Ian Gillan - Gethsemane

Sunday, classics time, today we continue in the musical theme, although we put more edgy touch to the song.

Original version of this all time musical classic. Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan played the role of Jesus and his interpretation of this immortal cut defined all the upcoming ones. When this work was recorded, Deep Purple weas on the top of the musical world, so Ian was unable to join the plays in Broadway, nor film the 1973 movie. Ted Neeley replaced him, he did awesome and was the known face of this Jesus, but that was his only achievement. Ian Gillan is part of rock history and his name is written with golden letters on the bible of rock.

The Musical, or should we say the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" is made by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical started as a rock opera concept recording before its first staging on Broadway in 1971. The musical is based very loosely on the Gospels' accounts of the last week of Jesus' life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion. It highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus, struggles that are not in the Bible. The resurrection is not included. It therefore largely follows the form of a traditional passion play.

Todays tune "Gethsemane" taken from the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar", Ted Neeley's 1973 version but with the voice of Ian Gillan. Holy moses, what a version!


As a bonus we have a version with Peter Jöback, Live from Cirkus" 2004.


Another bonus, Peter Jöback - I love musicals - Gethsemane Live from Globen, Stockholm 20.10.2012, poor video, but you can still hear that Peter's version is pretty awsome.



More info @

Official Ian Gillan Web

Official Peter Jöback Web

Listen to "Ian Gillan- Gethsemane" on Spotify here!

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