Steve Balsamo - Gethsemane - Laurence Olivier Awards 1997

I was suprised to find this wasn't on You Tube, so here it is.
1997 Laurence Olivier Theatre Awards clip
Steve Balsamo sings Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar

[@giacomofizzano]

I've seen comments complaining about his lack of passion. This is an extremely tame performance because he was performing at an awards show, not a full performance. There's no need. There's something "performances at ahoy" or something like that. If you search him in gethsemane, that's likely to be one of the first to show up. He really gets into it, and he actually shows off his range much better. This is just like a smaller tame performance.

[@spacebum]

Musicals in Ahoy concert. If you want passion that performance is the most passionate one I’ve ever seen. He’s so into it he’s crying at one point.

[@chelsearoses22]

Not to mention his face and expressions and tears, says it all and gives it all

[@AlTavers]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aV7Vo5iVd72reZI

[@OrionCorsari]

Dearest Giacomo- you are entirely correct. His performance is affected by context and not a lack of emotion or commitment.

[@Lisa_M_V]

Yes I watched him on stage amazing performer too much passion 😂

[@184lisa]

He´s always crying, when he´s singing this song...It´s beautiful!!!

[@Ясный-ч5й]

Я - тоже! :))) Привет с Украины!

[@danielf677]

Me too… 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇺🇸🇺🇦

[@CarolineCousins]

Everytime I'm in tears with this performance. It smashes my heart wide open. It's not just the amazing music and arrangement. It's the delivery of someone capable of taking a harmonic composition and raising it to the next level of vibration and reaching into your heart and grabbing it unapologetically, screaming "hear this" on so many levels. I'm truly in awe. ❤

[@OrionCorsari]

Emotion in his voice is superb. He convinced me he is Jesus. Bravissimo!

[@arlynalvior-guese4692]

His version is the best I’ve heard so far. His falsetto is great. He does not sound screaming like the rest. And the way he sustains his notes whewwww... thanks for sharing this talent.

[@BulletsBitch13]

I agree.... saw the show in Toronto Canada many years ago at a dinner theater. It was amazing

[@EricNeuls]

his falsetto is the gold standard lol its just so pure.

[@devilsadvocate2548]

You should also watch John Farnham (affectionately known as 'The Voice' for those who haven't heard of him) do it. He hits pretty much all those notes without having to use a falsetto and could hit a G5 (sans falsetto) all day, every day! He has close to a 3 octave range and can do it comfortably and continually whilst still being able to instantaneously bring it down to 'tender' with no signs of vocal strain after singing with such power that he moves his microphone to below chest level and almost to his navel at times. Plus, regarding the 'screaming', don't forget that; 1. JCS is a 'rock' opera, so 'screaming', or a belt is not 'unreasonable', 2. In the context of the song and what it is trying to convey with everything Jesus would be going through at that moment with the conflict and emotions etc, 'screaming' or belting would not be unreasonable, especially in a 'rock opera'. In fact, some artists are talented enough to still have control and be able to add vibrato, grit and distortion then immediately cease those additions to aid with conveying the emotion of the moment to that 'screaming'/belt. (See my example above) Having said all this, at the end of the day, music is such a 'personal' and 'individual' experience to people and we 'like what we like'. No one is really wrong in their interpretation of an artists performance. :-)

[@queent3343]

@@devilsadvocate2548 Not sure this is falsetto. He has a 3 1/2 octave voice. Listen to him sing here kzbin.info/www/bejne/d32xkmppaZ2fj6M and here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn3Ke56tmdmXpq8

[@Kronida]

That's not a falsetto, is his head voice, that's why it sounds so clear and powerful, its a different technique, kind of "operatic", not exactly, but kind of. Hope I transmit the correct idea of what I mean.

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Outstanding. This version had me in tears. Such emotion. And what a powerful voice. Steve is a fantastic singer songwriter too. A very talented man. Proud that he lives in Wales. 🙏♥️

[@missymani]

What is so magical about this performance is that he fully into character, he done't seem to care about the stage or the public, he is just singing his heart out: not for the show or the sake or entertainment he truly believes what he is singing in that moment.

[@crazyorganist1609]

I agree yii

[@sarahpotts1200]

Does he?

[@KideoTime]

His enunciation is so clear.

[@Kronida]

I totally loved this performance!!! every single and little part was just perfect! He's an IDOL. What a great voice and vocal range, what a great vocal technique! from a classical singing (lyric tenor) to a rock voice, he's awesome!

[@andreascaife9504]

I saw him live back in the day and he was absolutely fantastic 👏 best theatre production I have seen, ever!

[@sarahgee4413]

I saw him perform this … he was incredible

[@FyrntyYT]

This is his song 100%, it's almost like Colm Wilkinson with "Bring Him Home", everything is just so on point when Steve Balsamo sings this song.

[@conwythemilkman298]

Long hair, that high note, Steve would make a baller power metal singer.

[@juniorbalsamo6247]

my dad

[@JimmyLeeVanDePutte]

You should be PROUD! OUT LOUD!

[@bonniewigand2671]

awesome

[@NARKISDUDE]

...is awesome

[@SHC87]

He has an amazing voice.

[@RachelXKnight666]

He sings this song the best I have heard it performed it

[@Lillian2167]

No emotion? Are you blind? He's has tears streaming from his eyes for God's sake! (no pun intended btw)

[@florencereianelouricevilla7272]

I'm here because of Ted Neeley's Version

[@ghostpuppet31]

So incredible. those vocals are perfect ..this was an operatic performance at a black tie gala ..to those that cant figure out why he isn't dancing around.

[@IanOkamoto]

Fantastic performance from a fantastic performer. His vocal range is inspiring and the way he is so in character is just phenomenal! I want to hear much more from him.

[@Abby-km6vr]

Out of all the people I’ve heard who use the falsetto method of hitting the high notes, I like Balsamo’s the most. He’s on pitch, holds the note out for a long time, and his vibrato is even. He sounds like he actually has control of the note, unlike other singers.

[@jasonpill179]

I agree and I prefer the version with falsetto in it. Steve sings it brilliantly!

[@RachelXKnight666]

His version is my favorite and I have heard a lot of them lol

[@DHeatherC]

What a voice...power and depth...what a beautiful listen..

[@AlanPotter]

Wow... just wow. Amazing performance!

[@kaliman1959ify]

Undiscribable. Beyond compare. A GENIUS vocal performance,

[@jorg1206]

Astonishingly good, even at that young age! He's still fantastic nowadays. "This guy is not Ted"....well thank God for that! So versatile in everything he does, brilliant voice and a lovely, humble, inspiring person too. Just perfect for the role of Christ....Gotta love Steve Balsamo

[@oliviagarcia4906]

Todos cantan exelentes

[@dp-mo5jh]

jorg1206 I was 19 when this came out and on tour in the UK with my first show. This absolutely blew my socks off when I saw it. How does he cry without it affecting his voice? Unbelievable ✌🏾💯

[@franktranks9445]

I don't get all the hype about Ted Neeley. He isn't that good compared to many other Jesuses I've heard.

[@disney4real]

@@franktranks9445 Agreed!

[@katpage9378]

@@franktranks9445 Seriously? Give 3 examples that are better. Out of the ones I’ve heard, Ted has most emotion and beautiful variation in his vocal tendencies

[@feelie75]

love the tears on his cheek. puts me right there with him in his mind because I feel the same way singing this.

[@SotonGal]

Just superb! Gives me goosebumps every time I hear Steve sing this - the best ever in my opinion.

[@RachelXKnight666]

Mary Sheridan I agree with you fully

[@brutusbyforce4715]

For those saying Neeley is better you have to remember most of the videos I've seen of Neeley doing this are from the actual show where he's in character and the crowd(and cast) is in it too. This guy is singing 1 song at an awards show where the people are stuffing their faces. This version is damn good.

[@BobsArtGallery]

A superb voice and cover...

[@Squirble]

And here is the man who was once thrown out of a school choir because 'he could not sing' - what a wonderful way of saying 'up yours!' to certain people. Lovely long hair too ... most dashing,

[@OrionCorsari]

And the tear at the end - mother of God what a talent!

[@kendr1320]

he can't sing this without tears.... his and mine.....thanks

[@annacabe9644]

Oh my! I just had to see this performance of Steve Balsamo. Thank you for posting this. He blew me away with his performance at Ahoy in 2004 via YT. But this was seven years earlier. He does seem held back by the suit & tie event, and yet the emotions of the song are so intensely sung. Wow, those tears couldn't be helped as I also cried watching him sing it. Such a powerful, powerful song and his rendition is just as powerful. I know this rock musical by heart, listening to Ian Gillan & the original cast over and over on my father's 2 LP record when I was a teenager, and watching Ted Neely's version in the movie. And yet. Oh my gosh... Bravo, Steve! Your Gethsemane is the best I've ever heard and experienced, especially the one at Ahoy. Wish I could see you perform it live.

[@mariannecalnan6782]

My favourite version of this song, hands down!

[@MaiSYumul]

Beautiful, it made me cry a river.

[@missmiley78]

Wow amazing performance from Steve he was the best jesus in jesus christ superstar I love him he's got one amazing talented voice well done Steve congrats wish I was there to watch him watch him all day I don't think anyone can top hid performance cause he's the only one who can sing so brilliantly

[@Mimaaafan]

This is absolutely phenomenal! Out of this world!

[@kellylouisebrown4954]

Goosebumps, amazing!😮🎶🎤

[@williammazur3099]

The ultimate Jesus. He took West end by storm. I was blown away by him

[@rhianrhian1993]

Wow amazing...I saw genuine tears here, what a brilliant performer.

[@SJmystic]

So powerful. So moving. Incredible talent. Incredible performance. You can see tears on his cheeks from the emotion of it. Wow

[@thomasquinn3425]

FANTASTIC!!!! I've been looking on KZbin for this for ages, thanks for the great posting.

[@sweetgeorgia70]

When a great actor and a great role meet... A great moment in time.

[@estuans0interius]

This is my favorite performance of Gethsemane... so much emotion.. so much talent... Love it.

[@chrispytelomeres9863]

Young steve kills them notes. Simply amazing.

[@WiiLoveMiyamoto]

Thanks for posting this video!! Travelled to London to see this man in JCS and, as you all can see, it was WELL worth is!!! Greetings from The Netherlands

[@leiwolf27]

Bloody hell the emotion, love this guy

[@peneleapai]

Thank you so much for sharing 🙏🏾 How can one not simply fall in deep and reverent *love* with such a soul?

[@Channel450]

OH MY GOD!! When he screams "why should i die" listen to the amazingly beautiful notes after the first scream!!!!1 GAD

[@MrGrungefuttock]

Neeley, Gillian were great, i love them both, and i REALLY love Ted, theyre all diferent and everybody will always have their favourites, but as a vocal, nothing else, this is pure and simple without equal. The purity of his voice is so rare and he is for my money the singer of his generation, anywhere on the planet !

[@pong2kang]

He is absolutely awesome! Thanks for sharing this video with us.

[@Gleo2010]

Absolutely stunning.

[@Svitlanaa]

Main difference is that this guy has a classical/musical type of voice, and Ted actually has a classical-rock type of voice.

[@beaed9296]

What a shame there is no DVD of the 1996 show. I would love to see the whole show. Steve is the best.

[@RoonJazz]

Saw Steve as the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar, along with Zubin Varla as Judas and Joanna Ampil as Mary. The greatest cast EVER. x

[@susankeefer5981]

OMG that was a true Rock Opera performance. WOW! 🤯

[@bitchoflivingblah]

A stunning performance, literally taking your breath away, and 20 years on still with the power to amaze.

[@paullacroix4353]

Mind blower of a performance. Thanks for that. Greatly appreciated here.

[@kaddourM]

Angel voice something out of this world sounds through his voice beautiful

[@lyndaleoliver-musto23]

I don't understand why people always have to compare the different versions of this. If something is good, it is good. It doesn't become less good because someone else sang it differently or better. To say "I prefer..." is fair enough but saying "x is better" means that you are always labelling the other as a loser. This is an incredibly difficult song to sing, whatever the style. As somebody pointed out, JCS is a "rock opera". Although they were posting to suggest it should be more rock, that description would actually suggest that it is perfectly acceptable to sing this with a rock style OR a more operatic/musical style.

[@beanysmudgesmum6449]

I agree. I've heard many versions of this, right back to the original which I had on an LP, and all those have been different but all have been powerful and emotional. My personal favourite is probably Michael Crawford - I just love the man; his voice gives me goosebumps - but this verision is equally beautiful in a different way, and I would happily listen to either of them at any time.

[@jacobmccain8794]

Agreed and well said

[@aeontranscendentalobjectat1887]

Best version is by om

[@hayden4093]

I agree that each person brings a new element to the song and should be respected and recognized for that, but a person can in fact change the quality of the song, and frequently people that have the wrong kind of voice for a song will attempt to sing the wrong song for their voice.

[@Drakonianhell]

his voice is beautiful, a precious gift from God

[@crazyorganist1609]

Not God, proper training

[@peakyblinder8244]

The emotion he portrays is brilliant.

[@giggione71]

He cries at every performance of this song at that point. He is simply a good actor.

[@mereteisaksen7698]

What a voice he is just amazing

[@tapwater5480]

This was absolutely beautiful. It brought me to tears. I'd love to see his whole performance. Ted is great but Steve has put so much passion into his rendition. And, as stated this wasn't even in character during the play but at an awards show. His rendition is so spot on, plus he's very good looking and I'd love to feel his beautiful hair! I'm on a hunt for more!

[@clivesangster7274]

What a voice.

[@MsTanjaMarieJane]

I love the tear in his eye near the end.

[@Anwell100]

Thank you so much for posting.His voice is amazing

[@ryukyuboy]

Such a powerful voice sung with ease.

[@evacoulouri1322]

He have passion and he is in straight position....he singing with his soul much difficult i think he is great signer....the best for this song....

[@brookehaden8078]

I am so blown away, what a performance wow wow beautiful

[@Poppaea6]

His falsetto is amazing...!

[@robertoignacio4054]

great voice

[@lola12falana]

Wow. He held that high note!

[@jesussocias9093]

Simplemente perfecto! Me ha llegado al corazon!

[@jamiegoddard562]

Has me in tears im not christian but steves version of jesus the fear anger and vunerability breaks my heart if this doesnt move you you have no soul

[@jkrfan7]

He was crying?! Goosebumps...

[@peterfrancis01]

fantastic steve

[@marti120]

finally a good quality version of this.....

[@ritadelitta424]

So much passion ,,,,,,,awesome,,,,,,,,

[@MrGrungefuttock]

Oh and another thing, this version was obviously tailored to suit the audience and the tv cameras, but if you ever got to see him do this in JCSS, his acting brings a whole new dimension to it, raw, emotive, moving ad is on a differet level again from this one. Ok , ta for listening

[@Tinkerbell5046]

best ever, i saw him do it live every night, and when in show he was amazing, no one to compare to him, and Zubin as Judas was stunning too

[@AllGreyEverything]

He sounds like a pure, dignified angel and I think its a weird fit for the overall sentiment of the song and feel of the show.

[@pamf.3290]

Lyndale Oliver-Musto Totally agree with you. However, I must admit I had searched for ages to find this guy, ? Name? Finally, one day stumbled onto Steve Balsamo, as I remembered seeing somebody sing this and so sincerely and openly cry. The one thing that I love about Steve Balsamo is that in character, even just the outfit, the "Musical Ahoy " version or here in a dinner suit, no outfit, arm gestures, kneeling , you just really believe he's living it each time, as the tears roll down his face in the last verse. It's electrifying to me.❤ But each singer gives their own special flavour to it. 😎

[@ShiyoDiaz]

Mayo 15/2021: viendo por enésima vez esta maravillosa interpretación.♥️♥️♥️

[@Madmen604]

I like this voice the best.

[@omargomez7573]

Ante un público tan selecto...lo hace muy bien...Bravo.Bravisimo.!!!/

[@MyBiddie]

Still my favourite

[@TLKthing3]

@Heyerkat I'm a solid bass-singer. But I can do these high notes on falsetto too, a lot of people can. But it's fairly hard to do it the way Steve does it. And true, this song can't be rated by just the high notes, Steve is one of the best performers of this song.

[@noemibarrios931]

Beautiful I like both singers Neely and this one.

[@usairways06]

Thank you for posting! One of the surprisingly great Jesus ever. Very moving;I'd love to see him do this in a performance of JCSS.

[@claudiapereyra]

Es un Bálsamo realmente para mi alma ! Que hermosa voz!!!

[@patriciabarronsalazar8365]

Que interpretación!!! Sus agudos llegarán al cielo, no me cabe la menor duda por ese talento Dios se se lo regaló

[@cellytron]

Lol, "I could do that, if I only had the talent!" Amazing performance.

[@aliciabarros943]

Muchas gracias, fenomenal interpretación.. estremecedor!!🙌🙌🙌🙌🙏🏻👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@charleneklimekbaer6072]

Very impressive.

[@babyschafxy]

One of the best but in my opinion THE best Jesus we had so far.

[@lauradellarciprete4269]

Amazing . It brought me go tears.

[@adorakraynik2943]

We've all seen his 2004 version from Holland right? That's WAY better than this one. I feel like they told him to hold back on the power notes because of the crowd he was performing for. Because for those of us that have seen the 2004 version, we know how he REALLY sings this.

[@novellabi4242]

+Jake Kraynik That's good to know because I was thinking there was lack of interpretation, thanks.

[@MICHAELMYERS37]

bravo this song always makes me cry like a baby , yr phenomenal

[@orion8835]

Balsamo gave an excellent warm and very moving perfomance. This perf really is great. It is more legit than the rock and 70's tonal reedy completeness of Neeley's, however this is a great work/rendition to be revered. One can only imagine how awesome he was in the run with sets, costume, acting freedom and yes, without the dinner jacket and dinner theater award audience holding him back!

[@Tribonaut]

well those tears are so real to evoke emotions you get from actual singing, surely lip sync wont have the same effect

[@thebrothersold]

regardless of the song , when a someone is in tears at the end of a performance, they clearly put there all into it. for me this was fantastic.