Is this the best GETHSEMANE performance? Vocal Analysis and Reaction to Ian Gillan

[@raulcardenas8115]

one of the top five greatest rock vocalists ever. Genius

[@HalStargazer]

i was absolutely blown away by the vocals at the time. i've never heard a better male vocalist to this day

[@stingfan16ify]

For my money, this is the finest vocal performance in the history of Rock. It was never bettered by Ted Neeley or anyone else who sang lead in Superstar. The emotion that Ian conveys and displays in this song is simply untouchable. Great choice of songs! (And singer!!!)

[@fatboynick4104]

If Gillan's voice, especially in this song, doesn't give you the chills, you're not human 🙂

[@RickM57]

Ian set the bar. Since it was his song. When you are the original singer you make it yours and he did. Others did a good job but he owns this song.

[@allanrossi8877]

Me encanta Gillan, pero con Deep Purple. La mejor versión de esta obra es en español interpretada por Camilo Sesto...es insuperable. Lo siento mucho, pero es la verdad.

[@milosdunjic8718]

Indeed

[@romipanzer1525]

​@@allanrossi8877 La versión de Sesto es muy buena y sentida, pero Gillan la descose. La fuerza de su voz es descomunal. No hay punto de comparación.

[@MrTorbjorn22]

No, thats just bullshit. Do some research.

[@salvadorguillen5217]

​@@allanrossi8877efectivamente. Deep purple es mi banda favorita y Gillan uno de mis cantantes favoritos pero la versión de Camilo es absolutamente insuperable, no solo vocalmente, la pasión que le imprime es brutal.

[@billpet4602]

young Gillan was on another level

[@stratounchain8402]

Ian is for me, the greatest voice "In Rock" 😉. And Deep Purple, the best group ever. J'adore jouer leur musique!

[@TwoWorldsProject-TWP]

There are no others. Simply the best.

[@superdeluxified]

I read an interview with Gillan in which he said going up the octaves to the wails was his idea - the part was not written that way. It's sounds so great and perfect because it was improvised.

[@lizholewa8881]

I believe they told Ian if he does go up and wail that the words have to be understandable.

[@MemoiredeConcerts]

Murray Head said me the same thing. Ian and him had improvised a part

[@theknave69]

Ian Gillan and Murray Head are the definitive Jesus and Judas. Just brilliant and timeless. Iconic.

[@stenekedahl4446]

And when you listen to the whole JCS, you realise after a while that the main character in the musical is probably not Jesus, but rather Judas.

[@gregb8565]

@@stenekedahl4446yup that was the whole point in my opinion - funny how 2 non Christians ( I think) probably turned more people to the church - we played it at our church for sure

[@stingfan16ify]

I couldn't agree more! Those two were never topped by any other singers who sang those parts in Superstar. EVER!!!

[@paulrosenberg4227]

I wore out my JCS album as a pre teen. Ian was brilliant, as was the rest of the original recording crew. One of my fav vocalists ever.

[@johnniejupiter]

Same

[@hosehead58]

I listen to JCS every Easter..cry so much every time..his voice is unmatchable

[@ГлаголитИстину]

Also Murray Head...alll of them

[@modejar2022]

JCS was originally thought as a musical project, not a play or a movie, but an album a rock opera. Ian Gillan participated only in that audio project. Never play the role in a theater. Later the project turned into a play and was performed in theatres around the world and finally became a film. Gillan was invited to be in the film, but rejected the offer because of his schedule with Deep Purple. Gillan was the first and he defined the role and the force of this character in the music score from the boginning. Many other singers did the part since then, but all of them had to follow the line and bar that Gillan put on this. And no one beated him. Because he's the best Thank you for your reaction

[@stefanmalcek5934]

Máte 100%pravdu !

[@allanrossi8877]

Le sugiero vea la interpretación en español, de Camilo Sesto. La intensidad, la muerte que se acercaba, la impotencia, el miedo sentido por Jesús es magistralmente representada por Sesto. Insuperable...!!!!

[@jraben1065]

@@allanrossi8877 Thanks Allan, I never heard this Camilo version before. While his "screams" are not comparable in range to those of Ian Gillan's, Camilo's vocals seem more focused on the painful snarling of the lyrics, particularly the anguished lyrics after each major scream. A very impressive and emotional performance, taking the song in some new and interesting directions.

[@modejar2022]

@@allanrossi8877conozco muy bien la grabación y el éxito de Camilo Sesto con esta obra. De hecho, tengo dos ejemplares de su álbum JESUCRISTO SUPERSTAR, (con Angela Carrasco y Teddy Bautista), lo he difundido en su época y he participado en representaciones locales, así que lo he escuchado muchísimas veces y con especial cuidado, la versión de Camilo Sesto es brillante y excepcional, pero aún así, sigo prefiriendo y apreciando más la versión de Gillan como Jesuschrist. Creo que un debate es innecesario, es cuestión de sentires y también de gustos.

[@montygraham-z4s]

Ian is of the best of the best...Period. Many great singers and he is up there with them

[@miguelangelperez8795]

Undoubtedly, the best Gethsemane version, by the best rock singer

[@pjones8404]

With respect to the many other versions, this is THE performance of a lifetime!! Simply untouchable. I remember hearing this from my oldest sister's room upon its release and thinking, "What in the world did I just hear?!" Stunning, epic, breathtaking, powerful, vulnerable, emotional and masterful!

[@genabourassa7962]

I love your genuine appreciation of Ian's voice he truly one in a million. I have loved Ian since I saw him in 1972. I am just in awe of his unique talent

[@massaglia]

One of my all time favorite performances!!!❤

[@rickwallace2091]

it has such power and emotion, especially when you know what is being sung about. I still well up when hearing it

[@ronforeman2556]

When I first heard Ian Gillan perform "Gethsemene," in the context of the entire "Jesus Christ Superstar," the waterworks really opened up for me. Now THIS was no "Gentle Jesus, Meek & Mild. THIS was the Jesus to whom I could relate, and in whom I could BELIEVE. Gillan captured the anguished humanity of Christ, his moment of doubt, and his resolve to see his purpose through. A towering acheivement.

[@lindalou6105]

Totally agree. Think this version of this song brought me closer to Jesus. I felt what he did for us.

[@pinball1970]

Ian Gillan is best rock vocalist of all time. 1969-73 no one could touch him. A bright candle with many imitators

[@damienkazmar30]

Yes they were his years ..Having to sing Child in Time every night i think destroyed his voice constant touring aswell.

[@pinball1970]

@@damienkazmar30 He could still sing but things had changed by 1980, I think he had surgery? Nodules?

[@davidgardiner4620]

​@pinball1970 he may have had nodules, most metal singers and opera singers coincidentally develop them also

[@pinball1970]

@@davidgardiner4620 Elton John had surgery and lost his falsetto. I read somewhere that Freddie Mercury did not have surgery for that reason. He still ruined his voice though.

[@andrejz8954]

Plant could definitely touch him imo

[@neverlandxx73]

Thank you for reacting to this amazing out of this earth performance from one of the greatest voice in Rock History, And given the fact that its his voice on the concept album all others are copies or covers this is the OG Too bad due to his prior engagments with Deep Puple we didn't get to see him on the musical/ Lots of love from Greece stay healthy and safe

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Tim Rice, the lyricist of the musical, thought Gillian would be perfect for the role and contacted Deep Purple's office. Gillan said that his performance of "Gethsemane" in Jesus Christ Superstar was one of the highlights of his career. As a young Christian, back in the day, I listened to the Jesus Christ Superstar album over and over again. Being a huge fan of Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple, having Gillian play and sing Christ's part, I was ecstatic. Webber's compositions still stand to this day as the greatest musical, song to song, of any musical since or before. Great stuff.

[@nomadicrecovery1586]

Gillan had a very unnatural incredible scream had some kind of treble on it gorgeous melodic vibrato holding that note it’s just crazy good

[@gatopersa7565]

I LOVE IAN GILLAN!!! Thank you for the reaction.

[@WAU470]

Ty dearest! Gillan is our most beloved Singer till now - and we enjoyed DP from the beginning till the last Tour - wishing them all a very happy time in future!

[@fernandolarrea]

The original soundtrack. The best.

[@eaglejane7379]

Go to Dan Vasc on KZbin and watch his version. You will change your mind.

[@ingridgabelo2934]

Ian Gillan siempre será mi favorito!!!

[@froggy5935]

Ian Gillan Concerto for Group And Orchestra (Deep Purple live with the London Philharmonic) is a must watch. Would love to see your reaction to not only Ian's singing but the entire band playing with an orchestra in 1969.

[@ponytrekker8996]

Yes, you’re talking about second movement where Ian sings.

[@johnniejupiter]

I still listen to the JCS album. Nothing compares to it. I sure wish I could hit those high notes. Have the whole album pretty much memorized. He was awesome.

[@scifimonkey3]

Definitive version - Brilliant

[@eaglejane7379]

Go to Dan Vasc on KZbin and watch his version. You will change your mind.

[@SteveReddington]

I can FEEL the emotions in his voice

[@allenfackler]

Definitely one of the best voices in rock!

[@ricardogarces9680]

Ian siempre su fabulosa voz interpretando lo mejor....

[@philipbusch8304]

Amazing vocalist and album

[@dean4699]

An instant hit when I heard it shortly after it's release. The guy was still amazing when I heard him in Montreal 2024

[@mehmetday5954]

I watched him in turkey... very very very long years ago... he is so lovely... he came to Ephesus antique theatre... and it was a lovely experience to listen him there in a 2000 years old theatre... from greeks...

[@feanorian21maglor38]

❤Wow! Gillan in Ephesus. That must have been amazing! I was there last year. Ian Gillan IS lovely, and I've met him a few times.

[@Goran_Varbanov]

This is by far the single most beautiful performance in the world of singing! And God - there is a lot of great singing out there, but if I must choose one, this is it!

[@classicrocklady6288]

Always my favorite!

[@eaglejane7379]

Go to Dan Vasc on KZbin and watch his version. You will change your mind.

[@notgivennotgiven7776]

He said he wanted to be a movie star. Not an actor, a movie star. He said he realized that wasn't going to happen, so he joined a rock band. I think his backup plan was a better choice. If you can, check out some of his solo stuff, from the Gillan Band and the Ian Gillan Band. His jazz fusion style was awesome. Peace

[@kneelandpray2878]

The best hard rock singer ever

[@Jude_196]

GOSH - HIS VOCALS!! Seem like EVERY TIME: I'm just STUNNED!!! SO, SO GOOD!!!

[@randysallade9468]

As a freshmen in high school I played this album (that’s an actual record kids!) over and over! Fantastic!

[@lindalou6105]

@@randysallade9468 me too, but I was in grade school.

[@miguelangelperez8795]

If you want to listen Ian's performances alive, you must listen to Made in Japan, specially Child in Time and Strange Kind of Woman. Then you'll discover that he brings more than 100 % of him on stage

[@jordicaminalsfernandez1041]

Simply the best !!!!

[@ILoveHellas]

This is the ORIGINAL and BEST version by far.

[@eaglejane7379]

Go to Dan Vasc on KZbin and watch his version. You will change your mind.

[@ILoveHellas]

@@eaglejane7379 Thanks, but I have not changed my mind.

[@eaglejane7379]

@@ILoveHellas did u watch it? Cause man he slay Gillian

[@michaelmilless7310]

@eaglejane7379 sorry but while Dan's version is excellent it does not better Gillan's performance. One man's opinion, your mileage may vary.

[@tomhaywiser282]

Luciano Pavarotti and I quote this Ian's voice is a force of nature

[@vladimirfateev9048]

Very stunning vocal

[@billygrey5815]

IAN GILLAN.DEEP PURPLE, GREAT BAND, WONDERFUL. I AM A SINGER ,MY BAND(NEVER BEFORE) AND I HAD THE PLEASURE OF HAVING IAN PAICE ON DRUMS FOR A CONCERT.

[@SmashedBottleMan]

It's not even a contest. Ian's is THE definitive version of Gethsemane. No other comes close.

[@davidp8035]

I also grew up in the 60s and I enjoy young people like yourself enjoying my music. I especially enjoy your videos.

[@carminelombardi9575]

Ian Gillan is a one off, without question.

[@christerfurberg6538]

This is the original. The others are just copies. Unfortunately we never got to see Gillan on stage or in the film, since he was touring with Deep Purple

[@LouisThibal-Maziat]

In fact, he would have accepted touring with JCS if the produecrs had accepted to compensate for the ensuing financial loss even for the other members of DP, which they refused. Hence, Ian Gillan was never onstage with JCS...A shame!

[@ullis5125]

The best❤

[@erickbravo7972]

This version along with Camilo Sesto's version(which is sung in spanish) are the best.

[@zubrycky]

There's also a great version (translated to Portuguese) sung by brazilian singer Agnaldo Rayol. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaanamyAjbOcZ68si=JzdYHbDBW80WqW73

[@samsmith4216]

Ian is the original and set the standard for everyone else. He might be the greatest Rock n Roll singer of all time. He is too me. So under rated next to voices like Steve Perry who isn't in his league. Almost operatic... Ian Gillan is the best.

[@delorangeade]

Considering this is the original recording of the song, Ian Gillan might have spent less time working on it than anybody else who has taken the part, especially as he didn't play it on stage or film. Two takes only, and his entire role recorded in an afternoon, as he had a Deep Purple show to get to. So there wasn't much time to rehearse or perfect anything, it was just a case of go in and do it. I think the spontaneity and intimacy of the performance, the lack of theatricality, is what makes it work for me.

[@kathowed]

I did not know that. Thank you. Just makes his rendition so much more amazing.

[@colrhodes377]

I had no idea about that, Sir Del !

[@michaelmilless7310]

The entire masterpiece GIllan sung took a total of 2 1/2 hours. Truly touched by God!

[@delorangeade]

@@michaelmilless7310 I'm an atheist, but I know a good vocal when I hear one.

[@algotua]

Also I heard in some of his interview that he is quite indifferent to this work. His attitude was: Well, I sang and that's it.

[@dalemcmillan7231]

I love his voice❤❤

[@blackmore56]

Maybe it's incorrect but I heard back in the day that he recorded this in one take, so basically a live performance. Love your reactions, respect from Melbourne Australia.

[@justitia257]

Great Ian

[@ruimartins2577]

You must listen him singing "when a blind man cries" at rock meets classic in 2019. He still got it

[@Io-Io-Io]

Since the op on his vocal cords in the 80ies, he hasn't got he same range as he used to anymore

[@ponytrekker8996]

Ian is 79..amazing..saw purple recently at Jones Beach theater in New York and the man can still sing..but not to the level of 1970.

[@ninoorjon]

@@Io-Io-Io He never had vocal cord surgery, he just had his adenoids removed, which had become inflamed and were damaging his vocal cords, and so yes, in the late 70s and early 80s, his voice began to change, but I still like it, even at 79 years old he is simply magnificent, even if he can no longer hit those high notes, he can definitely sing.

[@Io-Io-Io]

@@ninoorjon it was about his vocal cords, Not the adenoids

[@ninoorjon]

@@Io-Io-Io Nope. At least that's what he writes in his autobiography and describes it in great detail. So in this matter I'm inclined to believe him, not gossip. Yes, he had problems with his vocal cords since '81 and was advised to have them operated on, but he didn't do it.

[@lesmej9726]

La mejor interpretación por un cantante de rock y otros

[@geneobrien8270]

Of course, this is the original recording of this song, from the original album JCS. It was a 'concept album' before it was ever a play or movie. He sets the standard with this. No one else compares

[@richirich3916]

Great Ian Gillan. Famous Vocalist.👍👍👍👍

[@turnerdan53]

Jesus Christ Superstar was made the opposite of any Broadway musical as they did not have the money to produce it so The album with Ian was made first so that the money could be raised for the stage version. So this set the standard for others to follow.

[@Jude_196]

Ted Neeley's performance of this song is SO VERY IMPRESSIVE. This MOVIE is STUNNING, to me, on ALL VOCALS!!!

[@xxTICxxTOCxx]

John Farnham, Sydney 1992, last night... have you heard him doing this? Thanks for the reaction, hope you have a great weekend.

[@ryanr5319]

This is the one. Thank you very much! 😊🙏

[@deanroddey2881]

This is the definitive one. The whole album is quite an experience and so well done, and of course props have to be given Andrew Lloyd Weber.

[@finaldestination5847]

Wow, your smile is so contagious and beautiful as well. A woman like you with any or less makeup shows her real beauty. Keep the way you are. Cheers from Germany

[@icq4t42]

I’m a great fan of Ian Gillan and saw him in Deep Purple and his own band “Gillan” many times in the 80’s. That being said, I have to say that I had never heard a better version of this song until I listened to the 1973 film performance from Ted Neeley. Ian’s version is a close second but I think Ted just gets top spot due to sheer emotion and gut wrenching angst. You believe his frustration that he doesn’t want to die.

[@meniredo]

I love seeing you react to metal and rock music. You have a beautiful and very sensitive musical soul, and I am glad that you know how to appreciate what is really good, even if it is not your usual style. You have the face of an hopeful girl and those green eyes light up every time you hear a Heavy Metal song. You remind me of myself when I was 7 or 8 years old listening to my older brothers' records for hours and hours, and over the years I ended up playing in a band.... Thank you for these fun moments 💯👍🏼

[@shegocrazy]

IG had the best male rock scream ever recorded.

[@allengray5748]

@@shegocrazy Yaaa? Not sure he screams. I think it's still singing!!?? Listen to SPACE STATION #5 by Montrose and a young Sammy Hagar! Now that's a scream. Ohh and of course Iron Maiden's The NUMBER OF THE BEAST!! ☮️

[@Lordjim7]

@@allengray5748jim morrison on back door man in Absolutely live no ?

[@allengray5748]

@@Lordjim7 That's a keeper!!

[@eaglejane7379]

Go to Dan Vasc on KZbin and watch his version. You will change your mind.

[@THOMASSBLAQUELOURDE]

No version ever competes with this, the original Gold standard. Interesting he performed this COLD in Two takes.

[@maureenwagg5305]

I love Ian Gillan but I'm a huge fan of this musical. I heard it at school in Grade 7 and it was a HUGE influence on me. It blew my mind. Ted Neely absolutely nailed it but Ian comes very close. I love Ted's version.

[@lindalou6105]

This is Ian's song

[@gogglebox2427]

First record I ever bought was Black Knight by Deep Purple. I was captivated by his voice. The singer I like now for embodying the persona of a song is Chinese singer Hua Chenyu. Like Ian, you feel the pain. The voice cracks with emotion to make you FEEL his pain. Ian showed us that singers could perform a song to bring it to life. Stunning.

[@PatrickKCompton]

Oh Bethany, the original JCS Opera recording was my first experience hearing Ian's angelic rock vocals. Then I jumped into Deep Purple, lol. Next came Ted Neeley with the JCS Movie. I've learned so much technique from both of them. Best, Patrick 😊

[@johngryparis]

Check out John Farnham live version. I am sure you would enjoy as well.

[@TheLlywelyn]

Farnham's for me was on another level to everyone else

[@lindalou6105]

He sang Gethsemane too?

[@TheLlywelyn]

@@lindalou6105 Yes, the best version. Better than Gillan, and I love Ian Gillan. Stunning.

[@thomassicard3733]

Well, this is the greatest recording ever made, to date, of Gethsemane. What an awesome recording performance of an equally awesome composition!

[@robsco1249]

It is...now check fighting man and his moments on Concerto for group and orchestra. Thank you.

[@ChrisFirth-do2sm]

John Farnham also does this brilliantly. It is so emotional. Please check it out.

[@azja6666]

I love Ians version, the oryginal! He has beautifull voice, i adore his voice since my early childhood, one of the most talented singers. I recommend you to check out Ted Neely version. Most powerfull vocals. He was singing this song for mamy years with performance JCS. The best version is from 2006, when he was much older, but his whole performance was so captivating! You must see that!

[@Rico.at.50]

I actually had the great pleasure of seeing Ted Neely and Carl Anderson both perform their roles live in the 90s in a touring cast for the play. There will never be another pair for those roles in JCS. Also, this is an amazing version, too.

[@liasalem4358]

I saw that tour as well! Never be forgotten.

[@garystackhouse5787]

I've seen Ted do this and yes, he is brilliant. However, Ian was the original and will always be the best.

[@eduardogarate5396]

Thanks for this emotional and excellent reaction!!

[@alexbell-d8p]

There's a reason why he was first choice for the part.

[@neilstrang8855]

Take a look at John Farnham’s version 1992 final show

[@shegocrazy]

The JCS brown double album was my favourite for so many years it wore out. Pity there isn't a decent video of IG singing it.

[@ceciliamackie]

Keep it up! Your work is amazing!

[@TheLlywelyn]

As much as I consider Ian Gillan one of the greatest rock vocalists, love the guy's work - John Farnham's version of this is above everyone. He took it to a new level.

[@deborahr9188]

Ian Gillan, the first , the best! Because who came after just have to copy his interpretation.

[@Rassskle]

You are so wrong.......Ian only did the first STUDIO recording. Live performances a a bit different......Ted Neeley and John Farnham both surpass Ian and i am an Ian Gillan fan.

[@BaronVonMunch]

@@Rassskle You are the wrong one, and ridiculously so. Ian Gillan did the studio version for the album which the stage show was based on. Therefore, Ian did it first. See how that works? The others copied what Ian was doing on the album.

[@Rassskle]

​@@BaronVonMunch I did say that Ian did the first studio recording.......which all fans know was BEFORE the stage show opened. However, i hope you enjoy your Munchausen life.

[@brucefranklin6295]

​@@RassskleTed Neeley could not compare to Gillan.He could not do the things Gillan could with his voice.Good yes,but not on the level of Gillan.

[@Rassskle]

​@@brucefranklin6295 Not a fan of Ted Neeley myself, but i am a fan of Ian Gillan. It is true that Ian could do things that very few singers could or can do.......like his brilliant controlled scream. But most quality singers can also do things that Ian can't do, most of which i never want to listen to anyway. lol However, 2 things Ted did better than Ian was to act, and to sing this song as part of a story. A new to me vocalist is even better than Ian, but he is not performing as Jesus or any religous freak. Instead, he dresses like Errol Flynn and sings the song like a heart brocken pirate......TOTALLY WRONG !!!

[@hosehead58]

why has JCS not been "reacted to" here on FB, I`ve always wondered.. It`s an absolute must-have, must-hear..

[@cirrusminor7504]

Great performance by Ian Gillan! There's also an interesting version of the song by the progressive rock band Vanden Plas.

[@gouldfla]

Farnham is great, as is Neely, but Ian pulled this performance out of thin air. He is and always will be my GOAT.

[@BaronVonMunch]

Farnham ruined it. Changed a great song. Webber writes music, not sure why Farnham thinks he knows better.

[@darrenwilkes5858]

Farnham has the best vocals in the world 🌎 PERIOD No comparison...

[@MohanKarulkar]

Oh man this is an intense one. What a great choice. ❤

[@cmr7854]

This song has always made me cry. Ever since I have come to know Jesus, it makes me sob.

[@JoriDiculous]

Its been ages since i last time heard this one. Its such a strong iconic performance, i *really* wish he had done the stage version.

[@jorgepascale2428]

Brilliant, brilliant Ian!!!

[@johnpenn4138]

Stuff Ian did with Black Sabbath underrated

[@martynschickerling6176]

Yeah! Wonderful performance by lan Gillian and very relevant and good reaction by Bethany May I suggest you also listen to Dan Vasc's rendition....MY FAVOURITE by far.

[@martinking4181]

Stunning version...you may wish to try listening to Steve Balsamo's version live...quite a range!

[@eaglejane7379]

Go to Dan Vasc on KZbin and watch his version. You will change your mind.

[@martinking4181]

@@eaglejane7379 Thanks so much for pointing me at this...what a voice! Very dramatic approach.

[@eaglejane7379]

@@martinking4181 bro he is awesome, while You’re there check out some of his other stuff!❤️💪🤘

[@eaglejane7379]

@@martinking4181 also I agree that Steve balsamo’s has the same dramatic approach and a beautiful voice

[@eaglejane7379]

@@martinking4181 bro he has a voice for the ages, while your there check out some of his other stuff

[@vladimirfateev9048]

Many thanks,it's splendit