John Farnham - Gethsemane (1992 Australian cast - Sydney final night)

John Farnham of the 1992 Australian cast of Jesus Christ Superstar performing the song Gethsemane in Sydney on the final night of the tour. Incredible performance!
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[@stinsmith]

Watched it every night as an apostle. He never NEVER missed a beat ( or a note)!!!

[@FionaEm]

When you grow up with this guy's music, you think you know how good he is. Then you hear this, and it's just a whole other level. Brilliant 👏 👏 👏

[@dukedelacroix5045]

Yep, this bloke is on another level mate. The power in his voice is insane. Same as you mate, I grew up with his music and I was fortunate enough to see this musical when I was 8 years Old in Adelaide. No one will ever understand the power of Johns voice until they hear it.

[@robynconway1286]

Sadie the Cleaning Lady Rose Coloured Glasses

[@beresfordthompson1370]

John is the greatest and most versatile male vocalist of all time. He can sing anything, any genre and do it to perfection. Seemingly endless vocal range, agility in his vocals, breathe control, mic control, stage presence, and the passion and emotion he puts into every performance is simply epic.

[@CastledarkDweller27]

Amen brother.

[@gabriels.carvalho4852]

In this version of Gethsemane, the climax to me isn't in the first "Why" as usual in most other versions. Here it's the last "Just watch me DIE"!. John adds so much distortion, it's not even a joke, he did an incredible job on the vocals here.

[@vanessapedia]

Just a Brilliant Singer...I see there are a few negative comments, but John is Without Doubt one of the Greatest Vocalists we will ever hear...I do not know too many Vocalists who can sing anything that is thrown at them but John just seems to be able to pour his Heart and Soul into every performance and his Voice Never lets him down...Amazing :)

[@lindalee-brown5539]

I absolutely agree with you.

[@jondunmore4268]

Farnham is a vocal god, and his interpretation is pretty awesome, and I do like the way he is dressed exactly like Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, in that sparkling vest an' all.

[@thefonzkiss]

Put some milk on that “beard” of yours and let the cat lick it off

[@beaed9296]

Where would Jesus get a sparkly vest ?

[@jondunmore4268]

@@beaed9296 Mary Magdalene's pimp was handing them out like loaves and fishes at The Last Supper.

[@AlanODuffy]

John blows me over ...musically wondrous... and i recorded the original album with Ian Gillan , Tim & Andrew ...50 years ago ...

[@decibelreport2474]

Hi Alan, we met briefly at last week's wonderful celebration of the film at the Olympic. Loved your stories, specially the Glyn one. When I asked Tim, he also had fond memories of the Aussie version. John and Jon do such a great job, but kudos to Ian G and Murray H for laying down the original top line template and Ted and Carl for their on-screen tour de force. What I didn't realise was that it was the original Grease Band backing track that was reused on the film version. Andy R

[@AlanODuffy]

@@decibelreport2474 hi Andy I much enjoyed the film and conversation with Tim , and thank you for your note here. Only Tim Andrew and me were present to hear Ian sing the original interpretation of this song; it was simply a one or two take epic, and never preformed since by Ian . The improvisations and wonder of Ian's work stands for all time. . John Farnham's magical powerful musical gift in this video is spectacular and he holds my attention all the way . Ted and Carl also blew me over , and Carl was the loudest singer i had ever recorded, with his microphone perhaps a meter away. It was a very special evening and i have a load more stories about the whole affair, in my book which Olympic will know all about when it's eventually on the streets. Super to meet you Andy. Alan O'Duffy

[@cradventures8092]

John is the best

[@way2dumb]

Incredible. Amazing. The best interpretation ever. Farnham is a gift we get maybe once in a century.

[@AlanODuffy]

I am thrilled to hear that John's cancer is no more , and send him love galore, positive good vibes and laughter ahead in his recovery... Buckets of Love to him and family big time; his legacy is a blessing to the world .. Alan O'Duffy ...@@way2dumb

[@bestintuba]

Aside from the G5 part, NO ONE sang Gethsemane using their chest voice on all other parts of the song this high! Neely, Steve, and Ian might own the G5 part but Farnham owns them on all other portion of the song.

[@ИринаХвостова-у1ю]

В этом то и дело, самое вкусное в арии Христа - это фальцет! Нет фальцета, нет арии! Певец великолепный, но произведение не его, фальцета нет, мелодия искажена.

[@enjolras76]

There aren't superlatives enough for this voice. But Hirschfelder's scoring is out of this world...kind of feel like he was an unsung hero in this production.

[@deanlaffan2390]

He is quite simply the GOAT. It's good to see that in the YT era, people from OS are 'discovering' him and in awe. Rightly so.

[@RG-ud2df]

His performance of this very familiar song brought tears to my eyes, in recognition of its truth and powerful. He’s just so good. *So* good.

[@garypeterson8394]

Legendary performance...love John's work...one of the best singers on the planet.

[@debradireen3625]

I got to see John and the amazing cast of JCS in Melbourne, incredible show, all done on a revolving stage. Fantastic! Johns’ vocals were fabulous and the rest of the cast Angry Anderson, Jon Stevens, Kate Cerbrano and included.

[@EileenSpeakman]

First time I've heard this. It's so powerful - as powerful as You're the Voice. But in a totally different way. Just astonishing. I've just watched one of the video voice coach appraisals of Voice - the coach looked so happy while she was listening to it. And she referred to John as having lungs of gold. And never a singing lesson in his life - breath control, enunciation, depth of tone, amazing range - the whole package in just one person. Lucky us to be able to hear all his work. E❤

[@primaldemon13]

Absolute masterclass in vocal ability, what a talent.....

[@WillHost]

I can tell you that Sydney was not our last stop. The 1992 Concert Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar closed Brisbane. This may have been taken on our final visit to Sydney, however. There is an archival video of the show and that was shot in Adelaide and Melbourne. WILL CONYERS (Cast Member, Chorus Master & Priest 3)

[@AurelioProvedo]

Will Conyers I appreciate you taking the time to provide that info. Thank you!!

[@nigethejedimaster]

During this run I saw the show 6 times. It was just superb. Some of the best memories.

[@redsed1565]

How can it be melb /adelaide, when john mentions it's sydney at the end of the video?

[@redsed1565]

THE BEST CONCERT/MUSICAL EVER! ALWAYS MAKES ME CRY LISTENING TO THIS MASTERPIECE!

[@paulomeara3763]

Best. Version. Ever. 👏👏👏

[@kirsteencampbell6489]

I was 21. Saw this live with my best friend and my daddy at the Sydney entertainment centre. Amazing show. 😊

[@seanhingston7397]

SAW this production twice. It remains the definitive production of JCSS. Will never bested. The recording is sublime and David Hirschfelder's arrangements are brilliant.

[@jcvargas85]

Sweet! I've been wanting to know who did the arrangements for this production. Currently working on a melodic metal version of the album just for fun and am definitely listening to this album a lot as a guide. The arranger did a brilliant job of being original yet still maintaining the essence of the original songs.

[@GameOverAus]

+sean hingston the Australian versions are often the best. Starlight Express (90's), This and Love Never Dies Australian Versions were superior to the other versions.

[@jcvargas85]

I am familiar with the Australian production of Love Never Dies and have to agree. It is far superior. I'll need to check out the Australian version of Starlight Express.

[@PussnBoot2516]

Saw the live production in Brisbane and it was a brilliant night.

[@fransmith3255]

@@madoldcoot8563 Well, these are different versions aren't they? This was a rock concert, Needley was in a stage production. Neeley was the better actor. No doubt about that. Although, he 'hit' that G5, but the version I saw he was very flat under the note. He didn't hit it cleanly, and it was strained too. I'm not saying he was bad, but he wasn't perfect either. Although I haven't found any who who acted it better. You mention power. John Farnham definitely DOES have superior vocal power - there's no comparison there, although Needly is not lacking power - just not as purely powerful as Farnham - few are. Look at how far he away he has to hold the mic. A stage show should definitely have the better acting and character interpretation than a rock concert, lol, so one should very much hope that is the case. As for the high note, well, it's one high note right? Sure, he did it, albiet not great in the version I saw. But a whole performance shouldn't be judged on just one note - the note might well be expected, but remember, it isn't even in the original score. And for the record, Farnham CAN actually hit that note - on a belt, in fact.

[@coreybaudinette]

Farnham is just incredible. Makes me sick how good he is. Love the early 90s Video direction of this!! Classic. Thanks for posting, I never got to see this live, despite it being one of my favourite musicals and by far the best ever production of Superstar. I wonder if he could still pull it off??

[@undead.rising]

He is in his seventies and still has every bit of his range. He certainly COULD pull this off!

[@c8Lorraine1]

Of course he can. Have you heard him lately? He was superb in FireFight concert Feb2020

[@Jackolan722]

I have loved John Farnham since I first heard "You're the Voice." Now I really love his voice. Incredible!

[@alainblondeau3939]

John Farnham - Awesome - nothing else to say. Just amazing!!

[@enterthedome]

The most soulful version of JCS ever. Including Neeley, in my opinion.

[@jondunmore4268]

Now that's blasphemy. Neeley is God.

[@ragekage3175]

@@jondunmore4268 well he is quite literally Jesus (in my opinion the absolute best)

[@carolynh8866]

100% agree...

[@jpgduff]

@@jondunmore4268 Ian Gillan has entered the conversation....

[@jpgduff]

@@ragekage3175 Again...Ian Gillan. That's it.

[@zolhof]

His interpretation is absolutely amazing! Bravo!

[@kirstenaberle2019]

John Farnham is A MASTER :)

[@jorg1206]

What a beautiful rendition by the wonderful John Farnham; liked him ever since Youre the voice. Although I am and always will be a die hard fan of Steve Balsamo (no one touches my heart more than him singing and 'falsetto-ing' Gethsemane) I must say that this version is truly beautiful. Hope John is doing well these days!

[@Patricia.S.]

Best vocalist ever👏👏👏 John Farnham is the Voice.

[@veronicaschofield4655]

I was there the night before. It was staggering. What a superb voice xxxx

[@liambower1197]

I was there for this production. It was all about the singing!

[@SilvinaAlejandraIbarra]

EL MEJOR. LLORO CON ESTA VERSIÓN. LO AMO, SIMPLEMENTE AMO A JOHN FARNHAM. / SALUDOS DESDE SALTA --ARGENTINA.

[@lindaymohegan3529]

Damnation. What an amazing voice Judas too. Love his gravelly rasp. Nice stuff.

[@kennethbarrington5773]

I was 7 when this was on tv at home and I still remember it

[@indigocheetah4172]

I watched John live in JCS. The show is on par with other productions . With this song I love John 's interpretation , as other singers have made Gethsemane , their own .

[@nelenekaranges7260]

Awesome! 🎉

[@MsJh1970]

Sydney Entertainment Centre - I was there, and it was awesome. Still one of the best things I've seen live. Angry Anderson was awesome too. :)

[@brandonodonnell7308]

How freakin amazing is Farnham??

[@GeneralG1810]

I saw this play EVERYONE in it was great, Kate Ceberano as Mary and Jon Stevens smashed it as Judas

[@BrettBlack]

I hope that someone sees sense and allows the release of the archival video of this show soon. The CD version is outstanding, but not the same as seeing the show being performed live.

[@mariadore7000]

The whole thing is on you tube

[@andrewwaddell903]

Farnham wouldn't be too young by '92 so it's veeeeery impressive how he's getting those high notes

[@michellebostock4276]

He was 43 at the time His voice is great now He is 71 now

[@joannalea5958]

I went to this production of Superstar twice in Melbourne. I was 19 years old, and I'm still in love with the soundtrack

[@way2dumb]

For me, the highlight is the last line, "Before I change my mind". Truly haunting. 😮

[@RachelXKnight666]

I found out today by accident that John Farnham played this role on Apple Music. Wish I could watch it and wish I wasn’t born too late to see it live lmao

[@Adirtybird]

Who could have known that a plumber from Melbourne was the greatest contemporary male vocalist ever.

[@SilvinaAlejandraIbarra]

TE AMO JOHN!!! ❤ SALUDOS DESDE SALTA --ARGENTINA.

[@GoulburnTouch]

The CD version is still the best version of this song ever!

[@simonbuchner2077]

The best part is the take me now drifting off into silence, perfect arrangement reads so well

[@KarenBlackburn]

Yes Jay. He always sounds great! I am a voice teacher, so I was just pointing out how tired he sounded. Makes sense if it was closing night. He is my favorite singer of all time, so needless to say, I know what he sounds like when his voice is healthy and rested. LOVE him!!!!!!!!

[@enjolras76]

There just isn't another voice like it.

[@tracyschofield6344]

Mind-blowing talent ❤

[@mariekirby1683]

utterly amazing

[@MsCaladenia]

i saw this in Perth, it was incredible, the whole cast

[@felicitydunk1237]

Love how he goes singing emotions from pleading to asking why to anger to acceptance

[@czahnie]

love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@laureah21]

I do think John could have sung it any way he wanted to. I have never scene a note he couldn't hit. I think its nice that everyone has there own interpretation of the song though an I appreciate the talent in all the people that play Jesus.. I know I couldn't do it ;p

[@letitiateleetha1770]

Different from his recorded version.. but I still have a whole other level of goosebumps running down my arms ❤

[@creekers1135]

I hope they release this on dvd

[@ralfschultz5145]

Perhaps the biggest musical song of all ! Jesus..Ian Gillian Jeff Fennholt Ted Neeley and John Farnham. All with their own different magical jesus-voices

[@Lizalotte]

I only want to say, if there is a way, take this cup away from me, for I don't want...to taste its poison. Such brilliance...brilliance.

[@martinmayhew145]

Him and Ted Neeley are the two best

[@Mavakor]

Whilst I am slightly divided on his take on the song I do think that the instrumental backing in this version is one of the best I have ever heard. There is so much to like about it.

[@Toto99fan]

thanks so much. love JF

[@leiwolf27]

ooh shiny i love this version

[@GoodMrDawes]

Awesome

[@kristhas]

amazing

[@tylee277]

awesome

[@rjjsreactions-rk7zh]

Passionate performance! 🙂

[@PesaoManOG]

The best !

[@nathanrattley72]

Loving these videos. Although I saw this 3 times. It’s been ages . And hard to find footage 🙏🏼

[@gabriels.carvalho4852]

Interesting how all those aussies versions of JCS sounds so different from the rest. The first with Trevor White as Jesus sounds more jazzy, and this one here sounds like a cross between the original, mid eastern music and rave music.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I’d say overall, especially on the studio version, it’s a lot rockier than the original. And a lot less cheesy.

[@gabriels.carvalho4852]

@@katherinemorelle7115 Idk. I find the 92 version kinda more cheesy and less epic. But with a different charm. Although, yeah. It's very much rockier.

[@martinmayhew145]

I saw this at the Glasshouse in Melbourne

[@Tray206]

Bangeerrrr

[@rzrstrm]

This cast recording is my favorite version of JCS out there, and Farnham’s Gethsemane is my favorite take on this song. However, I have to say that I didn’t love this live performance. It was good, but I don’t think it was as tight as the recording (which is very normal), and it lost some of the impact. Still a great performance, though.

[@martinmayhew145]

I reckon he's the best Jesus, he puts a bit of acting into it. Where did you get the video

[@vifergar3712]

The best

[@personofearth5076]

Australia's best singer by far.

[@bigadz0r]

i feel like this is a vocalised version of floyds great gig in the sky, both dealing with the stages of grief. Where Claire Torre wails, john annunciates - i can feel every emotion, its epic!

[@oldrichflorian]

I really like this version because of part that begins in 3:32

[@justjack4030]

The irony is john farnham keeps coming back

[@johnfarnhamexperience]

No the irony is you, you silly little man, because if you did your homework first before shooting off at the mouth and telling lies and dribble... John never went away, or did he say he was ever going away or retiring... what he said is he's going to stop doing the large touring that he usually does... and he has stuck to his words, now generally when you see him, he's sharing the spot with other artists on the night or day of show.... in future, think before you speak, you might actually begin to like it!!!!

[@MandyRRAh]

Now we wish he could, but he doesn't need to. The evidence is there.

[@Phasmania]

As great as his voice is, shout out to that awesome instrumental. It almost felt too groovy in the beginning considering the tone but I loved hearing it

[@tenorhighc1]

yeah he sounds tired through the verses. But those high notes, he still delivers as always!

[@Kasino80]

Jason Hagen so was Jesus at this point. Might have been done deliberately.

[@espadablanca77]

Hay algo especial que cuando tocan este tema de Getsemany cualquiiera uqe sea tiene que pedirle a Jesus que lo ayude y sale fenomenal quiera interpretar esta cancion

[@_Renaissance_Man]

He’s the only one that has sung this without the screams, and it works perfectly. Baritones are better at the typical Jesus vocals, as tenors often don’t have the use of head voice as lower singers do. They have to do the screams often at full voice is which is unreasonable for most tenors

[@lee-annebarrett366]

Wow he could have sung The Phantom of the opera with that voice.

[@joblaik8787]

Jay Mantis, what is the Trading Circle? and when will the whole show be available outside of it?

[@Sthunderrocker]

That part would later be emulated by Billy Porter, and at times, Drew Sarich. S

[@dukedelacroix5045]

Literally every other version of this song sounds like the blokes' balls are getting smashed by a cardboard compactor. When John sings "Why Should I die?" Thats how it's meant to sound, not like you're being castrated screaming whyyyy? (I am more leaning towards the actual CD release of this song than the live version, however just as powerful)

[@Phasmania]

I like this version, but saying “every other version” isn’t good is such a misstep. This works too but the G5 is iconic for a reason imo, to each their own tho. But just saying, to have the original version of your song almost unrecognizable means you had to have done something *really* good on the spot

[@martinmayhew145]

Totally agree. He's acting as well, not just singing. He's arguing with his father. Why would you be screaming?

[@dannicollaterali9327]

Super! Great! Fantastic!!!!! I Only Want To Say Gethsemane 2014

[@TheBoyOfBroadway]

Whats the trading circle?

[@natalinasela7773]

Despues de haber escuchado hoy casi 20 diferentes versiones de Gethsemane puedo decir que Glen Carter es el que mas se aproxima a la version del magnifico e insuperable Ted Neely. Es cierto que hay para todos los gustos pero me gustaria que los que aprecian esta inmortal cancion compuesta por uno de los mejores compositores de la historia ( Lloyd Webber ) vean primero la version original para poder entender las diferentes emociones que Jesus va experimentando mientras sube el monte Gethsemane. Abandono,desilucion, confusion, frustracion, rabia, confrontacion, pena, aceptacion y desafio, aproximadamente en ese orden. Carter logra casi ese proceso pero Ted Neely sigue siendo "el maestro". Si alguien tiene dudas veanlo el año 1973 y 33 años despues en vivo el año 2006. Ni Balsamo, John farnham,Geronimo Rauch, Camilo Sesto etc. han logrado conjugar ese desfile de emociones, lo vocal y el respeto por la idea original como Ted Nelly. Jesus Christ Superstar - Gethsemane (1973). y despues vean Ted Neeley - Gethsemane (New York 2006)

[@alfreedsnarbona_m95]

No se puede hacer esta comparación, los registros son distintos, tú hablas de una versión grabada en estudio como la de Ted, e incluso de una versión de cine, dirigida por un director y grabada y re-grabada hasta llegar a lo que buscaban, aquí tienes una versión de John Farnham en directo, en un teatro, una noche... y es majestuosa la interpretación vocal. Otra cosa es que a ti te guste la voz fina y aguda de Ted, pero hablar de conjunción de emociones, en un teatro de estas características, es querer adornar la lírica por amor al arte, Son versiones diferentes y si me das a elegir.. me quedo sin duda alguna con la de John Farnham, donde el poderío de su garganta es muy superior al de Ted, por algop será que en Australia le llaman "La Voz"

[@moonbiit]

Solo aclarar que Ted Neely no fue el original, el original fue Ian Gillan. (Ya sé que este comentario tiene 4 años pero igual quería contestar).

[@malimori4848]

@@alfreedsnarbona_m95 ¿Tú sabes la de veces que Ted ha representado JCS en teatros? La última vez que lo vi, el año pasado en Madrid. Con setenta y muchas años y aún defendía bien este tema, obviamente, sin alcanzar ya sus agudos. No sé por qué dices que tiene una voz fina, cuando su voz es rockera, que es lo que requería esta obra, ya que de hecho, es una ópera rock.

[@peterchristensen7492]

Farnham is a tratar

[@tenebrisrex333]

Holy shit! Was that Tiny Tim in the beginning?

[@emmgeeo]

BALSAMO every time for me

[@beaed9296]

He sings it too sweetly and mournfully. There is no desperation and horror of his forthcoming death in his voice. A good singer but not the best for this song.

[@erintilley6552]

I have to disagree with you on this. I saw this live arena show it was one of the best moments. He was definitely the right choice. Plus this is a full on rock musical song nothing sweet about it. So definitely disagree with you

[@theknightswhosay-ni]

This is my favourite musical but he's not my favourite Jesus...

[@whitenoise4428]

It makes you realise how good Ted Neely is when even the great Johnny Farnham doesn't sound as good. Ted ruined this song for everyone that came after. Just so good.

[@Mikau-gb8uo]

nope..

[@marthanewsome6375]

Saw this and Trevor Whites performances and I have to say Trevor was better.

[@beaed9296]

Well he sings like a rock star but you don’t believe it is Jesus, unlike Ted and Steve who own this. IMHO

[@tenebrisrex333]

What's up with that outfit and that hair?

[@whibraen2750]

the 90s...'nuff said!

[@lynw1623]

Tenebris Rex Just had a look at your hair, ‘nuff said.

[@lynw1623]

Tenebris Rex BTW Jesus had long hair.

[@jpgduff]

@@lynw1623 You know it's probably the blonde he's talking about...right?

[@thinkbeforesaying244]

This secular understanding of what happened at Gethsemane, as presented in this song, grieves me. I love John Farnham's voice, but this musical saddens me because of its misrepresentation of my Saviour, Jesus.

[@jpgduff]

Jesus isn't real. Farnham is. I'd say Farnham therefore did it better.

[@thinkbeforesaying244]

@@jpgduff If you think Jesus is not real, you should read the recordings of the Roman historian called Josephus. Unbiased, historical records!