37 years later, and Murray Head still hits it spot on. I was fortunate enough to have seen Jesus Christ Superstar in its original "rock opera" setting...Murray Head, Yvonne Elliman and Ian Gillan as Jesus. Awesome.
I can see where he set the enunciation and pace for these songs. Carl Andersen is a great singer too, but Murray laid the foundation for these songs and did a fantastic job.
A big admirer of Gillan and Murray Head. What a delightful experience to finally after sooo many years, watch him singing this song. It would have been absolutely heaven (no pun intended) to see him singing "Heaven in their minds". And yes, the original set the standard.
You know that Murray Head was the original Judas before Anderson was ever cast into it, right? Search "Murray Head Jesus Christ Superstar" and you'll find the original--made before the movie with Anderson came out.
Murray Head was Judas, Ian Gillian was Jesus, Yvonne Elliman was Mary Magdelene, brilliant Caiphas and also Herod, on the original album (1970?). These voices pre-dated the film starring Ted Neely. Neely appeared in JCS in Detroit for a few nights during the early 1990s. Powerful performance by all.
I've seen a number of "Judas's" on clips....and Murray Head is the only one that sounds "right" to me....something about his voice...rough and gritty (on the original album) fit the character best. The only other performer I can accept is Carl Anderson.....but...Murray Head is Judas (in my opinion).
@@JoaoRoseiraBorges I just read my response (2 years old) and I think I came off more than a little snobbish sounding when I said "the only other performer I can accept is Carl Anderson", so I apologize for that.....The truth is a lot of talented people have done a really good job at the part of Judas (and other roles)....and Jerome Prandon certainly did a good job based on the clip you sent and another I watched....but, my own personal favorite is still Murray Head, because I liked that style of singing and I've always found his voice kind of unique. For me the album of the Original London Cast is my favorite version overall.....not that there haven't been several casts that have been fantastic....but the original album just does it for me, however I have nothing against the later performances and I think everyone brings a little something new to the roles.
Really great musicianship and production! Thanks for this. I actually clipped your intro for a video I made for Wed. night Bible study on the 1951 sci fi classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still" as a Christ allegory. JC Superstar in a Bible study? Doesn't get better than that. UA-cam didn't like my using clips from the movie, but I petitioned. Way to go, Murry Head!
Murray Head, Good news. My fair use petition worked! My sci-fi Bible study rock video is now unblocked. Thanks for the honor of including a snippet of your artistry. Hope you like it! ---Bert ua-cam.com/video/TFJvJWHMVK0/v-deo.html
Well this guy a. played the role of Judas in the concept album for JCS b. was,as far as I know, the first actor to feature in a scene where a man kissed another man on screen(Sunday bloody sunday) and c.sang one of the greatest pop hits of all time- One night in Bangkok. Although most people around the world know vaguely at least point a. and c. I don't know anyone would come up with the name Murray Head connect to Jcs and One night in Bangkok, which is sad...
I don't usually reply to anything....but, you made some very good MH points. And, my being a big fan since the JCS days, I felt I needed to add to your list of MH credits the fantastic song he also penned and sang as only he could - Say It Ain't So, Joe.
Now all we need is for Ian to sing Gethsemane one more time! I believe there is only 1 recording of him (audio which was also a video where he lip synced).
Ah, makes my whole soul sing! I've heard God knows how many versions of JCS -- some better than others. But I'm yet to hear a Jesus as inspired as Gillan's And there's no Judas as moving as Murray's (who, btw, doesn't get nearly enough credit for his amazing performance).
Yes, he did the role of Judas on the original recording with Ian Gillan as Jesus. In the stage version Ben Vereen was Judas and Jeff Fenholt was Jesus. Their understudies, Carl Anderson and Ted Neeley went on and did the movie ;)
I will pick Murray Head as the gold standard for this role with Carl Anderson a close second. I did not like Ben Vereen's version. I thought it was just a bit jumpy.
missy, you do realize murray head is singing judas here right? as for gillan he was the purest singer, but he didnt have the emotions that ted neely did, so if your pleasing your ears, choose ian, but if you want to experience jesus....ted is the man
Ian never did a performance. If he did, it would have beenn necessary for him to perform it. He emoted from his soul as you will see him in "Child In Time" He definitely could do it. If he dropped Deep Purple and took up the role on broadway and in the movie he would have never lost his voice. The demands of a heavy metal band took a toll on him. When you are in a stage performance it is necessary you NOT drink and do drugs to keep up the role. It would have been a Jesus we would never have forgotton. He did himself wrong by staying with Purple than doing the movie.
The original concept album is a musical masterpiece and the vocals are balanced with the musicians and that amazing bass line by Alan Spenner. The film was more focused on the vocals and performances because it was more of a visual experience. I'm sure that Ian Gillan could have excelled in the film and bare in mind that he did the vocals for the album in something like 6 hours. However, Made in Japan is an exellent album and it makes up for it. I wish Murray Head had recorded more as I feel he is very underated.
And Ian Gillan was the best as well (and amazing Sabbath & Deep PQ). The others are just poor seconds. The original cast is still the best, from the CD and the London play. Not the movie, which came after. Neely looks the part, but his voice can't hold a candle.
Agreed. All these modernized versions are sacrilege to the original concept. The story makes no sense modernized at all unless you rewrite the entire thing. But the ending in the original movie was genius. That's the way to tie it in to the present. You don't put Jesus and his followers in clothes from Old Navy and Hot Topic while they're trying to fight the System and expect me not to gag. Andrew Lloyd Weber, why have you forsaken me? Stop all this foolishness and get back to the original story
I think all the booze and drugs have taken their toll on Murray. His eyes are fixed on the teleprompter. You can see him reading. He is singing too fast. He was excellent in 1970, though.
I think he sounded fine,he was quite a young man when he recorded the original.age does affect all aspects of life,this comes from a 64 year old i know from personal experience lol!
geo-george1 He sounds slightly different to me - more like the Murray Head from Chess than the one from JCS. Nothing wrong with that, though. Themanwhocameback2 Are you seriously proposing that because he didn't remember the words to a song he did almost 40 years prior that he's strung out? I mean, he was 60 and doing a one-night performance. I can't imagine he rehearsed a ton for this.
So, "are you seriously proposing" that he hasn't sung this extremely famous song in over 40 years (actually 49 years since he recorded the song)? Yes, it is odd that he doesn't remember the lyrics. I , who , wasn't even around then can remember them.
37 years later, and Murray Head still hits it spot on.
I was fortunate enough to have seen Jesus Christ Superstar in its original "rock opera" setting...Murray Head, Yvonne Elliman and Ian Gillan as Jesus.
Awesome.
I’m not envious at all… 😁 it must have been an experience of a lifetime
You lucky man!!
You lucky man!
Jealous!!!
Ian Gillan never performed in a live production
I can see where he set the enunciation and pace for these songs. Carl Andersen is a great singer too, but Murray laid the foundation for these songs and did a fantastic job.
A big admirer of Gillan and Murray Head. What a delightful experience to finally after sooo many years, watch him singing this song. It would have been absolutely heaven (no pun intended) to see him singing "Heaven in their minds". And yes, the original set the standard.
Jesus. Murray sang the fucking shit out of this. Again. Just like he did on the record.
What a timeless classic performance of Head! But Carl Anderson's perfect performance in the 1973 movie version is also second to none.
Love them both!
“Heaven on their Minds” is quite possibly the Greatest Vocal performance ever….
This was amazing. He still sounded so good here. To me, only that London cast was perfect. This was so great to hear. Didn't even know about it.
An absolutely magnificent performance. Thanks for the upload.
Как он хорош! Голос, манера и культура исполнения. Неподражаем.
For me there is only one....
Judas..... Murray Head.
Christ......Ian Gillan.
🎼🎵🎶🎸
Yes!!
Best Judas voice EVER.
Murray, he's the man.
He's a gift from God.
Totalmente de acuerdo. Eso fué inspiración divina y Murray Head, perfecto para esa conexión. Perfecto!!!!🎶❤️🎶💥🙏💥
Sing it Murray! Still the best even after 45 years...
ONLY THE BEST❤
What a voice!
You know that Murray Head was the original Judas before Anderson was ever cast into it, right? Search "Murray Head Jesus Christ Superstar" and you'll find the original--made before the movie with Anderson came out.
Murray Head was Judas, Ian Gillian was Jesus, Yvonne Elliman was Mary Magdelene, brilliant Caiphas and also Herod, on the original album (1970?). These voices pre-dated the film starring Ted Neely. Neely appeared in JCS in Detroit for a few nights during the early 1990s. Powerful performance by all.
Wow, he's still great after all these years
We love you, Murray! 💖🌸💕
Absolutely the best version I've heard since the original recording. Awesomeness!
David Velazquez well here he is again in the original:
ua-cam.com/video/PFw7K5-MV8I/v-deo.html
Eso toca el corazón como nadie. No sé si algo puede superar algo tan bello como ésta maravillosa obra.
I've heard and watched many renditions of this song, but this one probably beats them all. Absolutely outstanding job by the original artist!
Absolutely incredible and so moving
ótima opera rock!
Original and the best!
sunday bloody sunday......so good !
One of the most beautiful soul voices. Kinda looks like Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra) on drums.
The original is always the best
I've seen a number of "Judas's" on clips....and Murray Head is the only one that sounds "right" to me....something about his voice...rough and gritty (on the original album) fit the character best. The only other performer I can accept is Carl Anderson.....but...Murray Head is Judas (in my opinion).
Ozzpocket Productions he started it all
I entirely agree. Murray's is always my favorite interpretation of the role.
Tim Minchin is better,
What about Jerome Prandon?
ua-cam.com/video/R1MB3348rLQ/v-deo.html
Maybe not so emotional, but very articulated in his singing.
@@JoaoRoseiraBorges I just read my response (2 years old) and I think I came off more than a little snobbish sounding when I said "the only other performer I can accept is Carl Anderson", so I apologize for that.....The truth is a lot of talented people have done a really good job at the part of Judas (and other roles)....and Jerome Prandon certainly did a good job based on the clip you sent and another I watched....but, my own personal favorite is still Murray Head, because I liked that style of singing and I've always found his voice kind of unique. For me the album of the Original London Cast is my favorite version overall.....not that there haven't been several casts that have been fantastic....but the original album just does it for me, however I have nothing against the later performances and I think everyone brings a little something new to the roles.
Also he had a hit with One Night in Bangkok in the 80’s!❤️🎤🎵🎼🎶
Really great musicianship and production! Thanks for this. I actually clipped your intro for a video I made for Wed. night Bible study on the 1951 sci fi classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still" as a Christ allegory. JC Superstar in a Bible study? Doesn't get better than that. UA-cam didn't like my using clips from the movie, but I petitioned. Way to go, Murry Head!
Murray Head, Good news. My fair use petition worked! My sci-fi Bible study rock video is now unblocked. Thanks for the honor of including a snippet of your artistry. Hope you like it! ---Bert ua-cam.com/video/TFJvJWHMVK0/v-deo.html
I'm curious to know how the other attendees in your Bible study reacted to Jesus Christ Superstar?
Well this guy a. played the role of Judas in the concept album for JCS b. was,as far as I know, the first actor to feature in a scene where a man kissed another man on screen(Sunday bloody sunday) and c.sang one of the greatest pop hits of all time- One night in Bangkok. Although most people around the world know vaguely at least point a. and c. I don't know anyone would come up with the name Murray Head connect to Jcs and One night in Bangkok, which is sad...
I knew about a and c, but never heard about b, the world is so strange :)
I love the whole orchestra...specially the trumpet in 2.09...
Just great...
He lost some range but he is Judas. Never will there be a better. He looks good too and I think we can forgive him for "One Night in Bangkok"
HE IS PERFECT INNER SENSIBILITY very hight level
Very handsome☺️
I don't usually reply to anything....but, you made some very good MH points. And, my being a big fan since the JCS days, I felt I needed to add to your list of MH credits the fantastic song he also penned and sang as only he could - Say It Ain't So, Joe.
He sings good 🎤🎸🎻
Now all we need is for Ian to sing Gethsemane one more time! I believe there is only 1 recording of him (audio which was also a video where he lip synced).
Marvelous !
Ah, makes my whole soul sing!
I've heard God knows how many versions of JCS -- some better than others.
But I'm yet to hear a Jesus as inspired as Gillan's
And there's no Judas as moving as Murray's (who, btw, doesn't get nearly enough credit for his amazing performance).
Is there any live video of him performing Heaven on their minds?
Boy does he sound like Steve Windwood.
much more better than this can't exist good luck thank you
Yes, he did the role of Judas on the original recording with Ian Gillan as Jesus.
In the stage version Ben Vereen was Judas and Jeff Fenholt was Jesus.
Their understudies, Carl Anderson and Ted Neeley went on and did the movie ;)
Fantasitc.
I will pick Murray Head as the gold standard for this role with Carl Anderson a close second. I did not like Ben Vereen's version. I thought it was just a bit jumpy.
Atta boy Murray! Sing it!
great version of the song
I had the original album
I listened the heck out of it
WOW!
missy, you do realize murray head is singing judas here right? as for gillan he was the purest singer, but he didnt have the emotions that ted neely did, so if your pleasing your ears, choose ian, but if you want to experience jesus....ted is the man
Ian never did a performance. If he did, it would have beenn necessary for him to perform it. He emoted from his soul as you will see him in "Child In Time" He definitely could do it. If he dropped Deep Purple and took up the role on broadway and in the movie he would have never lost his voice. The demands of a heavy metal band took a toll on him. When you are in a stage performance it is necessary you NOT drink and do drugs to keep up the role. It would have been a Jesus we would never have forgotton. He did himself wrong by staying with Purple than doing the movie.
The original concept album is a musical masterpiece and the vocals are balanced with the musicians and that amazing bass line by Alan Spenner.
The film was more focused on the vocals and performances because it was more of a visual experience.
I'm sure that Ian Gillan could have excelled in the film and bare in mind that he did the vocals for the album in something like 6 hours. However, Made in Japan is an exellent album and it makes up for it.
I wish Murray Head had recorded more as I feel he is very underated.
good...my God!!! :D
I was surprised to find he was white... My bad. He's amazing.
Why do you have to compare and decide which one is "best"? You can appreciate all the versions, enjoy.
excellent
@DeeAndDee Thank you very much.I thought it sounded like him,but wasn't sure.
ขอบคุณ
Most fucking excellent.
Best comment I heard.
Still got it.
Check out Brandon Dixon in the 2018 version. He was fantastic!
jesus your the man wait the best,
Murray Head will always be Judas for me.
master
Head and Anderson killed it... None of this JCS 2000 bull shit
Best Judas ever!
One night in Bangkok ...
The Judas from Jcs 2000 is very good too, as singer and performer, one of the few good things of that version.
Now for my stupid question for today.Did he sing this on the original album?
Zeke1950 yes, he was the original Judas on the album.
Zeke1950 yep. see for yourself:
ua-cam.com/video/PFw7K5-MV8I/v-deo.html
Yes he did
The original video of him singing this is a fantastic one to watch. The Trinidad Singers( the original back-vocals) are right there in the video.
And Ian Gillan was the best as well (and amazing Sabbath & Deep PQ). The others are just poor seconds. The original cast is still the best, from the CD and the London play. Not the movie, which came after. Neely looks the part, but his voice can't hold a candle.
Missyrocks53 Steve Balsamo easily Better than Ian in talent and style. You're just used to one over another.
Steve Balsamo doesnt have the emotional level of Gillan. Sure he is an amazing singer, but imo not close to Gillan (for JCSS)
@Michael Persico Andrew is a genius. He knew what he was doing. The original album's cast is still the best.
He sounds BETTER now than he did on the album! like Elton John his voice got BETTER as he aged
He did his best work in Bangkok.
But it was only one night.
He actually didn't sing the chorus tho
The best Judas for all time
The voice in the jcs movie was murray's, same like JC's voice was or is Ian gillan
Is that Mel C on backing vocals? Lol!
Gesù criiii
Love this version. My favorite is Tony Vincent. But my top 4 are:
1. Tony Vincent
2. Carl Anderson
3. Murray Head
4. Jerome Pradon
Fresa salvaje
he is reading the words of this song ?!?!?
SM Tresk Marlon Brando would read his lines
Better go back to your bars, your temples, your massage parlors.
she does play mary in the new version of this... she did ok but she seemed a bit old for the rest of the cast
Ehm...HE is the original Judas ;)
Had to check this out again,,great,,but Brandon Victor Dixon really nailed it
Murray is still great. The bassist is not doing the best job though. His way to play is a bit lazy, considering how Alan Spenner played this song
"the world's coming to an end!!!!!!" old folks in 1969
een hele zwakke afspiegeling en een belediging voor het orgineel.
+Michaël Wisse Het origineel is van hem... maar zijn eerste uitvoering is inderdaad wel vele malen beter dan dit
But the orchestra flourishes with the horns and trumpets is not as pronounced.
Agreed. All these modernized versions are sacrilege to the original concept. The story makes no sense modernized at all unless you rewrite the entire thing. But the ending in the original movie was genius. That's the way to tie it in to the present. You don't put Jesus and his followers in clothes from Old Navy and Hot Topic while they're trying to fight the System and expect me not to gag. Andrew Lloyd Weber, why have you forsaken me? Stop all this foolishness and get back to the original story
I know it's a better song,is that why?
Drew Sarich the best
Ian GIlLAN of the purples was the best
Carl Anderson, by any measure of the imagination, now live puts Murray to sleep in 2 secs flat. ♫ ♪ ♫ ╞♪
Учись, киркоров
Carl Anderson> Any other Judas
+ElFabro Dude, just no. This isn't the best performance of this song even by this person, who was on the original recording...
Yes!
I think all the booze and drugs have taken their toll on Murray. His eyes are fixed on the teleprompter. You can see him reading. He is singing too fast. He was excellent in 1970, though.
I think he sounded fine,he was quite a young man when he recorded the original.age does affect all aspects of life,this comes from a 64 year old i know from personal experience lol!
Themanwhocameback2 Yes, but his voice still sounds the same.
geo-george1 He sounds slightly different to me - more like the Murray Head from Chess than the one from JCS. Nothing wrong with that, though.
Themanwhocameback2 Are you seriously proposing that because he didn't remember the words to a song he did almost 40 years prior that he's strung out? I mean, he was 60 and doing a one-night performance. I can't imagine he rehearsed a ton for this.
So, "are you seriously proposing" that he hasn't sung this extremely famous song in over 40 years (actually 49 years since he recorded the song)? Yes, it is odd that he doesn't remember the lyrics. I , who , wasn't even around then can remember them.
Themanwhocameback2 you must be young..we all need a little help as we get older.
The god is Allah
Wow a lot of people hate Christ. Wow! Most blasphemous music ever made.
Who?
Fantastic! :-D