Steve Balsamo - Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar - Ahoy, Holland - June 2004

[@emmahowitt241]

I saw him perform as Jesus at the lyceum in 1997. it was Easter time. The performance was almost reverent. It seemed, or it felt as though he was personally experiencing something......something of the divine during this song. Almost Holy We all felt it. The entire audience felt it. I've never forgotten it

[@janeedison9033]

Totally agree. It was phenomenal x

[@rocioancares6586]

This is the one. This performance takes my breath away, brakes me every single time. Steve Balsamo is amazing, his tears, his voice, his pain, the way he looks when he realised that he "didn't started"....om my, I can't stop watching or listening ❤❤❤

[@cecilebarton4283]

The purity of his voice makes Balsamo's my favorite portrayal of Jesus in Superstar.

[@KarrasBommer]

No one, absolutely no one could do this number better than this man. Beyond words.

[@EmmaRose473]

to all you haters: Why are you on this page?! Steve Balsamo is not only the BEST SOUNDING 'Jesus'---but the only one who brought Andrew Lloyd Weber to TEARS when he heard Steve perform as Jesus in a London production...and You guys who are giving 'thumbs down' think you know better?! Balsamo sounds like JESUS WOULD SOUND!!

[@skudaarkaat1]

To all Steve Balsamo fans; I'd never seen Mr. Balsamo's performance, and never thought I'd like anyone as much as Ted Neely, but Steve's rendition of GETHSEMANE brought chills down my spine. It was AWESOME!! BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO, Steve!!

[@crusheverything4449]

Ted Neely IS God!!! I saw him perform Jesus Christ Superstar at the age of 63 and it was BETTER than his movie performance when he was 29. And if I hadn’t witnessed it firsthand, I wouldn’t have believed it! He also happens to be one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. Love the guy!!!

[@RippleEvaProductions]

Wow, so fragile yet powerful .. he captures an awe for his Father… he’s questioning but not ever disrespectful … what skill to have managed that dance between fear and obedience to the One and only God without ever lapsing into a worldly familiarity or rage … It’s an absolutely beautiful exquisite portrayal of a relationship no one else could possibly understand..: and his voice is like silk yet strong .. breathtaking and flawless.. ♥️

[@Liz-kr4pr]

Ted Neely & Steve are best ever.. They can stand side by side as best . Thank you God

[@ryukyuboy]

Steve's performance is supernatural. I am obsessed with this version of the song. Amazingly excellent.

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

The way Steve performs this song with such emotion and power had me in tears. This performance will live on forever, and ever and will never be forgotten. Such a talented man. And he writes his own beautiful songs too. Respect. ♥️🙏

[@drama_duchess6895]

Of all the Gethsemane performances I’ve EVER seen on KZbin, I keep coming back to this one. This is THE BEST. Steve is outstanding. It is so mesmerizing and addictive that I can’t stop watching it. Steve does amazing things to this song that no one else can. He has the ability to stir up the emotions with just the tone of his flawless voice. I’ve never felt so much genuine sadness, anguish, pain, despair, fear, and realization all in one song. Steve’s voice is like velvet - it just flows. And when I see those tears streaming down his face at about 4:39, I’m totally sold!! I’m completely absorbed, exceedingly captivated and infinitely immersed with lament. I cried with Steve. My heart still sinks every time he sings “…God thy will is hard, but You hold every card…” He captures that part ever so accurately and perfectly. Absolute genius!!

[@rlgillon]

So, this is "THE BEST"? Only 2 words . . . . Ian Gillan!!!!

[@emmahowitt241]

@@rlgillon I have the original recording -records 2 in stereo 4 to 5 songs per side- with Ian Gillan as Jesus. It is without parallel This performance is a recreation of Ian's vocals on that record from 1970. Steve almost pays homage to Ians rendition. Ian Gillan never performed in Jesus Christ SuperStar. He was the Original voice, before it came to the stage. Ian I agree is for me the vocals that all others are measured by. However seeing Steve sing this song as a performance was incredibly moving, not only for us the audience, but for him as well. But I agree with you Ian Gillan was perfect

[@beaed9296]

What an amazing performance. Almost knocked Ted Neely off his perch but yes Ian Gillan is the original and maybe the best.

[@troyd7707]

Check out Eric Woolfsons musical Poe, he is Outstanding.

[@beaed9296]

@@troyd7707 Is Poe on KZbin?

[@Elaqt]

I’m so obsessed with this live version. This is how I imagine Jesus. He questions his God, but he’s in pain, he’s scared, not defiant though. Steve not only makes Jesus vulnerable, he makes him seem human. What an amazing voice...I wish the whole show was online!

[@ArthaxtaDaVince777]

Biblical Jesus is not like that at all. He was pretty sure in everything he did or said.

[@gaudia3985]

@@ArthaxtaDaVince777 🤗

[@katymac6525]

He was also a man after all

[@spacecase7566]

I keep coming back to this performance. So good.

[@samgiftson123]

@@ArthaxtaDaVince777 Jesus is both divine and human. In His human nature he feared for the great suffering he was gonna face. But in His divine nature he wanted to do the will of the Father. He was not compelled by the Father, but willingly surrendered Him to the Father. This song is not Biblically accurate I know... but I love this song because of the performance and the music 🙂

[@vampireknox]

WOW. Whether you're a Christian or not, you can't deny what an absolutely incredible song this is.

[@deangoldenstar7997]

One of the greatest songs ever, sung by one of the greatest singers ever.

[@deangoldenstar7997]

+Dean Goldenstar Still like Neeley way more, but still.

[@brutusbyforce4715]

If you give thumbs down to this you're gonna burn in hell👿👿👿 This guy is amazing!!!

[@AmericanMiyazaki]

+Dean Goldenstar One of the few actors I liked as Jesus other than Ted Neeley. He actually brought a tear to my eye

[@U.S.A..]

Dean Goldenstar this is one of the greatest songs but I have to disagree he's not the greatest singer he is very very good love his pretern pretation but he's not the greatest singer

[@deangoldenstar7997]

Long John Silver's l I think he is amazing, if inferior to Ted Neeley's performances.

[@MrTokimon]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Steve Balsamos interpretation of Gethsemane. Heard it 10000 times (or so) now and it still sends shivers down my spine. That man can sing!

[@beaed9296]

Steve is definitely the best Jesus singing Gethsemane . He is fantastic. Would love to have seen him in the show.

[@lilybarrera8235]

Obsessed with Steve and this performance. What a performance! What a beautiful voice! Simply amazing!

[@tankmaster1018]

Even if your not even religious at all like me, you still have to admit this is one of the greatest songs ever written. In fact the entire musical JCS is one of the greatest works in music of all time in my opinion.

[@mathewhutchins2539]

If done right, this show can offer quite a bit to chew on as far as character/musical development and analysis. It's an incredibly thought-provoking show!

[@gigidayz6936]

Agreed

[@mewingmanda]

Also, the story is so versatile and open to interpretation that you can have any setting, costume, budget, etc. and it will still work. That is truly incredible, and more shows should be like that.

[@belindacarter6872]

100%

[@gioq4702]

it even contains a little miracle... the palestinian sheppard in the end of the film

[@osutrickster]

Amazing, not just vocally but in his acting. His look at 5:00 on "what you started" is one of the most honest, true reactions I've ever seen.

[@laurencemarkmallak3076]

I have never herd a performer put so much emotion into a performance, and made me cry, unbelievable. You are the Man!

[@ascphil]

This is pure power and emotion. So stirring and a moving spiritual experience. The best Gethsemane I've ever seen, heard and keep watching on repeat. Steve Balsamo's greatest and most unforgettable version. Every time, I agonize and cry with him. Every time, I am reminded of Jesus's obedience to the Father to go thru torture and a most excruciating death to save us from our sins. This is the power of music. And Steve Balsamo nailed it perfectly.

[@katyamarie93]

The range and power in this man's voice is a one in a million! This performance is too fantastic!

[@Sedraen]

Effortless. That's all I can say. Completely effortless. If you can make this song look that easy, you're a legend.

[@kurt57b]

Sedraen But that is exactly the problem. At the end of the scene Jesus is a wrecked man, close to breakdown, crying, sobbing, weeping. This performance is much too nice, in German "gelackt". Just saw Drew Sarich in Vienna, he may not have the vocal qualities, but his performance blew this one away, and rightly had the whole theater on their feet for minutes.

[@AnnieVesper]

kurt57b Steve is one of the best. I understand his emotions. His Jesus isn't angry as hell (I don't like rage in this song), he's dispirited, but I feel love and pain in this performance. Steve makes me cry. He's absolutely stunning.

[@jerboymustdie7689]

John Legend.

[@JuanPiVlok]

Besides this is Andrew Lloyd Webber version of Christ, and don´t forget he is Jew, so, he put it more humane than divine, I don´t thing this song is about rage, is about sadness of what is about to happen.

[@lindaymohegan3529]

Jerboy Must Die! Sucked. Well, comparatively, he sucked. But on his own merit, he was good enough. He's was doughy to me. Bland. Pasty. No passion. Can't quite pick a word. He passed the test, just passed.

[@ck1978austria]

For me this is the absolutely best performance. I believe every word he sings. He's totally feeling the whole song. (I'm not saying that other sings were not so good - it's my personal feeling... he reaches every part of me and my soul.)

[@ConnorGordonRock]

Not only is this performance great musically, but the acting by this man is absolutely captivating. This is something every aspiring broadway star should watch and observe

[@MrOn2u]

...from the moment he walked to the stage, you know it will epic

[@lilbrndg]

Long, long time JCS listener, and this is THE best Gethsemane. Beautiful interpretation, with not one false note. Thank you and Happy Easter all.

[@SelendraDarkCat]

I think this Is the best Jesus singer ❣️

[@kjguy49]

He absolutely mesmerizes me. Love it.

[@paulmansfield6029]

My all-time favorite single performance of this masterpiece

[@dunyakizilcay]

Best casting of JCS of all time..

[@alskarose1120]

Incredible, powerful and moving performance. The emotional and beautiful softer moments brought tears to my eyes. It really portrays Jesus in his tender humanity. This is truly wonderful for both Believers and Non-believers to listen. 🎶 🎵 ❤ 🎶 🎵 ❤ ✝️ ❤ Thank you, Steve for such a beautiful and unforgettable performance!!!! ⚘💖💐💜🙂

[@stepea1]

Had the pleasure of seeing Steve Balsamo play JC in the West End a few years ago. Truly amazing voice.

[@marilynvanburen6780]

Superb! I've always loved this song but this is the finest performance ever.

[@jamesanderson5410]

The tears falling from this guys face just shows what a talented actor and singer he is!

[@CaddyScorer18]

83 dislikes? I'm sorry but how could anyone dislike this.. It truly leaves me speechless every time I hear it!

[@RobsonWielki]

I have no words. This is something beautiful. God bless you Steve.

[@lenkahadravova1407]

This is the best performance of Jesus ever!!!

[@nrobitemp]

11 years later, still wishing for a higher quality version of this ❤

[@despinagounari7312]

Great artist!!! I’m so obsessed with this live version, i believe every word he sings !! For my opinion, this is the best performance of this song ever!!! Steve Balsamo is the most ideal of all in the role of ''Jesus''!!!!

[@katymac6525]

I can watch this 30 times and always hits my heart and makes me cry

[@satin7711]

HE IS INCREDIBLE !!!!!! I got goose bumps, chills and all that. I LOVE IT !!!!

[@marycaldwell9790]

Steve Balsamo is the best by far !!!!! I actually find it hard listening to anyone else sing this amazing song.

[@greengoblin1983]

Oh My Goodness! got tingles up my spine, Steve was an amazing Jesus, saw him at the lyceum. he will always be my Jesus!

[@YourDarkLady]

Omg I don't know how many times I've played this video. And still every time I watch it I can't help but cry. Incredible.

[@lovelylady17329]

What a beautiful interpretation and very well sung. Tears in my eyes!

[@johnnypacheco6526]

STEVE BALSAMO ....YOU ARE UNIQUE..I CAN FEELING THE PAIN..THE TEARS...THE SORROW...THE DRAMA...THE ESSENCE...YOU VOICE IS FROM ANOTHER PLANET EARTH 🌎🌎..JESUCHRIST BLESSED YOU FOREVER..!!

[@MsSamduk]

Ian Gillan's version of this has always been gospel for me. I had never heard another version that moved me in the same way until today. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into your performance of this amazing song.

[@nectalys]

this performance just gives me the chills every time I watch this video......Steve Balsamo is AMAZING....UNIQUE!!!!

[@deedeelizard]

this is one of the best renditions of Gethsemane, I am literally crying as I watch.

[@marclawler6623]

I saw Steve several times in the west end playing J.C. As Webber said himself, nobody has ever played the role better. Bravo!

[@georginalopeztosar6181]

Una lástima no haberlo visto y q no cuelguen ninguna actuacion teatral.

[@luitaurus]

@@georginalopeztosar6181 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHy1gImDbs6HY80

[@georginalopeztosar6181]

@@luitaurus pero es sólo un trozo y se aprevia q hay más grabado. E n KZbin hay actuaciones completas de otros paises pero de Steve Balsamo ninguna. Es una gran pena. Es a lo q me refería. Gracias por el enlace, aunque ya habia encontrado este trozo.

[@despinagounari7312]

The best ''Jesus'' ever!!!!!!!!!

[@jbaxter411]

This performance will make a believer out of anyone! Well done. 👏

[@olgapanova7584]

GORGEOUS, AMAZING, JUST BRILLIANT!!!! HE'S DEFINITELY THE BEST!!!!!!

[@ljt172]

Camilo cesto gescsnu

[@hankkosmala]

I am a Big Teddy Neely fan, but holy shit, This is by far the best version of this song i have ever heard. Steve Balsamo nails this song.....

[@lindalill9266]

He is awesome! Has an amazing voice and not bad to look at either. He is by far the best I have seen singing Gethsemane. Love him!

[@nicki446]

Breathtaking. He put absolutely everything into that performance!

[@Easternborders]

Steve is the ultimate singer of this song,never heard anybody better, and a fellow that should have a lot more recognition, maybe that is something to do with career choices, for me Steve is a fantastic talent, and can sing anything that he is presented with, I some how always thought he would end back in musical theater ,I look forward to seeing him in Les Mibs main character he would blow us all away ,can you tell I am a fan

[@JewelrybyJeanette]

This took my breath away, brought tears to my eyes, and sent shivers down my spine. Magnificent performance!

[@tanyarussell5228]

Still to this day this performance moves me like no other. Absolutely amazing

[@MichaelRobinson-qi2oy]

The most perfect live performance ever.

[@goaltjs]

Amazing! The BEST!! What a voice! I watched it over and over again... gives me goose bumps and tears.

[@chazmonka]

Finally someone hitting the high notes from my first local JCS production in Key West in the 80's. We had an emergency medical tech (by day) playing JC, and he literally screamed the notes out beautifully. Thanks Steve, I never thought I'd hear Gethsemane this way again. Bravo.

[@ellenanne40]

OMG!! After having been a major fan of JCSS since way back when, I'm reduced to tears of joy by the depth of passion Steve Balsamo gives here. Honestly the best Gethsemane ever! x

[@tevoitalia2775]

+Ellen Jennings Listen the voice or look the body?!?Ted Neeley is a real God. Steve have a good voice,but is on another planet.

[@larteonceagain]

Ian Gillan who actually got free hand to form the song, and did so with the rest on all the songs on the album during a half day IS the best. But Steve Balsamo who sang several years with Jon Lord ( and never was able to do Child In Time as Gillan, which Jon Lord was very aware ) doeas a brilliant performing here. Just saw the movie but I got tired after Gethsemane since Ted Neely in the film falls so short when comparing with Ian Gillan from the album. The real hero in the film are Carl Andersson as Judas. Just plain fact!

[@josparkes9087]

Great voice, and it took a very special person to play this part and to sing this sacred song.

[@MWFENCOUNTERS]

AWESOME ....AWESOME PERFORMANCE BY STEVE BALSAMO..... "YES LORD NOT MY WILL BUT THY WILL BE DONE."

[@terrimccann3006]

Absolutely amazing performance!! Emotion, that voice,...all of it! WOW!!

[@rhiangriffiths132]

This is my favourite version of this song. This is the song that gave me goosebumps when I went to see him all those years ago and still now im sitting here watching him I’m getting the goosebumps. Those high notes and the performance blows me away. Every single time. ❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥.

[@craftytrout]

Truly awesome. The first time I ever heard JCS was the film with Ted Neely, who was fabulous, then I saw the video with Glenn Carter who was brilliant. But for me, Steve Balsamo is the best. He sings with passion, hits the top notes perfectly and with every video I've seen of him singing this song, he always has tears rolling down his face. Talk about realistic! Amazing!

[@felicitygilbert6102]

I can't listen to any other version of this song :P I like Ted's version, but man, Steve is outstanding. Doesn't miss a note.

[@MICHAELMYERS37]

Felicity Gilbert yes Neeley phonomial Steve is amazing but Ted wins in my book

[@haah1978]

look at his ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYaqqal9oa6KeNU

[@ljt172]

Oye la con atención, la versión de camilo Camilo cesto.. óen Español. Además uno de los mejores y Respetados cantantes de el habla hispana. Puesta en escena. Años 70s y 80. Hermoso también.

[@ljt172]

@@MICHAELMYERS37 é

[@franhab5539]

unbelievable. Rmember the very first time I saw him perform this on TV when the show was launching. burned into my mind.

[@mickaelroupie]

Wow! That's incredible! What a voice and what an actor! That's unique :)

[@thebrideinthemirror2030]

I'm not even religious but this musical is still one of my favourites

[@paolacolombini]

Once in a while I come back to this.... and I just love it!!! what a voice and expression in singing this fantastic song...BRAVO Steve!

[@jaimed.18]

For ever and ever one of my favorite live performances. Thank you very much, Steve, for this great gift.

[@laurasimo8549]

Breathless after watching this performance. A hugh embrace from a jazz singer. Barcelona

[@joroughton]

Moves me to tears every single time I hear it, even after all these years......

[@Gitte1]

it gives me the chills when he shouts "NOW" and the echo confirms it. just amazing.

[@francesjames8573]

Goosebumps . . . Beautiful! ❤️

[@coev2]

Everytime I see this performance I'm nailed to my chair, stunning, the tear running over his cheek gives me goosebumps.

[@dianavaldez3242]

Absolutely the best interpretation of this song. He is the best!!

[@JacquelinePavan]

Woao...Steve you can make anyone a believer with this performance...really.

[@superdresser]

I saw him performing in Jesus Christ Superstar in London.. One of the most amazing solo performances i have ever seen live on stage... A memory for life... I'll never forget it. Goosebums just thinking about it. And to discover this on youtube.... Puuh.. THANKS FOR POSTING!!

[@footbalwiz3707]

tbh gives me chills every single time I hear it.... totally amazing.

[@carolineantoni8504]

Jesus, it's been 2 days I can't stop watching this performance :O

[@saschahoupt6177]

Ha I get it Cause, Jesus

[@Sophy1965]

Such a powerful performance!! It took my breath away - you just feel the confusion of the Jesus the man. And when Steve hits those high notes, the world stops....xxxx

[@Mimaaafan]

There are just no words than can describe this performance!

[@ttbass897]

I find the Balsamo vs. Neeley thing interesting. In the age of video, we forget that these performances are meant for audiences of 800 or more. They were not meant to be seen up close. Tears do not make a good performance, unless they come from deep emotion and then it has to be differently expressed on stage. Well-thought out physicality is just as important. Both of these performers are amazing. Very different. I was on tour with Ted Neeley in the mid-90's and can say without a doubt that he felt things as deep as any actor I have ever watched/worked with. His interpretation may be more "aggressive", but the music AND lyrics lend themselves to it. The melody accentuates emotion and as an actor, you let it take you on a ride. Steve Balsamo has a more controlled approach, he shows more range. That also work brilliantly. This difference is also one of the biggest (stereotypical) between British and American performers. The best, like these two, have it all. Let them both be great.

[@hollywoodriotband2746]

Well put. Balsamo is my favorite Jesus, but Neely is right behind him for me. Both are great.

[@JuanPiVlok]

Both are awesome, different approach, but both great, for me this is one of the greatest deep touching music pieces ever wrote, kudos for webber. What did you do with Ted?

[@TinyTorah]

I completely agree with this analysis. When I sing this song, I try to mesh both performances. I mostly follow Steve's approach overall, but cut loose at certain parts with some more Neeley.

[@pollypockets508]

Thomas Tucker I'm just not as moved by this performance as Neelys. But to each their own.

[@tose917]

Thomas Tucker - Thank you!

[@martinpritchettmusic]

All I can say to this is..... Watch his performance in 1997 and then watch this from 2004. His vocal control, power has come on leaps and bounds. You can't even deny it, it is outstanding and who ever his vocal coach is needs a medal!

[@etnofolkgirl]

I love this permormance!

[@kzzxjy]

How have I just heard about this guy right now...omg that was amazing

[@DouglasJMark]

As much as I love Ted Neeley's version, I love Steve's the most. Thank-you for your gift.

[@goldenlockie]

when he cried i just fell apart, so much emotion from one man! it's almost insane

[@z0t1]

greatest performance OF ALL TIME

[@williamlowe145]

I only want to say, if there is a way. Steve please come back and do a few shows as Jesus Christ. Your performance in 2004 was electrifying.

[@tegid699]

Just stunning! on of the greatest vocal performances, great in every way ! you must be a big fan to go so many times. Incredible songwriting too.

[@heathercamball4691]

beautiful in tears

[@claudiapereyra]

Cantas bellísimo!!! Hermoso!!!

[@merrywivesofwindsor]

This is so powerful and so right - he does it perfectly. My favorite song, ever.

[@guega1]

wow...best perfomance..best voice...thanx for sharing...love it

[@renfordmalcolm]

Have watched and listened to this so many times - mesmerizing - the bargaining - the hopelessness - the depth of sadness and anger! Wow!

[@Mr.RodrigoGomez]

Amazing voice, truly amazing.