Sing it, Jesus

So many of them treat the "WHY" as a separate part of the song. They transition to it and then shift back over to their normal voice. Gillan and Neely are the only ones that fit it in as an organic part of their phrasing.

Gillan and Neeley are the only ones who seem to know WHY they're singing that note

Ian Gillan and Ted Neeley are the best, but the spanish singers do a really good job too. It's not about hitting the note, it's about hitting the emotion. The anger, the confusion, the frustration, most singers hit the note but miss the mark.

Ian Gillan, from the original soundtrack, is easily the gold standard. Sends shivers up my spine even now. It think Chuck Negron in his prime could’ve nailed it too.

It's not Neeley's "Why?" that rips my guts out so much as his "nail me to the cross and break me!" sung with infinite longing and desperation and rage and affirmation. Utterly sublime.

It's not just the note, it's 1. whether it was done live vs recording 2. transition out of the note once it's completed 3. emotional content

For me the greatest to ever do it is Neeley. And not just once or twice; the man has spent half a century embodying this role, and utterly nailing this incredibly difficult song. He’s on a different level.

Neely, so much passion and longing. I saw the movie when it first came out and saw Neely in the role again at the Fox theater in Atlanta in the 90’s. Brings me to tears

Me seeing Sebastian Bach's name pop up: "oh i didnt know he had the range for this role" Me after hearing his attempt: "oh yeah, he doesnt"

Ted Neely and Ian Gillan have the Rock texture to their voices, where most of the other singers have a much more classical broadway sound to their voice. Meanwhile Sabstian Bach's voice is just not doing it.

Ian is still the best. It's about more than just hitting the note. With some of these guys you can see the effort it takes to reach this pitch. It feels like Ian does it from the depths of his soul and that's rock and roll! It looks so effortless when he does it.

Ted Neely without a doubt. So good he can still hit it flawlessly 50 yrs later at the age of 80- amazing

Ted Neeley was 74 in his last performance of this and could still hit the high note. I have to vote for him for that reason.

'Ian Gillan improvised it while recording the original concept album, and every other Jesus has been trying to top him since.' Absolutely correct; I recorded and mixed JCSS; very proud of this seminal work, which is still a thrill to hear fifty years later XX

Ted Neely for me, is the ONLY person who has ever brought forth the full emotional impact of this powerful song. He completely immerses himself physically, vocally and emotionally in every performance.

It’s not just about hitting that high note strongly, it’s about portraying agony and suffering. I am biased since he was the first, but Ian Gillian displays such emotion in the song as well as a beautiful voice. I’ve never heard of Jeff Fenholt, but his was good too. The worst? Sebastian Bach.

Ian Gillian who improvised the Scream is absolutely the best because that part wasn't supposed to be sung that way. It is the benchmark set by possibly the best voice ever in Hard Rock. Ian portrays the pain and anguish Jesus felt about His upcoming torture.

Ted Neeley for for me. His emotional delivery in tune with body language, facial expressions, arm gestures ...i.e. the complete package, tears me up every time. In that moment - he is Jesus showing the torment he is going through. The bit that gets me most is the end from "Why then am I scared to finish, what I started. What you started. I didn't start it" onwards. Ted wins every time.

If anyone is still watching this video years later, I recently saw the tour of Jesus Christ superstar for the fiftieth anniversary. Everybody was phenomenal, the Jesus nailed the high note.

The way Ian Gillan went for that note... pure improvisation, pure talent.

I’ve noticed that the majority of them are thinking about the note and not thinking about why Jesus is “screaming” in the musical , asking why in God’s plan he should die and then they would understand that it’s a scream of fear, desperation and doubt so it’s not about how beautiful you will sound but it’s about the feeling of desperation you will cause in the crowd!

I think it's clear, that only Gillan and Neely nail it. All others can hardly compete. As bloocheez3 said, they integrate both the high note in their process, without feeling forced to preparate it. It comes very naturally. The difference between Neely and Gillan is, that Gillan "sings" it more, with a melodic vibrato, while Neely does more a bit of "shouting" here. But both are perfect belters.

Ian Gillian is head and shoulders above all the rest. It’s more than just the high notes, but also the raw emotion in the quiet parts, what one former opera singer called ‘quiet intensity’.

Ian Gillan: the original, the creator Ted Neeley: the best performer Edit: wow the spanish guys are amazing

2:10 -- Should Sebastian Bach even be on this list, considering he was just making werewolf noises during the G5?

Ted Neeley 🏆... some are close and really good, but Ted takes the cake every single time!!! ❤

Neelley encompasses all the qualities you would expect at Getsemane. He has the passion and the voice. He draws you in and is believable. No one can compare.

The two spanish singing jesus' were on point

People are underestimating my man Glenn Carter, he has such passion in the note it's really beautiful

Neeley and Gilian. I had the honour to see Ted Neeley perform live with the musical Jesus Christ Superstar like 4 times now (different years). The only musical i visited 4 times and i would visit again.

Gillan. This song and "The Temple "when he sings, "But you have made it a den of thieves. Get out!" Absolute chill city.

I had the pleasure of hearing Ted Neeley live in 2019. He can still do that note.

Steve Balsamo was AWESOME.. saw him live and he managed it brilliantly 8 times a week.

Ian Gillian 100. It’s they way he takes it naturally up and keeps the raspy sound. Too many of the other just jump straight into a screech.

Neely, Gillan! I was always blown away watching Ted Neely sing this as a kid. I was lucky enough to see him on Broadway. There is something about this song and how they sing it that sends chills down the spine.

It's not even a question. Ian Gillan hits the note and then does the most legit metal vibrato on it. He nails it because he's an actual rock star, not an actor pretending to be one.

For those that need to compare 0:21 Ted Neeley 0:39 Eric Michael Krop 0:55 Gary Cherone 1:14 Ian Gillan 1:30 Luke Kennedy 1:47 Miguel Fernández 2:10 Sebastian Bach 2:27 Tom Butwin 2:44 Glenn Carter 3:01 John Arthur Greene 3:16 Jeff Fenholt 3:31 Leo Jiménez 3:48 Gerónimo Rauch 4:06 Paul Nolan 4:23 Trevor White 4:39 Ola Salo 4:54 Ben Forster 5:11 Danny Zolli 5:28 Drew Sarich (My Fav) 5:46 Steve Balsamo

Ted is still #1 in my book. He can still hit the note too. I met him a few years back and sat with him watching the movie.

My goodness..they are ALL PHENOMENAL…. But Ted Neeley has my heart… 🤣🤣❤️❤️💪💪 I love this… I saw performances I’ve never even heard of… it’s so beautiful, all of them..❤️💪💪💪🔥🔥👍👍👍🔥🔥

3:37 now *_THIS_* is when you step on a lego

Ted Neely is the only one for me. He has so much passion and pain in his singing. Makes me get goosebumps. Love that show.

To me Ted Neeley was the best by far for the film and broadway he is my go to. The version by Ian Gillan mastered the vibrato scream of the voice holding a long note. He always had great range in the upper register...in Deep Purple

Ian Gillan's voice has such depth and he just sings it with Bollocks! Lots of good performance, but his version of this song hits hardest.

"Mr. Gillan and Mr. Neely, please remain standing………… and the rest of you……… thank you for auditioning."

I know Ian was the OG, but damn I love Ted's version. It's so raw and full of emotion, while actually hitting the note pretty damn well. Although, the fact that I absolutely love his performance and the whole movie definitely influences my opinion.

Why hasn't anyone commented on Ian's intonation? Just listen to the tremor in his voice. Goose bumps all over!!

Ian Gillan has the most heart and feeling. Much more than any other.

It's not just about hitting the note. Ted Neely is the only one who was able to sing it with the level of rage and pain it required.

None of these singers are bad by any means, otherwise they will not be selected to sing this incredibly difficult tune. That said, my picks would have to be Ted Neely and Ian Gillan, hands down.

Thank you so much for this video. As others below already mentioned, some are really good but Ted and Ian give you shivers. Singing is not only being able doing technical gymnastics with your voice but providing your soul to the audience.

It isn't about being able to hit the note, it's about being able to convey the meaning and feeling behind it. I still feel Neeley is the best

Okay let's go through them all! Ted: Crushed it. Went for it, did fantastic, we stan Eric: very good and pretty good virbato Gary: lots of feeling, the high note was a bit strange but I think that's the video Ian: ICONIC. Still iconic and will always be. Luke: underrated my one of the best in this video. So much emotion in his performance. Miguel: he held the notes so well and kept them without faltering. Sebastian: that was screaming? Tom: Very good, lots of feeling and kept a good hold in that note Glenn: lots of very solid acting and really felt it. Wasn't too belty! John: yes it was good, but he just ruffed his way out of it Jeff: nice riffs, hit it and did his own thing Leo: He had a lot of feeling, love it Geronimo: held it! Great! Paul: It's good but I'm not feeling this one, Nolan. Trevor: didn't hold it too long but picked himself up Ola: a bit rushed, but acting in point. Ben: A bit weird but still impressive. The start was rough but landing good Danny: a little too high. Drew: leaned into it too much, the note after the high note was stronger. Steve:solid vibrato and put his heart into it.

Ian Gillan, without a doubt. Just the fact that he improvised in the first place, aswell as that magnificent vibrato. No one else comes close imo!

Ian Gillan's version is the absolute best. So much feeling and passion!! Ian Gillan has been my favorite singer for over 50 years!! So much natural talemt!! 😍 ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Drew Sarich is the top for me. Always will be. Saw him perform it life once, from one of the front rows. Outdoor stage. Absolutely breathtaking.

I can't see Camilo Sesto... even Ian Gillan called to congratulate him...

The Spanish version by Camilo Sesto is one of the best. People should check it out.

Ian Gillian is the omly one who combined character and emotion with range. Everything else falls short of glory

I can't believe you didn't put the Spanish version by Camilo Sesto! I don't know whether it is the best but definitely the more passionate and one to be taken into account

Almost everyone in the bunch sounds very good and all but *Ian Gillan is just eargasm-quality.*

Thanks for putting this together. I have seen about 7 different productions of JCS from local community theater groups, colleges and a touring company featuring Ted Neally and Carl Anderson and I have been in two productions of JCS one with the now defunct San Jose Civic Light Opera that featured Carl Anderson as Judas and one at Da Anza Cummunity College during their summer theater program where I got to play Jesus which remains a high light of my performing days and the culmination of a dream to be in JCS and play Jesus. I have loved the show since I first listened to it when I was about 13 or so. What I really like about this montage of men taking on the role of Jesus is that this really reveals just how difficult singing the part of Jesus is. Gethsemane is obviously the pinnacle of that challenge vocally for men but, there are other very challenging parts in that role and your montage really shows a wide array of men taking on that challenge with varying degrees of success. Full disclosure I have been a fan of Ian Gillan's original rendition since I first heard it as a kid though I appreciate Ted Neally's version as well and respect anyone for taking on the role. That said, from this montage there is a quality in Ian Gillan's rendition of Gethsemane that I think is the gold standard and while there are a number of very good performances here I still would put folding money on Ian Gillan's original version. Thank you again for putting this together. Pete Hollister, CA

This video is such a good example of technical skill meeting the ability to also perform the song. Like many others have said, Ted Neely's performance is absolute gold standard, hitting the note while not letting that moment to "outshine" the rest of the performance. It's not just that one moment where you get to flex your skills, but it's the emotional core of the song. It's so fascinating to hear the difference when the singer just focuses to hitting that note instead of performing the song. It's so jarring, even though it sound "good", there is just something missing. Really cool compilation!

I actually prefer the raspy, growly notes, the clean ones sound so.. empty..

One of the best interpretations I've heard is the one in spanish by Camilo Sesto, he puts so much passion into the whole thing it's definitely worth a listen

Ian Guilan was astonishing. There's no other singer who used to sing this song that way. And I think there will never be anyone singing like Ian.

The note Ian Gillan hits is actually closer to a B6 which is even more impressive than anyone else's G5

TED NEELY Simply Amazing performance ... in a time and a timeless context: 70s

Can we all just agree that a classical voice doesn't really work for this song? Like, props to the guys who could hit this note, but Ian Gillen and Ted Neeley nailed it because they had a rock-sounding voice. They absolutely nailed it because they portrayed Jesus's anguish perfectly. A classical voice just doesn't portray that well

Ian and Ted knew what they were singing and felt it. Ian was my favorite though. That voice!

Ian Gillan and his real rock scream! No hay ninguna duda al respecto

I actually liked some of the versions in different languages: Leo Jimenez in particular managed to convey actual pain and anguish with his rendition, rather than just singing the high note. Just like Ian and Ted did in their version and what made it stand out so much.

Ian Gillan will always blow everyone else out of the water with his performance, not just for the high G but also for the follow up as well, he genuinely sounds like a man distraught at the knowledge that he must die, and is confused as to how this would help

Steve Balsamo far and away is the best! True vocals and well sustained! 💛👍

Ian Gillan's metal scream got forever codified into a musical. The stuff that Rob Halford and Robert Plant did.

- Ian Gillan (will be an old soul voice). - Ted Neeley (will be and old soul voice). You cannot offend those two naming a "one" and "second". Ian Gillan's performance (in the high note and in one piece) is addictive. I can rewind it for an hour. Neeley´s is like that high note voice for which the opera will be forever magnificent and repeated for decades. 3. Steve Balsamo at the end, comes as a breath of fresh air.

Ian Gillian - everytime I hear his "WHHHYYYYYYY" I think of his intro wail in Highway Star.

So many of them don't understand why they sing "WHY" and treat it just as "omg guys look what I can do" moment, without any emotion.

Steve Balsamo had the technique like 4 others, but Steve gave me goosebumps

Steve Balsamo. Best pitch, vibratto, acting, emotion. Seamless transitions. PERFECT.

Ian Gillan not only sang it best, he created those screams, he set the benchmark for those who followed. None of whom surpassed him.

Steve Balsamo. Loved his performance in London's West End in the late 90s revival.

it's not about hitting the note perfectly, it's about conveying the pain of it, which I think only a few people are truly able to do

As judgy and nitpicking we are of these guys, honestly mad respect to them for just being able to sing this note alone! I don’t even think I could hit it! That being said, drew sarich, wow.

I, personally, love Steve Balsamo's version. Bright, clean, high, perfect. The 1996 version of JCS is my favourite.

I saw the 70s film in the theater at the time. Ted is perfect now to me as he was then. His is the only one that seems effortless and part of his vocal range and comfort zone. His note is the most natural and certainly the most beautiful and pleasing to the ear. Still it’s an interesting comparison with all of the others. Ted is the one though.

Big shout for Jimenez and Fernandez. That's not as easy a transition in Spanish as it is in English and they crushed it. For the rest of the non Neely/Gillian/Balsamo group, Butwin was very smooth into the note, Nolan hit the note so cleanly and with seemingly little effort, Greene was my favorite in terms of just letting it rip, and after crushing that first one he does it again! Rauch emotes the performance beautifully, he deserves a shout!

The ones I like the best have a rasp to them or some sort of lack of polish, because to me those truly portray the anguish Christ felt.

Ian Gillian is the best. Of course, I grew up with the record albums where he plays the part, so I’m kind of biased in a way. Most of these performances in the video were pretty good. I thought it was interesting to hear the Spanish versions.

It will always be the original and amazing TED NEELY,,,😍

Ian Gillan!!!! That vibrato!!!!!!!

Sebastian Bach's cry sounds like he's getting attacked by a herd of raging raccoons.

I agree with everyone's comments about having the emotion and intention behind the "why'" and how it's important to the song, but I think it's also important to note that if someone isn't properly trained in how to sing with a rock scream, especially at such a high note, it can be INCREDIBLY damaging to the vocal cords. Doing so consistently (like a tour or on Broadway i.e.) can cause nodules which can permanently ruin someone's voice. Also, it's really hard to just plain ole' scream at a specific note (which is why Sebastian Bach sounds particularly bad). That's why a lot of people who play Jesus or sing the song tend to transition to it in a way that's vocally healthy and then shift back to their regular singing voice.

Steve Balso for sure! Some of the others are very good, but Balsamo is absolutely perfect in his vocal choice---on on top of it he is great actor---turns into a frightened Jesus with every expression, movement and tears.

I can finally hit this note as a bass after listening for about a year. Beautiful song.

Can we all agree that Sebastian Bach's was the worst?

It's unfair judge the best without hear Camilo Sesto.

Even more impressive is Ians' Whats the buzz scream

They are all great, but Gillan and Neeley are first and second. They are the most musical and emotional.

1:02 I find it so funny how he just hits the note instantly, sounds so funny.