Day 2 - John Farnham : Ian Gillan : Jesus Christ Superstar - Christmas Reaction

12 Days of Christmas - Day 2. Here it is, one of the finest vocalists with a performance from Jesus Christ Superstar. Amazing Bonus video to follow
#JohnFarnham #iangillan #JesusChristSuperstar #Gethsemane #12daysofchristmas #Reaction #ReactionVideos #Thamesmen
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[@stephenmietz4562]

Farnham is clearly having an emotional discussion with God , where as Gillan is singing the song , and their lies the difference . Interpretation is the key and Farnham kills it

[@beresfordthompson1370]

Ian did a great job with this song, but John is on another level. John is the greatest, most versatile, agile vocalist of all time. The passion and emotion he puts into this and every performance he does is just epic.

[@rickandersen2284]

The reason I put John at No 1 is that he has about 6 modes. There are singers who can match him in any one of those modes but none who can match him in all of them. And it's not a case of him being great in 3 and good in 3...he's great in all 6.

[@kevintopliff4995]

Christmas Eve watching the Thamesmen 7pm by the pool with a pre-dinner drink, sun out, sky blue - and to top it off - the brilliant John Farnham (Get Well John!)

[@Laraine3]

Yeah, it doesn’t get much better than that. 🙂

[@TheThamesmen]

Wow. That sounds amazing. I wish I was with you. Cheers Alex.

[@jayjayjase9796]

Sitting here on Christmas night...25 degrees at 10:30 pm...belly full of food and beer...watching this...life is good...Merry Christmas guys

[@TheThamesmen]

@@jayjayjase9796 sounds great! Happy Christmas

[@micheleallen]

I am a die hard John Farnham fan but I thought both were brilliant. Both the best of their era. Merry Christmas from Australia. Love your reactions.

[@TheThamesmen]

Be well and happy Xmas

[@bonoroo5313]

I always thought Ian was the G.O.A.T. then I heard John, wow, it was the passion that was the difference.

[@carbine5378]

Not just the passion, John’s range is far superior.

[@westy4973]

Can't imagine Farnesy being anywhere but number one! It better be Jesus himself otherwise Farnesy got robbed!! 😉

[@MonstaAU]

The Nightwish Army is probably going to celebrate tomorrow. This was still great.

[@TheThamesmen]

Shhhhh

[@Spankedchicken]

Gillan was great. Farnham was spectacular.

[@annepavlidis7620]

Both are great...John's voice has always moved me. Saw him perform in all his concerts in Melbourne. So I am biased. This is even more poignant when you realise that John will likely never sing again. The jaw silenced the voice. So I write this with tears and prayers for his recovery.

[@RolandDeschain1]

John Farnham absolutely smokes anyone else who has played that role. There's videos comparing Farnham to John Legend, and John Legend looks like weak sauce. It's embarrassing.

[@chich61]

John always puts so much emotion into his songs. A truly, amazing man with a beautiful voice. Get well John, Australia is proud of you and loves you like no other ❤ I had the privilege of growing up with his songs. ❤

[@AussieDubesor-ns4gs]

Just news today, 4:01 John has been given the news he is cancer free. He wanted pizza, because he can. And it was said he’s been singing around the house. 👏👏

[@TheThamesmen]

Great news. Thanks for sharing😀

[@AussieDubesor-ns4gs]

@@TheThamesmen thought you’d like to know. He’s a national treasure in Australia 🇦🇺

[@shenoashbay1361]

John Legend also sang this , but Farnham still sounds the best, he just has such a powerful voice that he can just manoeuvre his vocals around anything.

[@rosmeeker1964]

The Australian production wins. The arrangement. The band. Farnham. The set. The costume. The stage. The production. The direction. Granted it came later and more than likely had a much larger budget. I saw the Trevor White/ John English/ Marcia Hines line up in Sydney. Farnham's rendition also wins against White but...John English was a great Judas. Gillan sang it well enough. I'm certain the performance translated well to vinyl. Farnham owned the role. Acting and singing. It was the package.

[@scifimonkey3]

Lets have a small round of applause for Webber and Rice who take a lot of flack for their musicals but were inspired in the writing of this amazing song. John and Ian are amazing but they are delivering on brilliant material.

[@alphaomega7191]

I think Webber gets more flak than Rice - Webber's stuff post Rice can be a bit bloated and pretentious but stuff like Jesus Christ Superstar and Jospeh and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat actually still stand up really well all these years later.

[@MikeBobpokie]

Actually boys , us Aussies grew up with Trevor White as Jesus. A tragic figure in Aussie rock. John farnhams jc production was less a stage show than the songs sung from the show . I love John, but I absolutely enjoyed Ian's performance more. If u feel inclined to check the original JC from Australia, possibly the best Judas (John English) Heaven on my mind is worth a listen. Cheers and merry Xmas

[@addienaacrew8030]

Nice one gentlemen, first time hearing both of them and I would say they are equally best in their own way… bravo 👏👏

[@janwatson7981]

There’s no need to compare the 2 versions,both are great ,and different. We are so lucky to be able to have both to listen to.

[@notanotherenigma7759]

No doubt, the more modern backing on John's version was awesome, both both singers bought talent, dedication and guts!! Great reaction.

[@J97711]

Gobstoppingly beautiful!! John Farnham is a very anointed vocalist!! God Bless him through what he is going through right now

[@TheThamesmen]

We hear he is on the mend.

[@AussieDebb]

John is the GOAT. His passion and dedication to his craft are just incredible!! John can add so much emotion and he can add those throaty gritty changes to his voice where it most suits so well. Both are great but I think Johns is much more passionate. ❤

[@TheThamesmen]

Wise words!!!

[@FionaEm]

Alex, don't worry, I welled up for you! Doesn't matter how many times I watch Farnham here, his power, range and emotion are an almighty gut punch. Gillam's performance is terrific too - more prosaic, perhaps - but it's hard to compare anyone's voice with Farnham's after growing up with it!

[@TheThamesmen]

I always well up at this song. Thanks Fiona and be well. X

[@SG-ke1wv]

John all the way ...so powerful

[@BellumCarroll]

John Farnham’s version was just vocal perfection, he is just phenomenal. But I really enjoyed the bonus version, so ominous and vulnerable ❤

[@Sebastian.james.carlton]

I grew up listening to John Farnham and had never heard Ian Gillian's version. As much as I can appreciate it and the scream was pretty cool, I grew up listening to the GOAT so I can honestly say I was spoilt. There is another vid around where they do a head to head with John Farnham and John Legend which I freaking love but it absolutely ruined me listening to any John Legend. Actually it would be interesting to hear a John Legend vs Ian Gillan match up as the way they are both singing it in the same way, on a stage stripped back . John Farnham was in the round and more concert style and as someone said, sitting around the stage and very much a modern up to date version (for its time). It's the GOAT all the way for me

[@FionaMelville]

I have watched John's version of Gethsemane many times and find him mesmerising every time - such a phenomenal performance - masterful and a gift to watch.

[@pattierney9834]

So much passion when he sings. You really feel all the emotions going through him. Excellent

[@ArnieBriedis]

I grew up in Australia but found the Gillan recording first. Wow, what a monster performance from Ian. He set the standard that others have tried to live up to. That whole recording from the initial cast is amazing, they nailed the edgy rock better than anyone else I reckon. John's performance is spine-tingling. Some much passion, he does it his own way but stays true to the melodic lines we know and love. What a singer he is ... love ya Farnsey!

[@mrmockatoo6786]

The closest I've been to a church in forty years, boys. Great performances by both singers. Merry Christmas!

[@cytuber]

I preferred Farnsey's emotional interpretation but I love Gillan's scream. It goes straight through you. From memory, I'm pretty sure Australia grew up with Gillan's version until the 90's when Farsey joined the new production. I might be wrong but I seem to remember Gillan's version from the very early days. Anyway, Happy Christmas, chaps to you and your families.

[@AngryPete]

My thoughts exactly , Ians version is what is seared into my brain from our LP, the various live performances with Jon English and John Farnham over the years bring their own unique talents to the roles. Viva la difference vive la différence

[@161recce]

I saw John Farnham, Kate Cebrano and Jon Stevens in JC in Melbourne. I was a teenager and was blown away. The whole cast and music were incredible.

[@Deano12345ist]

Gillan has a bigger/higher range. It really was a difference between eras. That's what I take from it. Gillans slow bits were amazing but so was John's. Both brilliant performances

[@kazwilson425]

Two superlative performances - I think we're all mature enough to sit back in awe of two masters of their craft. Xmas Eve, its past 9pm and still 26c or 78f and I'm out on the verandah sipping a cold apple cider. Cheers to both of you lads. Its been a real pleasure listening this year - my best to you both & your families. 🍺

[@mickwilliams2695]

Both performances were fantastic. No need to pitch one against the other. Just enjoy these two masters at work. Merry xmas from Australia

[@jemxs]

Both brilliant in their own ways!

[@Dr_KAP]

Agree 😊

[@mrmockatoo6786]

Too right. It's not a competition - just a demonstration of excellence.

[@TheThamesmen]

Nice words but what do you think about the music 😅happy Xmas

[@noelinsley8057]

@@TheThamesmen What about the Aussie Judas characters. In the 70' it was Jon English and the 90's Jon Stevens. And who could forget the Aussie Mary Magdolene's, in the 70's it was Marcia Hines, and the 90's it was Kate Cebrano. There is a guest appearance on a TV show, Hey Hey It's Saturday where Farnham, Stevens, Cebrano and the cast do a song and an inpromtu song live, brilliant to have a quick look at. Love your work, keep it up and have a great Christmas and New Year. Cheers from Down-under...!!

[@karlenemacdonald6549]

I really love Ian Gillan, and his voice is amazing....but, John Farnham has my heart. Both these versions are spectacular. Thanks for this treat for us here in Oz, Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas guys.

[@Warrenm70]

It just hit me. My Mum had recently asked me what my best memory of my late Dad was, and on the spot I was sort of at a loss as we had so many moments. But with this episode it came back to me that taking me to see the Aussie J.C. Superstar concert as a young fella of 11y.o. in Sydney with Jon English, Trever White

[@TheThamesmen]

Peace my man.

[@jayweb51]

John also performed in Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat, Charlie Girl, Pippin, Dick Whittington, The Prodigal Son, and Jesus Christ Superstar to name a few. This is were John honed his craft as a true entertainer, and added that texture to his concert performances.

[@jonss1948]

Excellent Review Guys. I had heard other versions of Gesthemene by very accomplished Vocalists but I had not heard your bloke. He's unusual in a way that he has total mastery of his Instrument and although his is not a particularly strong voice, he hits every note right in the middle and that tape is ooold. Full merit to the man. I could be nice and say his performance was as good as Farnham's but I won't. Look. Farnham is becoming a worldwide phenomenon because of the kind of work you do and I thank you for it. John Farnham just has a voice that leaves you speechless, even though you've watched them 1000 times before.

[@veejay926]

Absolutely agree. It's so great to see John getting recognition worldwide because of channels like these boys. As a very proud Ozzie and 'Farnsey' fan from the very beginning, I thank you guys for what you bring to those of us who love our music. Belated Xmas and Happy New Year. Cheers.

[@andreadee1567]

The whole album Jesus Christ Superstar was very important for me in the 70th/early 80th and therefore I already knew, I’d love the version of Ian Gillan. After a few seconds listening to John Farnham, I decided NOT to decide who did it better. For me it were like getting two great christmas presents and saying: No, thank you, one is enough. I’m not modest. I’ll keep them both if you don’t mind. 🥧🍰Merry Christmas for you and your families.

[@christhecurator]

This is the perfect sentiment! I'm glad you enjoyed them, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@georgeibrahim7945]

No one does this better then Farnsey, one of his greatest live performances ever in my opinion

[@FionaEm]

Definitely! It's a completely different level of performance.

[@TheThamesmen]

They are both utterly amazing. I didn’t want to pitch one against the other but for us to marvel at the amazing talent these guys have. Happy Xmas

[@mylittlepwny9282]

This was such fun, thank you for sharing. I only knew John Farnham's version but love that you shared your childhood version right back at us aussies. Cheers guys.

[@abekane7038]

They are so different and both great

[@m.a.sperry3424]

Though I am not particularly religious I was immensely moved by John's version. He is such a force of nature. Then came Ian who was equally impressive. Different but just as good. Everything you both said. HoHoHo!

[@carolynh8866]

Great reaction fellas I'm so glad that Alex was impressed with John's performance given his history with the other version. Once again we all know where he gets his title of The Voice. I have seen both Gillans and John's versions before and and both are great. Gillans voice is very 70's and sits in that era perfectly.. But the emotion and power and range that John brings is what does it for me . Just goosebumps all the way through. The musical arrangement and direction of the Aussie version was done by David Hershfelder who was Farnhams musical director and keyboards

[@LikkieAU]

The Ian Gillan version is very much of its time, a wonderful rendition. I loved both…

[@karenstrong8887]

They are both great but John is always brilliant. I didn’t grow with either of them so until KZbin I had never heard this song. I knew Jesus Christ Superstar was on stage but I wasn’t allowed to go see it. You said John was around 1970 or Ian was. I wasn’t allowed to stay at our local dance until it ended. I had to come 30 minutes early where a parent would be waiting to drive me. I wasn’t allowed to come out with all of the riff raff. I used to wonder who they were and I was allowed to stay inside with them for hours? Our rules didn’t change until we were married. They didn’t change then either. I thought my Mother was going to pass out when I asked if could go and see Hair. That never happened. Okay the only thing Ian didn’t have was John’s range, not sure if he had his power either. You really have to watch him singing Opera.

[@mariamerlynllido-dearsly2452]

Thank you gentlemen for this clip from both great singers!! Love it! ❤️ 😍 💖

[@TheThamesmen]

Our pleasure!

[@leandabee]

As others have said, both versions are from different eras, so both are brilliant in their own way, buuutt, everytime I watch JFs version, I cry, so just bear with me while I go and dab my eye😭. His emotion just hits every cell of my body, and I'm not a religious person. One day, you might want to have a watch of Jon Stevens being JFs Judas, he is bloody phenomenal too! I tell you another guy that does this song phenomenally, and that is Michael Crawford, what a major voice he has/had 💝💝

[@carolynrose9522]

Yep Jon Stevens needs to have a look at by The Thamsemen

[@leandabee]

@@carolynrose9522 absolutely 💯 % 🥰

[@jamesdean2185]

I am probably a biased Aussie, but, for me, Gillan is a great performance of the song, but Farnham is that bit better because the varying emotions of the story - exasperation, frustration, anger, resignation - are better shared through his version.

[@michaellincoln3739]

Gillan is great 9.8/10. Farnham hit a 10.5/10. Farnham is a trained opera singer so no one on earth can touch him. Farnham is up there with Pavarotti and Tom Jones. The big 3.

[@shirleycarson8442]

John is not a trained opera singer- totally self taught.

[@lencooke944]

This is my favorite all time musical, and I don't think I have ever seen a bad version of it live. That is a testament to the quality of the music. Yes, it gets updated, but the structure and melody lines are as current now as they were when the music was composed. I have heard Ian Gillan's version several times before and I am still blown away that this audio quality could have been produced back then. Spectacular vocals. I have also never seen video of Gillan performing this song. This was truly awesome (thanks Chris). John Farnham's version is more soaring and has better production (probably due to better technology) than Gillan's. In my opinion, Farnham has a more complete range (not just this song, but others too) where he moves through more seamlessly. Whereas Gillan, has to almost jump up or down to the next octave (sometimes hidden in the taking of a breath), whereas Farnham moves through almost seamlessly (Rob Halford jumps octaves too, instead of smoother transitions. Geez, I get off track, sorry). However, again just my opinion, the compression and oxygen needed to move through his range sometimes impacts Farnham's diction. I just listened to both versions without video on and I feel that Gillan had clearer diction. Perhaps this is because of post-production, but I also think it's because Farnham has to save as much breath as possible to do his long runs and sustained notes. Ok, I am writing an essay again, so I will finish with one observation: Both versions were truly beautiful. Both versions were very different from each other. And, both versions cannot be compared. Both versions should be held up as examples of perfect interpretations of the melody and lyric. Alex and George (and not-so-secretly, Chris) this was almost the prefect reaction. Thank you for all your work this year, it has really been a wonderful journey for me. Don't change a thing about your channel. I don't know if I will get to see The Partridge in a Pear Tree video on time as I will be on a short trip, but I hope it is Leonard Cohen. I am sure that will be wrong, but that week was my favorite this year. Sampai bertemu lagi.

[@TheFinnola]

👏👏

[@TheThamesmen]

Thank you for the kind words love all the Thamesmen.

[@wesleygalvin9983]

My favorite musical of all time, Jesus Christ Superstar. My fascination with this musical began when I was about ten with the original Australian cast starring Trevor White as Jesus and Jon English as Judas. I was also lucky enough to find an original English cast recording starring Ian, in a second hand shop!! The album also features Murray Head who went on to have a huge hit with One Night In Bangkok, written by Tim Rice and Benny and Bjorn from ABBA. But then, thanks to KZbin, I found a very young Agnetha Faltskog ( also from ABBA) singing, Vart Skall Min Karlek Fora, I Don't Know How To Love Him in the Swedish cast!! The entire CD starring John is still on constant replay in my car. Thank you KZbin, thank you boys and Merry Christmas to all from Australia, g'day.

[@noelinsley8057]

I was in the crowd at Melbourne when I saw JF do that show. Absolutely amazing. I also watch the original version done in the 70's done in Melbourne with Jon English as Judas. That what was equally as amazing. One of those fortunate people to see both versions, live, and absolutely stunned by both. JC Superstar and Phantom of the Opera will always be historic, no matter how they deliver the performances.

[@steeltrap3800]

Gillan's is much less "performance", less showy for the sake of being showy. I also find it far easier to understand the lyrics with his singing, although of course a studio version is always likely to have an advantage there in some respects. Farnham's is typically full of fireworks etc, and wonderful of course. It's interesting to hear the sort of 'vocal fry' (like a sense of his voice being split or having some phlegm in his throat) that's in his voice constantly, as though there's slight nodule presence if not slight damage/scarring of his chords. I think Farnham has the better voice when it comes to consistency, with much less difference between his lower, middle and very upper registers. Gillan tends to have a considerable difference in the nature of his lower and middle registers compared with the very upper levels. But that's only my opinion on consistency of tone/vocal production, not about "how good" their voices are and whether either is 'better' in general. They're both brilliant in different ways. In this instance I prefer Gillan's as the words of this song are pretty crucial and the live fireworks of Farnham I found somewhat detracted from allowing the words to be clear. As it is, Gillan is able to give cleaner and more obvious changes of colour and thus give a greater range and 'authenticity' of emotion in his performance. Farnham's was his typically remarkable vocal range and fireworks, but Gillan's is the one that has by far the greater emotional impact. I'm certain that one being a studio and the other more of a circus has a lot to do with that. A studio version of Farnham would make for a better direct comparison, as that sort of live arena makes certain things very difficult to achieve compared with a studio of course. Not that it's a competition. Having said all that, being given both from which to choose really is an embarrassment of riches. Both are fantastic, of course, if very, very different. Merry Christmas from Aus, gents.

[@mssuziquzi]

John Farnham‘s JC superstar was a much later version and done in the round. You can see how the stage is circular with the audience seated around it. It was more like a concert than the original stage production. John’s brilliant as always. You can’t help being blown away with his emotional performance, and no one can match him vocally. FYI, the original Australian stage production in 1972 starred English singer Trevor White who successfully auditioned for the part of Jesus. He had the most amazing voice and his emotional performance was absolutely riveting. After seeing it, this became my growing up favourite version. Unfortunately only the audio recording of it is available on KZbin, but it’s still worth checking out.😊

[@jeffwilson7100]

It was exactly a concert. The show was specifically called “The music of Jesus Christ Superstar “. It was never meant to be the musical theatre production.

[@tigerlily62]

I'm glad you finally got to see this song by John. He was born to sing it...❤️

[@murrayguitarpickups9545]

The guy playing that crazy guitar solo was my guitar teacher and this was the biggest gig of his career.

[@TheThamesmen]

Very very cool!!!!

[@eldoroonie]

Was it Simon Patterson?

[@murrayguitarpickups9545]

@@eldoroonie Phil Salter

[@deoneprovera1765]

Gillan is very good but Farnham is the GOAT. Thanks gentlemen

[@BruceFord-kx9sl]

Fantastic voices and performers both - was my first musical theatre watching John Farnham, Cate Ceberano and Jon Stevens (can't wait to see them in a future Aussie week. Or maybe a JCSS week!

[@PaulA-bv1rt]

Gillan is my all time favourite rock singer. Farnsey is more versatile.Barnesy is versatile. Jon Lord put Purple above Zeppelin .

[@chrissimpson9981]

The original Jesus Christ Superstar came out in about 1969 - with Ian Gillan as Jesus. It was a studio album, and not yet a stage production. I don’t think Gillan performed this role on stage when it did come out as a West End show (but I could be wrong). The Australian show (which I saw in Sydney in 1971) had Englishman Trevor White playing Jesus. White came to Australia a couple of years earlier with the English group Sounds Incorporated, as the opening act for the Beatles in their one and only tour of Australia. Other cast members included Michelle Fawden as Mary (and later by Marcia Hines) and John English as Judas. John English went on to become a major singer in the Australian music scene. Another significant artist who got his start with this production was John Paul Young (ie. Love is in the Air) who played a minor chorus role. Then about 20 years later (about 1990) a new production came out - Jesus Christ Superstar - in the round (which I also saw). This is the Thamesmen reaction version. This time it was a stadium show (like a concert tour rather than a theatre season) and all the parts were played by major stars of the Australian music scene - John Farnham as Jesus, Cate Ceberano as Mary, and Russell Morris was in there somewhere. The point of all this is to explain that Australian’s did not grow up with the John Farnham version of Gethsemane, because it didn’t come along until 20 years later. The original by Ian Gillan is the version most people knew - although to this day most probably don’t realise that he is the same guy who went on to Deep Purple. When comparing the two versions of this song, the original by Gillan is a studio production, while the Farnham one was live on-stage - but it had the benefit of better production values 20 years later. It’s also worth noting that the main character was not Jesus - it was Judas, played by Murray Head on the original album, and John English in the original Australian stage production. While both versions of this song are excellent, my vote is for Ian Gillan.

[@iankearns774]

I saw Deep Purple with Ian Gillan on the Perfect Strangers tour in 1984. I was deaf for about 3 weeks. Being an Aussie I am a fan of Farnham having grown up with him but Gillan was right up there and it was 22 years prior as well. I cant split them at all.

[@TheThamesmen]

PARDON??

[@ladymanners618]

Happy Christmas Eve chaps. I first saw JC Superstar in my first year of nursing training in Sydney 1972. I loved the music and bought the first album of it in the days following. The album was black with a halo of golden stars and I have no idea of the cast members who sang on it. I wore out (or the LP was souvenired) 4 more similar albums, before I headed to London to study post graduate oncology nursing at the Hammersmith Hospital, where the nurses home bathrooms faced the cells of Wormwood Scrubs in 1978. I saw and enjoyed JC Superstar twice more while in London and saw wonderful gigs at the Hammersmith Odeon. Once back in Sydney I lived very close to the Entertainment Centre and the live theatres and was in the audience for that last JC Superstar show with Farnsey. As you said, all where reflections of their time. Thanks you, your channel has bought me much joy since I found it.

[@bennine888]

Tried to "keep an open mind" um nope. The latter was shite in comparison, sorry! No emotion, voice wasn't great & seemed like he talked/half sang most of it. Didn't even seem like he was "into it" as he sung. JF was absolutely mesmerising & every single note, vowel, word, stage presence, emotion was "on point". No one could find anything to even critique him on if they tried. A pin could have dropped on stage every nt he sang it & it would have been heard, despite it being sold out in every venue.

[@alexaelliott2598]

Both versions are excellent renditions. I prefer to appreciate the individual performances as they are, rather than compare against each other. Both individual, both touch the heart. Thanks for showing me both versions. Magnifique

[@JoelWende]

Love both versions! To me Farnham’s felt more angry, whereas Gillian’s felt more resigned. And both are valid takes on the song. What it really shows is the strength of that song. Webber and Rice may get some shtick because of their latter efforts, but my goodness they were on it here. It’s the perfect song about hurt and betrayal!

[@annthrelfall7658]

Our wonderful,brilliant,funny,gorgeous John Farnham. Saw this a few times . He is in hospital at the moment battling cancer. He may never sing again. Love to him and family. Hope 2023 is a better year.❤❤

[@TheThamesmen]

Still in Hospital? How tough

[@livertic]

John different level !

[@johngenc3782]

Farnsies version was recorded on the final night of the Australian tour after about 30 shows. Looked like he was struggling a bit. Still a great performance. Its worth analysing his recorded version. What a performance that was and clearly the best ive heard.

[@DebraBing]

I've heard John say in an interview that this was the end of a really long run of back to back performances and his voice was really tired. I think it's the only time in his whole career l can actually hear signs of strain in his voice. And still brilliant!!😊

[@RexAlfieLee]

As a traditionalist theatre person, I played Judas twice, I love Gillan's version for its purity but John is amazing. I'm Australian BTW. I'm also truly old enough to be a real Deep Purple fan; ie Child in Time & Smoke on the Water & many others including Book of Taliesyn which I know almost no-one knows. My gosh, John's voice & Ian's voice together...

[@taniaPBear]

Oooooh, thank you so much, I've always wondered what the Gillan version sounded like, never heard before, beautiful! Look, the later version is awesome and obviously John can sing the shit out of anything, but I felt the earlier one made more sense, so gloriously 70's as intended, it just inches ahead for me on that basis, didn't expect to be saying that. ❤

[@victorstefanovsky6902]

Exactly, Gillan’s version has more sense.

[@MrBC1959]

Gillian is brilliant and of his era but Farnham benefits not only from his sheer and irrepressible talent but of the evolution of the arrangement, backing band (modern synths etc) and production.

[@ChrisFirth-do2sm]

The arrangement was done by John's keyboardist, David Herschfelder.

[@Kimmy58]

Putting Ian Gillian against John Farnham is much better then a video floating around putting John Farnham' against John legend.....that was just embarrassing.😂 Legend doesn't even have half the range definitely not JFs power.

[@Yllehs906]

Thanks for sharing this. Wow! I always expect Farnsey to blow my mind with anything he sings, and boom 🤯,he did that in spades. 👏👏👏 I have never heard Ian Gillans rendition and he gave me chills! From the anguish in he’s scream (what a note!) and then the submission to he’s fate 🤯… haunting! 👏👏👏

[@TheThamesmen]

Both incredible versions

[@jgsheehan8810]

Farnham, Gillian can’t go wrong either way. Get well soon John.

[@victorstefanovsky6902]

Gillan IS Jesus Christ. I grew up with his voice. Farnham is great but I don’t like the arrangement of the song.

[@tomwareham7944]

G,day and Merry Christmas , thank you both for discovering Australian music stars and I hope you keep on reacting to them there's a whole lot more . This song is phenomenal no matter who sings it but I confess that Farnsey's version sends shivers up my spine , Andrew Lord Webber certainly knew how to write a song , I get the same sensation when Elaine Paige sings MOONLIGHT from Cats .

[@vickimanning1725]

Please watch the cast of JCS on Hey Hey it’s Saturday - a flawless performance

[@bradhewetson]

Have to say I love and respect you guys--my rose coloured glasses-have influenced my decision-however I still think John's version is much much better.

[@bradhewetson]

So I'm listening to you guys talk about how KZbin has given you the opportunity to learn and explore artist you have never known-can you please do a reaction to Allie Sherlock,-what about the wonderful piano player from London-his name is Brendan-can you please react to aibu one of them

[@vincentroberts8292]

Both John and Ian are great vocalists. Merry Christmas George, Alex, Chris and Sean. Thank you for a great show during 2022. Enjoyed listening to those artists I knew and introducing me to artists I was not aware of. You are the number 1 reaction show (apparently by a narrow margin of 2 votes) because of your banter and the fact you don't interrupt the performances.

[@amygone2pot]

Both great in their own way, thanks for this. Have a wonderful Christmas, Thamesmen🎅🏼

[@TheThamesmen]

Happy Xmas 🎄

[@bradhewetson]

For I'm a great believer in history-that is true-the original singer did a great job-praise and admiration I give to him-however-I got no sense of you absolutely must believe what I say should I sing to you-the way John did-0 the original was great and unbelievable-bad John is better in every single f****** way-John sang with his whole heart and soul as if he was about to die-I did not understand that from the original version.

[@wellingtonsboots4074]

I've been listening to Farnham singing since Sadie. I know what a voice he has. But I also remember when my sister came home with the Jesus Christ Superstar album and Ian Gillan was just amazing singing this song. I loved the orchestra playing on the album, it's something that Farnham's version can't match. I think I'll go for Gillan. This was great thank you. Merry Christmas

[@bradhewetson]

For those who do not know-there is no end to this man's brilliance-whatever he does he does with his whole heart and soul-he will make you believe-I dare you to not fall in love-with these boys and the outrageous incredible man he is!-good luck good luck to you I say.

[@MonstaAU]

There would have been no Farnham version without a Gillan version. There's no doubt he owes a debt to those gone before. I think the Farnham version takes it, as you put it - there's a different vocal line which seems a bit more cohesive than Ian having to drop down into chest where John can just call upon his 'Black Dog' rocker voice. It seems to flow better and the emotion and delivery from John just edges Ian out. Merry Christmas to you both, looking forward to the Christmas Day edition.

[@The-Fair-Dinkum-Mikki]

I wonder if there's any footage of Trevor White doing the same role/song, when he performed in the 70's in Sydney. I got to see the first two but missed out on the one with Farnsey. I was spewing!! lol

[@markflint2629]

John kicked Ian’s arse

[@BJ-uy1cl]

Take a bow Mr Farnham

[@larainecurry4566]

The surgery was in his mouth and he is doing very well .

[@ianmontgomery7534]

Good to hear that John is now recovered from his jaw cancer and can eat pizza!

[@shenoashbay1361]

Notice the audience clapped before it was the end, and then he continued on a little bit longer with some lyrics before the end of the song came , and this time the audience made no sound whatsoever not wanting to interrupt greatness. So many other songs you haven't heard from him he masters song he sings. Just brings pure joy and passion to all of his music .

[@Laraine3]

I agree that the performance of Jesus Christ Superstar one heard as child is probably the one that has the most influence. I was a child when I heard Trevor White’s version on the Australian version. Listening again to it just now, I feel like Trevor modelled himself on Ian Gillian’s interpretation but I do think Ian did it better. John’s version is of course, fantastic but he uses a little too much vocal gymnastics for my tastes in this. I prefer Ian and Trevor’s straighter delivery. I would also argue that John doesn’t have a better range than Ian, John’s entire range sounds one key higher than Ian’s… so John and and Ian might have the same range difference, John just sings higher overall and not lower. 🤔

[@AussieDebb]

Also there were supposed to be 12 concerts and because they were so popular they ended up doing 90. So he did this 90 times with no understudy. 🎉

[@TheThamesmen]

Damn. Impressive!

[@bigs1546]

On You Tube there is a John Farnham vs John Legend comparison of Gethsemane.......................wish they had done Gillan - they both lord it over Legend. It is still worth a look and not one comment picks Legend. Loved watching your faces during this one. It is hard when you find something that creates a crack in a childhood memory ........... but at least you have a great new one to slip into the lexicon next to those treasured moments. Love you guys ♥

[@markwaters3050]

I love Gillan... but John is the voice, and live doing it. This is truly unfair to compare with Gillan miming to the recorded version. I have seen Gillan live, and it would've been great if they'd had the foresight to film and record the UK version live too. Both bloody great in any case... the enunciation pure technical brilliance.

[@markhatton9952]

Thank you very much for doing this one. This is my second favourite performance by Farnsey next to Help. Was a pleasure to hear Ian Gillan after all the references over the past few months also. You can see the similarities like this. Well done and Merry Christmas.

[@MrBC1959]

Some of us in Australia, of a certain vintage, also grew up with the Ian Gillan version from the original soundtrack album

[@mariachattaway2955]

Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote this with Ian Gillan in mind and told him to 'improvise' , and so Everyone has been singing/ copying Ian's version, so......Ian wins.

[@queenslanddiva]

John wasn't the original Jesus in Australia - that honour goes to Englishman Trevor White, who was part of the group Sounds Incorporated. Trevor was wonderful, I saw that original production 6 times. The Ian Gillan performance is of the ilk of Trevor's. Fabulous. But John. . .