[@samsmith4216]

@@AdamPearceMusic interesting. I was lucky enough to seeTed Neeley and Carl Anderson perform it back in the 80's and Ted performed it like the album. I think it's been a more recent change...either way it's an amazing God inspired song and musical. You did a great job.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Oh that's interesting. I'm sure ALW had to approve it. It was probably his idea if I had to guess.

[@VLkind]

Are your chords available for purchase for this?

[@AdamPearceMusic]

They aren't, buddy. Sorry

[@christianmccauley7340]

I can’t believe I just learned this song.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Awesome! Post a cover and send it to me!

[@christianmccauley7340]

@@AdamPearceMusicwow, a year late, but sure my man. Incredible btw, your voice is immaculate.

[@finlaynixon2531]

This is so good, ironic he turned you down for no theatre experience when niether did ian gillan lol ALW without tim rice lost his rock and roll soul. JCS and Evita studio album only, are possobly my two favorite rock albums to ever exist.

[@Stargazer-px7fw]

Great version, love the guitar playing too! Thanks!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Much appreciated!

[@angyvirtu3593]

Andrew made a big mistake rejecting you. Amazing performance!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank ya!

[@rickardroach9075]

Your video still doesn’t prove that you could act the part on stage, but as a guitar performance… WOW!!! I’ve played Judas, Annas and Herod in 3 different productions (all non-professional), but never got to play the titular dude. Hope you get to do it one day.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

You're 100% correct about that. I was, however, told from the first audition that theater experience wasn't important so it's whatever. I was approached again not that long ago, but I think that ship has sailed. Appreciate the kind words!

[@rickardroach9075]

@@AdamPearceMusic Why? Ted Neeley is still playing that role! 😉

[@AdamPearceMusic]

@@rickardroach9075 I don't really like theater and it's not something I'm passionate about. It would have been a cool opportunity at the time, but I've moved on to other things.

[@rickardroach9075]

@@AdamPearceMusic Fairy nuff.

[@victoriastrange1622]

I love this song so much this is sexy asf also like damnnnnn I’m into it I wish I had this kinda voice and power wow goals when you whaled it was crazy omg 😻🙏

[@AdamPearceMusic]

I very much appreciate you, Victoria!

[@Not_Z-vastik_Stop_Putinism]

!!!

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Is this good? Lol

[@Not_Z-vastik_Stop_Putinism]

@@AdamPearceMusic Yes!) I sorry, i am don't speak english. This is total wansiiiin! Coool, man! I am happy leasen to you!))) I like Loyd Weber and "JCSS")! Uderstand?))

[@AdamPearceMusic]

@@Not_Z-vastik_Stop_Putinism I understand! Thank you!

[@Not_Z-vastik_Stop_Putinism]

@@AdamPearceMusic ))) Will you soo "Heaven on their minds" from JCSS? (see Dave Martin Acoustic)

[@AdamPearceMusic]

@@Not_Z-vastik_Stop_Putinism possibly in the future!

[@krzyblonde1444]

I thought you were gonna take lessons and go back. What happened?

[@alexsoro2545]

Request cryin aerosmith

[@AdamPearceMusic]

That's a good one!

[@wynnewoodie]

Ian Gillian didn’t have theater experience either...

[@theDigitalVirus]

To be fair, Ian Gillian didn't play the role on stage - he sang it for the album - either way though stupid, he's got performing experience and a great voice

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Yeah, Ian Gillan is the man!

[@lisettepanet1914]

Pisses me off that Andrew Lloyd Webber would turn you down for lack of theatre experience. You have have more raw talet than any pretty boy out of theatre school. you have the more raw talent voice like Ted Neeley He didn't go to no performing arts school. Take it from 4 years of performing arts school daughter's.

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Ha! I love this comment. I was asked a few years later to try it again, but I think that ship has sailed. Thank you for the kind words!

[@RoarOfWolverine]

That’s because Ted Neely wasn’t selected by Webber or Rice. In fact, they had no say over the casting of the movie. They had signed the rights over to Universal and it was director and genius Norman Jewison that selected both Ted and Carl Anderson personally. He had heat from the studio for choosing two inexperienced actors. The studio wanted bigger names for the main parts, but Norm knew what he wanted. Not only was his choice correct, but with his direction they turned in two of the best performances of the opera ever. I met Ted a couple of times at his shows and he told me that he took Norm out to lunch and was able to sell him on the idea, even though much bigger names were in the running. I can’t imagine anyone but Ted and Carl in the parts of Jesus and Judas. The fact that we don’t know them from any other movies is why it makes them more believable. Since Norm had the idea of having them be actors going out into the dessert of the holy land to play parts was brilliant and why he didn’t need names. They were just supposed to be amateur actors putting on a play anyway.

[@yuliyamiura730]

No

[@AdamPearceMusic]

No what?

[@jamesoniris2647]

Another example of Andrew Lloyd Webber making wrong decisions

[@AdamPearceMusic]

😎

[@massimopamparana7332]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@AdamPearceMusic]

Thank ya!