MURRAY HEAD - ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK REACTION

[@chesteralexander4363]

From the musical "Chess". This is from Act 2 of the play, which was set during the Cold War Era. Written by Tim Rice (who wrote the book this is based on) Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA.

[@doplinger1]

And he did "Jesus Christ Superstar", hence the connection with Tim Rice!

[@ursulaturner7980]

Wow!!! So cool,I never knew. I use to think it said " one night in Bangkok and the world saw Ursula." Lol in my defense I was like 12 or 13 when I thought that. Lol

[@toriboy25]

@@doplinger1 She should definitely check out the song Jesus Christ Superstar by Murray.

[@paulqueripel3493]

Finally, someone who doesn't erase TR from the story. I suspect a lot of the lyrics were his, the double entendres at least. Much easier for a native speaker.

[@Johnny96ri]

@@doplinger1 I recall Murray Head was the original Judas in JCSS.

[@geminiacleo7ewe]

This song is so unique, but there's something intriguing about it! I've always loved

[@elysehfm8797]

Hey hey!

[@paulsz6194]

If you like this song, watch the version by Robey. The video clip is equally as good.

[@geminiacleo7ewe]

@@paulsz6194 Robey from Friday the thirteenth:the series??? Edit: ok. I went back and watched it. Yep! Robey from Friday the thirteenth:the series

[@paulsz6194]

@@geminiacleo7ewe Don’t know about that, it’s a few years before I was born. But just happened to come across it , but thanks for letting me know.

[@emanuellawton7942]

From Wikipedia: " "One Night in Bangkok" is a song from the concept album and subsequent musical Chess by Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and Björn Ulvaeus. English actor and singer Murray Head raps the verses, while the chorus is sung by Anders Glenmark, a Swedish singer, songwriter, and producer." Actor and singer Murray Head also appeared on stage in the hit musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" that by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice. Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus were members of the Swedish pop band ABBA.

[@julilla1]

I love this song and the kind of snide lyrics about sex tourism in Bangkok are so good. I don't know how many people actually listened to the lyrics when it came out, because I never heard any adults complain about it, and believe me crazy parents were constantly complaining about song lyrics in the 80s. "The queens we use will not excite you" line is just *mwah*

[@Jay-ql4gp]

Right?!? I remember those days. Heavy Metal, Rap, and Bugs Bunny cartoons took turns being the root of all evil...when it wasn't video games.

[@ajs41]

People were very tolerant of music lyrics in the 1980s. I was allowed to listen to virtually all lyrics in the 1980s when I was 5 to 10 years old, including Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

[@terencebowlen1450]

but this song is establishing the difference between what its about and the sex tourism in bangkok, song is actually about a world chess tournament held in Bangkok

[@darkprose]

@@terencebowlen1450 Yep. And the narrator never really dug all the multicultural venues and diplomatic gestures of the international chess world.

[@lorierush6561]

You get it.

[@roboh27]

I've always loved this song, it's a timeless classic.

[@matsrecordcollection]

"I get my kicks above the waistline sunshine" LOL!

[@missd9785]

I luv that line.. wait for it when the song comes on also "the queens we use would not excite you."

[@dwaynejoyce1357]

Most don't 😉

[@chrishauser9832]

Good choice Jayy!!! Many people don't know that this song was written by the men from ABBA. It was actually a song from a stage play called chess that premiered in Britain and Murray head is a stage actor who was in the play. When it came out the people of Bangkok actually found it offensive and the government banned it from being played on their radio stations!!! Keep up the good work bright eyes I love your choices and I look forward to the next one!!!!

[@feferosette]

Great 80's song. I remember listening to this alot in the 80's.

[@jenkzkh]

One of my favorites!! Can I suggest taco and puttin on the Ritz??

[@elysehfm8797]

Ha ha! Reminds me of Young Frankenstein. ;)

[@taniaPBear]

Yesss, oh wow,haven't thought of that in decades. Love it.

[@travisjustice3668]

Young Frankstien version

[@mangerinegirl]

YES YES YES that is a fun one!

[@missd9785]

Crazy u mentioned that song... I was just thinking about it this morning since it was a fave of my Moms and wondering if anyone had ever reacted to it. Great suggestion.

[@jerrywilliamson4045]

This was written by Benny and Bjorn from ABBA, it is also from a musical called Chess.

[@maloypoor9504]

I spent one night in Bangkok for real. One hell of a nite. Next morning got on a c-130 to Vietnam. 1970.

[@rodgerbroadway2195]

My favorite line in this song has always been..."One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble".

[@ajs41]

Mine is: "Siam's going to be witness to the ultimate test of cerebral fitness".

[@hyacinthdibley2420]

@@ajs41 heck, every line was amazing. Lol. I can't choose.

[@CNBW_]

"I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine!" Classic.

[@JCWiley2300]

Bit of trivia, not only was this composed by the boys from ABBA, but the track is basically ABBA without the vocals of Agnetha and Frida. All the backing band was there from Janne Schaffer's guitar to Björn J:son Lindh's flute to Benny's keyboards.

[@eq1373]

I remember seeing a live performance of this where Benny, Bjorn, and Frida did the vocals

[@gregoryfloriolli9031]

If you like this one, try Dead or Alive - You Spin Me Round (Like a record)

[@ninja_tony]

I know I’m crazy, but this is the sexiest song about chess that’s ever existed lol

[@krisa990]

This is made by the both men of ABBA Björn Ulveaus and Benny Andersson and Tim Rice...Basically its an ABBA song without the ABBA girls. Love it..great song!

[@janes.1559]

His brother is Anthony Head, Giles, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer... the librarian/ watcher. Also a brillant singer. They both do a lot of broadway and london theater

[@fibrown444]

As well as countless Gold Blend coffee ads!

[@pettee1979]

Don't forget that Anthony was also the Prime Minister in Little Britain as well.....

[@Lige]

Murray Head was Judas Iscariot on the Jesus Christ Superstar original soundtrack.

[@americanmutt9089]

I liked Carl Anderson as Judas better.

[@alphaomega7191]

@@americanmutt9089 - Tim Minchin is wonderful and probably the only person to ever really nail the nuances of Judas's inner conflict. I never much liked Anderson's performance - a little overwrought in his delivery too early but arguably a better voice than Head's.

[@Vorrutyer]

@@americanmutt9089 Zubin Varla was the best Judas ever IMO

[@bruceborneman]

Now you really should do Safety Dance by Men Without Hats and Obsession by Animotion!!! Keep that 80s goodness coming!!!

[@donnawilburn4981]

Obsession was one of my fav 80s tune for the longest time and I'd say more.... But alas it would only make sense to me. Mmmmmmm I was obsessed with all Six feet nine inches tall of him.... Mmmmm.

[@bruceborneman]

@@donnawilburn4981 i hear ya! He was a pretty boy! He reminds of Morrisey.

[@bruceborneman]

@@donnawilburn4981 only in the look

[@donnawilburn4981]

@@bruceborneman my boyfriend at the time...lol... Not the guy in the video

[@bruceborneman]

@@donnawilburn4981 oh okay my bad

[@rebeccalipps8007]

Fun tune! I recall this from the infancy of MTV back when they actually played music videos.

[@dbradx]

One of my all-time favourite 80s tunes - when it came out, a lot of us weren't sure what we were hearing, but we loved it. Murray head also did a great job in the original cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. Another great reaction Jayy, love from Canada!

[@missd9785]

It got so much radio play and I NEVER got tired of it. Loved it too.

[@denicerenee1970]

All these years jamming to this song and I didn't know the group was called Murray head 😆😆 The song makes me want to hop on a plane and travel the world

[@donny1960]

Murray Head is a person. NOT a group. He was an Actor in the musical "Chess". That is where this song came from.

[@monkeyballs342]

to bangkok??? :)

[@missd9785]

So glad u reacted to this song Jayy. It's a favorite. Thanks.

[@LaptopLarry330]

Murray Head is a British actor and singer. He performed in the British productions of "Jesus Christ, Superstar" and "Hair".in the late-1960s and early-1970s. Murray Head's most notable work as a film actor was in the 1971 film, "Sunday Bloody Sunday", and the 1977 film, "The French Woman" (also known as "Madame Claude"). "One Night In Bangkok" was Murray Head's biggest hit as a recording artist.

[@richieinca]

A Night in Bangkok wasn’t being compared to Chess… the Chess tournament was being held in Bangkok. The writers of the song were NOT one hit wonders, they were ABBA.. Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.

[@nateashe3140]

I loved this since it came out, and still haven't seen the play, Chess. Now the world knows my shame.

[@mangerinegirl]

You’re not alone in that!

[@donrobbie1461]

Sadly i have and found it disappointing apart from this and one or two other songs

[@ShadowBanned904]

I sure do miss the great 80s! That was the time of my life. Thank you Jayy, for teleporting me back to a better time!

[@DavidBDavis-lz7bt]

My feelings exactly😊.

[@ajs41]

"Siam's going to be witness to the ultimate test of cerebral fitness".

[@deltabob830]

Yay!!!! I hoped so much you’d do this one!

[@richarddrain4786]

I think the original release of the Song "Jesus Christ Superstar" has Murray Head singing as Judas backed by the Trinidad Singers from the stage production.

[@januzzell8631]

SUCH a great song! Always loved it - 'Chess' as a musical had some great songs come out of it. Thanks for reacting to it

[@nicholasmaude6906]

In regards to Murray Head, Javy, he's the older brother of Anthony Stewart Head who's best known as Buffy's Watcher, Rupert Giles.

[@Jay-ql4gp]

I love this song. And yes, the first time you hear it it's like..wait...what?!?

[@BethHutter]

Murray Head was the original Judas in the London production of Jesus Christ Superstar and on the original soundtrack. He raps through this song- but has a fantastic singing voice!

[@fibrown444]

'Pity the child' also from Chess with Murray singing is an experience, always makes me cry.

[@ursulaturner7980]

As an 80s girl, very nostalgic. Great song too.

[@stephenulmer3781]

I remember the first time i ever heard this. My girlfriend and her 2 friends where on our way from Disneyland after going there for my 17th birthday on the car radio KIIS FM in LA

[@Historian212]

Song is from the show “Chess,” Act 2, in which a high-level chess match takes place in Bangkok.

[@Metal_Archaeologist]

i remember this tune... Love this tune... peace!!!!

[@connieleighton4375]

Great choice! Haven't seen it all over you tube either, way to be a leader...♡

[@ChrisJohnson-ql1xn]

was so awesome in the 2nd hangover movie... when mike tyson came out at the end and sang it

[@PaintedCavern]

For some reason this song reminds me of Putting on the Ritz by Taco. ❤

[@papaquonis]

Back when musical songs managed to make it to the top of the charts occasionally. And it's still a great song.

[@BayAreaSon]

Oh damn you really just took me back to when MTV first started.and they played music

[@MichaelBurhans]

Murry Head was a two hit wonder on the music charts. This one and Jesus Christ Superstar. He was not primarily a singer but was in fact a stage actor that did a lot of musicals. Both his hits came off of soundtrack albums.

[@alphaomega7191]

The thing you need to understand about the song is that "The American" is a character and essentially the villain of the piece, so his snarky, self important delivery is very much meant to be the whinings of an embittered loser. Ironically he's the one character in the musical who eventually does the right thing by others at the end. The double entendre of "Tea girls warm and sweet, some are set up in the Somerset Maughan suite" went over a lot of people's heads but is one of the funniest things I've ever heard. Not a one hit wonder - he had a biggish hit with "Superstar" from the original album of Jesus Christ Superstar which was top 10 in multiple countries and top 15 in the US www.youtube.com/watch?v=www.youtube.com/watch?v= Oh and JEM reactions is great - people should check her stuff out.

[@dracula7644]

Javy Please check out. Puttin on the Ritz. Sung by TACO . Check out unedited video. Truly unique.

[@WildBill479]

As a us Navy Veteran I can relate to this song, I heard this song Every night in the Philippines

[@maukasara808]

The wonder of a One Hit. Just be amazing. Don’t over think it. 😉 Enjoy!

[@alphaomega7191]

Actually it's not he had a hit before this "Superstar" from the original recording of Jesus Christ Superstar back in the very late 60's. It was top 10 in Australia, Netherlands, Canada & Germany and top 15 in the US. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnfaaH5rYrKJbqs

[@shadow-js2hn]

Оne hit wonder? Benny & Bjorn of ABBA? 😅😅😅

[@toriboy25]

Chess is an amazing musical! You should check out Elaine Paige, Barbara Dickson - I Know Him So Well or Elaine Paige-Nobody's Side

[@MrChristian331]

i grew up with this song. It's awesome!

[@rosesalmon8982]

A real commentary on life that has always and still exists

[@rosesalmon8982]

It’s a comment on the people/governments who control the world politics

[@DannX68]

I went to see this musical in London in 1986 :) If you've seen Buffy the Vampire Slayer, then a fun fact: Murray Head is the brother of Anthony Stewart Head who plays Giles.

[@michaelwilliamybarra2409]

Also Nathan/Repo Man in the film Repo: The Genetic Opera. After Murray left from originating his role of The American(who was given the name Freddie Trumper on stage) in the West End, Anthony would then take over that role himself. Here's a clip with him near the end of Mountain Duet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpSxfWuhlsukqsk

[@DannX68]

@@michaelwilliamybarra2409 Yup, Repo is a fun movie.

[@deltabob830]

The entire musical is incredible

[@jimwilcox2964]

Parts of it, where they are naming places, are where World Chess Championships have been held. And the Yuel Brenner reference is to the show The King and I. Yuel played the King of Siam. Now Thailand

[@cup_cuppy_cuppers5817]

Bangkok is one of few cities that host Chess Championship competition. Other Chess Championship Cities/Countries are mentioned in the song.

[@Prone2Thrill]

Fun song, always enjoyed it. Puttin on the Ritz is good too. Your video screen is too shrunk though.

[@Hi-kq1vi]

I was watching him on Judge John Deed last night doing a horrendous French impression as a judge-he really is an old ham.

[@2dashville]

Every line in that song has a deeper meaning.

[@hollybeat6901]

No, he really was a one hit wonder in 84/85

[@hollybeat6901]

Not meaning that in a disparaging way in the the least

[@kimberlygabaldon3260]

@THE JAYY SHOW Murray Head is NOT a one-hit wonder. He played Judas Iscariot, (superbly), in the original "Jesus Christ Superstar," concept album.

[@lorirose5343]

I've been waiting for this one. 👍🎵

[@johnbarrett9249]

World's chess championship held there. The reason behind Bangkok and chess link.

[@darkprose]

I fell in love with this song initially for the way it was put together, with the lengthy orchestral intro, pop chorus, rap and exotic lyrics. When you put in the context it came from, the musical concept album _Chess,_ it makes much more sense. If you like this song, then you ought to listen to the complete album.

[@ronaldcardinali2809]

There's even a live show version with the Abba on chorus, you must watch it!!

[@Notme980]

The chess pieces aren't controlling the game but someone controls the move they next make

[@stuartwayne4978]

The song was written when the world chess championship was being held in Bangkok that year.

[@mervinmannas7671]

The musical that this comes from 'Chess' is probably one of the most underatted despite being hugely successful. It doesn't have a bad tune in it. The other one that was very successful chart wise was 'I Know Him So Well' by Barabra Dickson and Elaine Paige. The two women sing about the same man but one as his wife the pther as his mistress. I have put a link below also a link to 'The Anthem' the song that closes act 2 of the play. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWO2dXykoJuppaM kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGKnmoqfZZWXaNk

[@jimwilcox2964]

And Embassy Lament.

[@klutttmuttsprutt6087]

If going for the 1984 version with Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickinson, then I would suggest Tommy Körberg singing Anthem instead kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoivnXVqZqyfrLc The American/Nobody's side kzbin.info/www/bejne/nICZq4aIjZujpM0 is also a good one.

[@mervinmannas7671]

@@klutttmuttsprutt6087 Yes in hindsight i would actually agree with you. he always made me cry singing it

[@rogerbraswelljr.923]

One of my favorite eighties song

[@suucat]

Man, how i miss the 80's...

[@itscrazyal]

Yup, i was singing along with it, i admit it lol

[@delorespetree207]

Hi jayy are you still in Virginia i have a sister that lives there never heard of this group it was ok

[@greendoor49]

Bangkok hosted the legendary chess match between Bobby Fisher and Boris Spasky if my memory is accurate.

[@joyceadams7426]

Awesome song and cool video but the best part is Ted Neeley singing backup on the chorus !

[@troyshilanski380]

So glad you got it honey. Took me 40 years lol

[@Turrican]

Mike Tyson sings this at the end of one of the Hangover movies 😅

[@marlarogers9304]

I really miss the music of the 80's!! Please check out Adam Ant, Goody Two-shoes!!

[@DevInvest]

If you want to see one of the most beautiful films of all time, Watch “The King And I” (Adapted from the stage) With Yul Brynner, mentioned in this very song

[@chriswilloughby48]

safety dance safety Can dance. safety dance men without hats

[@geminiacleo7ewe]

I guess I'm... what? Third? I'll take it!!!😁

[@elysehfm8797]

First at being third! No one can take that away from you. ;)

[@geminiacleo7ewe]

@@elysehfm8797 😏

[@BeeKnown]

Would love to see you react to some more twenty one pilots, there song Level of Concern is a cute love song about quarantine they released last year

[@michaelk.martini9338]

Giant"See You In My Dreams"or David Lee Roth:Yankee Rose"

[@RicoBurghFan]

From the Broadway production of Chess in 1984. Bangkok was where the chess tournament was held. It wasn't a great success but at least it produced this classic banger hit.

[@annesmith2259]

Written by the ABBA men

[@jimwilcox2964]

Saw the show in London before it played New York. I understand they changed some things for the American audience.

[@visionaryventures12]

This song was composed by ABBA as part of the musical called Chess.

[@ronnieeggink6048]

Iceland is Bobby Fisher-Spassky and Hastings is history big tournament..I am chess player 😉 Chess can be chaos just like sometimes Bangkok..never been there. Only Kuala Lumpor there was chess match in Bangkok I do not know 😂

[@timholder6825]

Too Much Heaven On Their Minds, opening track from, Jesus Christ Superstar (original album, not the soundtrack to the movie) He sings the role of Judas and played it in the original theatrical production. This song doesn't showcase his vocal range and style. That one does.

[@williameller7002]

Your the best Jayy

[@SpikeMatthews]

The 12" mix is pretty good, too.

[@karenr454]

Love this song!

[@Kevin-je4jt]

This song rocks

[@GreenMother1]

Check out "Cars" by Gary Numan if you like this 👍

[@keithponchillia421]

I have never heard this intro to this song before.

[@johncaesar7761]

You need to listen to DJ Champion, no heaven.😉🤗🇨🇦

[@alancooper6443]

OMG I love CHESS. Murray Head is also on the original concept album for Jesus Christ Superstar in which he performs Judas Iscariot and sings the title song. This song is from the original concept album CHESS which was composed by the two guys from ABBA and lyrics by Tim Rice who also contributed lyrics to JCS, Evita and The Lion King. The album has some wonderful orchestral pieces. One Night In Bangkok opens Act II where the location switches from Merano, Italy to Bangkok, Thailand. Murray Head performs the part of The American.

[@lisamayreed6399]

Totally catchy

[@deborahloveless429]

They aren't dancing those are well known chess moves!

[@alx406]

Also is a female version by Robie

[@ArlynMeylan-jo7hq]

Cool beans 😊

[@vorbis4860]

It's not a bad song to dance to as well.

[@donrobbie1461]

Bankok at night is the ultimate sin city!!!

[@josbroersma7419]

Please react to the most famous Dutch band there ever was, Doe Maar- Is Dit Alles. You won't understand the lyrics, but their music is wicked

[@jamielandis4308]

A favorite drinking song in college.