Ted Neeley - Farewell Tour Interview

[@reginabarrios296]

I don’t believe anyone could do what Ted has done for forty years, singing live in front of hundreds of people and still singing it the best as he can. Simply a legend!

[@Connnniedr]

he is one of our true wonders of the world... and a cherished man and performer... God Bless Ted Neeley!

[@ninnetta]

Connie Dellarusso i

[@B-ch6uk]

Hi Connie. I had a feeling I would see you here. This is your old friend Barbara Julian. Remember acting out this play in Fran's apartment? Too funny. Seems like a lifetime ago. Are you still in Everett? Hope everything's good with you. Take care.

[@shlbycindy1]

I saw Ted Neeley play this part in the 1970's. You cannot come away from it without feeling touched and in awe of his magnificent voice and stage presence. I am a Christian but even if you aren't this is well worth seeing. It's nice to know that in addition to being a wonderful actor and singer, he is also a nice person.

[@mczee2958]

I think it's amazing that even thought he is older now he still hits those amazing high screech notes SOO COOL!!! And I got the AMAZING pleasure of meeting him in person and he is so kind and humble. I LOVE TED NEELEY!!!

[@lisetremblay1806]

What a great singer !

[@RevBeckyB]

I think he is still touring actually. I saw him in Tampa 2 years ago in JCSS. So 2006 wasn't the last year. He keeps coming back and man does the guy still have it. You can hear the aging in his voice but all things considered he can still belt out a note better than most young performers nowadays. He is amazing

[@jeffreyslater3981]

When this movie came out in 73 my sister and i went to the movie theater for one week straight too watch it.

[@sjpw62]

Ted you have been in my life since 1973 and I have seen you in Calgary with my daughters. You are truly an inspiration :) My family and I watch the movie every Easter to reinstill our faith. Thank you.

[@sherylsmith6536]

Love this guys voice

[@WraithBait]

I just saw him perform tonight and it was amazing!!!

[@cijmo]

I saw this when I was 10. I was not, nor am I now Christian but this is my favourite musical ever. It grounds Jesus as a rabbi and the living example to lead us all. He never does answer the question whether or not he's the Son Of God, it's a personal issue that we all decide to believe or not. I love that.

[@elaine8013]

I was 13 the first time I saw the movie and it changed my life. Seen the play 27 times by different actors and each time it has touched me deeply

[@novaracr14]

Always incredible! After these many years I will always go when it's in town! Wonderful in Wichita (again)

[@gasmmusic]

Wonderful interview.

[@iHeartSantaFanta]

i saw him a few weeks ago! he was absolutely amazing!!

[@MrHevychevy]

I will tell you, Ted Neeley is, and acts exactly as one would think Christ would act, if you met him on the street. I have seen him in JCS many times, and after the show, would wait for autographs and pics. Ted would wait until every single person was accomodated, and he spent as much time as you needed with him, He is quite simply a humble, good human being.

[@karenpeel4156]

still got it and makes me get goose bumps THANK YOU

[@TheaterRaven]

@Tesssssuh Me, too. I met him after I saw him onstage and he was truly kind. He was very soft-spoken and just had this wonderful sense of calm peace about him. Brilliant actor, singer, and a lovely human being. He even gave me a hug! :) (I got some very strange looks the next day when I told people that I'd gotten a hug from Jesus :))

[@alot2me]

I NEVER get tired of this video...NEVER!!!!

[@jetergirl]

I saw him 3 times and he is just so amazing. I can't see anyone else play this role.

[@ronofontario]

Teds voice always sent chills up my spine. Truly a god.

[@rayelvistcb57]

Even though he was type cast after doing this role,I can tell he relishes every performance he has done. Being a Texan myself,he has made us so proud of his accomplishments playing the role that only people dream of. It's going to be hard to find a suitable replacement for him.God Bless Ted Neeley!

[@cosmiczamboni]

Ted, you have transcended religeon with your work. I appreciate what you've done, there could be no higher accomplishment. I was blessed to be able to see you at the Maxwell King Center in Melbourne, FL a couple of years ago. I waited many years, but I'm thankful I didn't wait too long. I wish you all the best!

[@WildPrettyBird1]

I was able to see him perform here in Knoxville, TN at the Tennessee Theater. He was so amazing to watch and listen to. No other words to describe my experience....just amazing!

[@cade1221]

I was VERY Blessed to met him and see him on the last time he played Jesus Christ Super star. It was AMAZING. Something I will never forget!

[@KosephMivyotlh]

I saw him tour in 1995 and again just last week. Amazing!

[@TheHManShow]

Seeing Ted perform this at that time must have been so special for all of them!

[@danielappleton5067]

+Harper Craven That would have been a giant red - letter day. He made Jesus very believable & human, whereas a lot of " passion plays " show him as a 1- dimensional cardboard cutout.

[@angelialvares]

How can he hit those high notes so perfectly at 60? It is just a miracle....so he must be so deeply loved by JC. Happy to know he will keep singing. In some ways his voice is just richer than ever and with maturity even more packed with intense emotion. Wish he would come to India.

[@jefolson6989]

And how did he STILL do it at 78!

[@OsvaldoUgalde]

God Bless Ted Neeley!, i'm from chile and i have to say his performance of Jesus change my view of religion, i really want to meet him someday and tell him how much it means to me everytime i watch the movie or his performances.

[@jkers10]

I just got to see him do this show last night. He was still amazing.

[@familypaladin]

I just saw him last Saturday in Riverside, California ... he still has it and we will miss him greatly when he stops performing.

[@rosina1975]

Saw him twice in Riverside this Easter weekend...he is still Amazing at 66! I hope he can continue for a few years yet....

[@valeriegordon3000]

I first saw the movie in the theatre in '73. I saw it a few times. Then I had the album, then the dvd. I was lucky enough to see Ted. Neely and Carl Anderson in the live production in Calgary. It was so amazing I got a single ticket for the next night. I worked road construction in the middle of nowhere as a flag person and since there was no one around I had my cassette player stereo and would play the tape and sing/dance to my hearts content. Even so many years later I still know the words to all the songs. Any bit of christian spirituality I have comes from this play...from the performances. I had to sit and watch all of them today again here and sing along. Even at 62 this is the top for me. (Camelot with Richard Harris is second and I saw him live in it as well.) No one will ever give the same goosebumps as the originals.

[@Lblu1181]

this is a great interview, and Ted Neely is right to say for some people his performance gives them a connection to Jesus. i was 12 years old when the movie came out and was shocked at how human his portrayl was, and immediately got why Jesus was so special and important. Ted Neely made a difference in my life that day, and i my whole family felt the same. our best times seeing JCSS was when he was in it. he's made a difference in our world, and for countless others. he's the best!

[@jeffperez5319]

One of music's underrated vocalist. He is surely up there with the icons and pure vocalist like Joe Cocker, Freddie Mercury, Ann Wilson, Elton John... Musical greatness in this humble man!!

[@CoyoteSevenFL]

Ted Neely has portrayed Jesus Christ for over 40 years and has done so with all his heart and soul. I believe his reward will be to meet the One he has portrayed and The Savior's words will be, "Thank you, well done my child".

[@Luisa8783]

I saw him on 12th October in Verona , Italy, in a wonderful performance on the Arena. It was amazing . We were all old fans of the movie and we loved the show very much! I'm sure he felt our feelings...

[@creaturanoctis]

He seems one of the sweetest persons alive on this planet:) I loved him in JCS and he was quite a cutie too then! Actually he's still a cutey; just some years older;) It's great he's still performing, still singing those high notes and loving what he does. Would love to get one of his famous bear-hugs sometime;) Go Ted!

[@pinkydogbear]

that was really moving, i saw the movie, he is so excellent!

[@sassysizzle]

I wouldn't be surprised if God called him home during a performance! Very touching interview and glad to know he's a brother in the Lord.

[@JPaulHawthorne]

Great interview!

[@patarikisoterion9899]

Love this guy!!

[@armegaz]

Love his performance at the movie and still rocks as jesus

[@Del-Canada]

I saw JCS in 95, and It was THE best live performance I have ever seen, bar none. I was totally blown away. I had seen the movie a few years before and became an instant fan and watched it over and over. I know the script verbatim. Amazing performer. I wish I could have had the chance to see Carl Anderson at some point as well. RiP Carl Anderson.

[@yowife]

saw him last night. blessed by this role has portrayed flawlessly all these years! \o/

[@lestatchild1]

i was baptized after I saw this rock opera, I went on to see Ted 3 xs and then I saw Steve in London. BOTH wonderful, but TED has portrayed this with utmost dedication.

[@DEADAGONE]

i just got back from this play it was amazing

[@staffordrh2]

I'm a 56 year old man who started his walk and journey with Christ back in 1969. I recieved an 8 track tape of "Jesus Christ Super Star" for my 13th birthday. It soon became my favorite of all my tapes or LP albums. It is written in Isaiah 55:11, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it". My spiritual eye were opened to see Christ is a real man. †

[@ScuddyGuitarsThings]

I wish they'd do a DVD.. being in Australia I obviously won't get a chance to see it.

[@rubiconmaster]

Same here at the Gallo in Modesto, he was amazing. Could have watched it all day.

[@thewrighttime1]

I am Blessed to call Ted Neeley a friend. V

[@tracyhall9560]

tom wright wow, x

[@evebil123]

I've got the DVD of JCS and We're performing it in my Drama group! Makes me cry every time!!! x

[@jimcassidy2941]

Never ceased to amaze me how this play and soundtrack were interpreted.I loved that for the first time in my memory I got to see a different interpretation of the story of Jesus.Rember talking to my mom-a devout catholic and Christian and having great conversations with her about JCS.She didn't like certain aspects of the play or the movie but never condemned it outright.And unlike some people of her generation,she took the time to actually watch the movie

[@calamari.jaksun8914]

I would love to meet this man before I die...too bad I can't meet Carl Anderson... (R.I.P Carl)

[@libertygiveme1987]

What a GREAT GUY!!!! Can you IMAGINE playing Jesus night after night?! It would HAVE to deepen your Faith!!!!

[@QtdiamonD]

Cant wait to see him live in the netherlands

[@PreciousEarthquakes2]

And 4 years later they are STILL going!!!!! HE is still going!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SuperTubbyTuba]

We are Jesus. We are the one Son of God. Thank you, Ted, for the reminder.

[@PhantomDrums917]

God Bless Him, he's still hitting the money notes. WOW!!!! Today's singers could take some creative notes from him. Keep on rockin' Ted!!

[@sergiocuevas5781]

Crecí cantando con el ...es la mayor obra musical jamás creada...me conformo con que mi hijo vio la puesta en escena en vivo en Pittsburgh en los estados unidos..grande maestros..mi hijo y tu tedd.

[@williamboynton3335]

Well stated. I was praying, and I asked Jesus about when he would return to Earth. Jesus spoke to me and said "Not for a while. Ted's got me covered for now"!! :o)

[@Schlotzinger]

This "Get out" is unbelievable. Thanks, Ted. I've been loving JCSuperstar my whole life. It was so much different to boring services and conservative official christians...

[@robbaxter60]

As an atheist I take a lot of flak. However being an atheist who loves this musical wow do I get it. It bugs me when people tell me that I can't enjoy this music if I'm not a believer. Isn't music one of the few universal things that no matter what anyone believes in they can enjoy it? I would hope so. Keep enjoying the music all. Just a rant from a music fan.

[@daveradstock7507]

+Rob Baxter I too am an atheist, and I love this show, I even performed the part of Pontius Pilate in our school production of Jesus Christ Superstar many years ago, what many believers don't seem to understand, is that we, in our position of atheism probably understand the bible and scriptures even more than they might do, it is as you say, music is a universal medium, and does not attach itself to religious belief or otherwise, I take many things from it, religious, political, artistic and musical, continue enjoying this great show.

[@jasyliefie]

+Rob Baxter Its funny if people tell you that you can't enjoy it if you're not a believer considering christians called JCS blasfemie at first. I think everyone should be able to enjoy the music because it is great. Oh I met Ted Neeley yesterday YAAAAAAY just wanted to let the world know because it's so awesome!

[@AndyMangele]

Get a lot of flak? Certainly not from me! :)

[@jennymosca2178]

Rob Baxter u can..the great part about this musical is that he was just man..who wanted to help the poor...lonely..etc.and he believed in hope..he was murdered..but he did live..he never said he could heel..like rumors spread to scare others to turn against him..look Kennedy..Lincoln..king..all were good men..and murderd..because of there goodness..I believe in something..but I do no for sure he was just a man..trying to change the world..and those in power did not like it..so he was murdered...so sad..I know he had to be scared..he died for his cause..for peace and love..and so for that He's remembered..so as the atheist u r..u can't take that away from him...he was a kind man..just a man..

[@goat8477]

Hey Rob, enjoy away, my brother. I am a Christian, and not one of the narrow, fearful ones. Music can transport things that words can not. Glad you like it.

[@MrsJakas]

Ted Neeley is the ONLY person I have ever sent a fan letter to! After I saw Jesus Christ Superstar when I was 11 years old. He's amazing!

[@coni208]

This is the movie that gave me the thirst for more..... LOVE IT, the movie and the Bible!!! xox

[@dgm01994]

I grew up with this movie. I'm almost 19 and this was my childhood. At eight years old I would always say to my aunt who met Ted in 1999 to crop me in the picture. My time came when JCS played in DE I met Ted Neeley 10/26/2006 at the age of twelve and will be seeing his band play in DE on 3/17/2013. It would be an honour to meet Ted once again, this time as a young adult

[@spiderloco97ecc47]

daniii mhmm that is good

[@Melmar-q3y]

Love him❤ bless him and his family

[@angelanne4950]

Keep going Ted, Heavenly Father is somewhat pleased. Youve done well, by brining people to JESUS.

[@mczee2958]

I got to meet him and he is the sweetes man EVER!!!

[@MrHevychevy]

You hit the nail on the head!

[@siameseeydie]

Oh come on Ted. You are Jesus Christ.. Only teasing. No No No retirement for Mr. Neeley. He is a beautiful man so needed in a world of chaos. Glad you recanted the 2006 farewell tour.

[@knoxvilleguy2]

This guy sounds so sincere & real & likeable. I've seen the movie version & liked it. I'd like to see a good version on stage.

[@leewilson2140]

Love ya Ted!!

[@xOxLexyBabexOx]

he is so amazing. I would LOVE to see him live! But of course, I've already given up. its impossible xD Anyway, all my life i've loved this musical, and all my life i've loved how Ted Neely performs in it. He brings such a depth to the character that, at least how i see it, we can actually understand better what Jesus went through. Im not so religious, but this is too deep to ignore.

[@bigredc0uch]

mixed voice at its finest. he is amazing

[@djroxanne4429]

its hard to see my friend struggle with the high notes.. but i cant see anyone else in it ive sen the movie w/ my sisters when i was 4 i asked Ted about how i didnt see him get back on the bus and it made me cry because his friends left him h]there i was 4, and we got to talking aobut what else is at the end of the movie,, love you Ted you swet sweet man!!

[@patriziazucchetto2492]

Wonderful!!!!!!!

[@erickcarlson8902]

Teddy started as Claude Hooper Bukowski in HAIR at the Aquarius theatre in LA, and his rendition of "Manchester, England" should not be forgotten either. Funny he's played Jesus longer than Jesus lived!! LOL. God love you man. I certainly did.

[@JDvorak2009]

I wonder if Ted hurts his vocal chords when he sings those high notes? WOW! what a voice!

[@cerealbowls]

@byecrikey I am happy to see someone else see it my way alittle. I am too am an Atheist and Jesus Christ Superstar has been my all time favorite movie for more than 20 years. Forgetting religion, one can just simply appreciate and be in awe of the talent of these singers/actors. When they sing, their passion made me get the goose bumps. I did see Carl and Ted 20 years later in San Diego, Ca at a play before Carl died.

[@Caireboo]

@JCS954 Ohhhh how wonderful it would be if he came to the UK. There must be an immense audience for him and the show here. Let me know if you have any success reaching him. Good luck x

[@BearHogan]

I also saw him in Riverside in April, 2010 at a Saturday matinee and the dude nailed it ..

[@ТамирисАбишева-ъ7ж]

шикарный вокалллл!!!!!

[@TheaterRaven]

"And when your wife tells you to take the garbage out?" "Oh, I take it!" Am I the only one who would love to see that? Ted in his Jesus robe just walkin' down the street with a garbage bag. Or him in the robe "having fun playing a Jack Nicholson role". :) Seriously, though, this was a great interview. I've seen Ted twice in the touring production (and met him after one performance) and he was fantastic. He still sings amazingly and is a wonderfully kind person. Thanks for posting this.

[@theairdog7]

you are wonderful, Ted.

[@lucillemontague1112]

Ted is blessed with so much talent. He rocks even now. He made me look at my beliefs in a new way. I'm not too sure about many things but I'm sure about him and his performance. Could he be Jesus?

[@TheHManShow]

While Ian Gillan set the course for every Jesus to come Ted will always be my favorite because in my opinion he has the most emotion in his voice than other people who have played Jesus

[@daneschmidt3706]

I encourage you to take a look at the Arena Tour with Ben Forster as Jesus! The words I can use to describe his performance is dynamic and passionate. Just as Neely’s performance set the bar for the first 40 years of JCS, it’s much more common to see a production follow in the footsteps of the Arena tour now, setting the show in the modern day with often political undertones

[@cerealbowls]

I was born in 1968 & watched Jesus Christ Superstar in the theater. My mom was sensitive enough to remind me that it was "ketchup" when Ted was whipped in the scenes. Years later in my teen years, I had to get the records and memorize all lyrics because they were that good. Having VHS come out was wonderful because I could watch the passion when these talented singers did there thing! I am an Atheist and I can't get enough of the CD, DVD, ETC........

[@rockytopva]

5 Stars. My favorite actor of Jesus.

[@SpankRamen2]

Does it seem like he sings as he talks? His speaking voice has a melody to it.

[@Geminisayless30]

omg i want to meet him soooooooooooo bad

[@marymorris4920]

Ted is mortal with a great high range. Jeffrey Hunter was an actor, combine both.wow. thanks. Enjoy the journey everyone.

[@puregraffiti1]

I saw him on this in Montreal

[@insanemistosingsmore]

@iHeartSantaFanta YOU ARE SO LUCKY, I'VE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO WATCH THE MOVIE...NEVER SEEN IT LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@DaedrinMolkre]

He is completely right. I am not a Christian, however I hold respect for them. Watching this and seeing Jesus as a man and not all the stories I hear about (which is a big part of the story of JCSS, that these stories are becoming more important than his real message.) just makes it infinity more enjoyable for me to make my own descisions about it.

[@colette17041]

I love his version of Gethsemane BEST !!!!

[@MaggieOrzechowski]

I understand Antonio. But I do believe and have all of my life. You will always be in my prayers my friend. Maggie.

[@phantomyshkin]

Watch the movie from 1973. One of the best movies ever, IMO.

[@cubsrule7648]

i love the voice of the girl who's playing mary magdelene in the clip in the video! :D

[@carlosscuyugan2575]

He is ordained to play this role in his lifetime.

[@creaturanoctis]

Has he actually ever been to Europe for this play? I would love to see him here, in JCS or well, any other role:) Please Ted, come to Holland sometime or somewhere around this neighbourhood. It would be so cool:) Love the Texan accent by the way. Never thought i would ever say that, but Ted makes it sound like music somehow:)