Chapter 8

“JC Superstar”

As Ralf, I had loved Jesus Christ Superstar.

It was created by the Team of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Music) & Tim Rice (Lyrics)

Superstar is actually their 2nd Rock Opera, but it was the 1st to be Produced.

Their 1st being Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, but Joseph was not produced until after Superstar.

I had already asked David Geffen to set up a meeting with Andrew & Tim. I knew they were about to start recording their “Concept Album” of Jesus Christ Superstar. Before they could complete it though, they would run short on money. They even had to resort to paying the Singer’s by offering them Options on any Profits, instead of regular Pay. Ian Gillian (Jesus) was one who had to accept the offer. Ian would join Deep Purple right after his work with Superstar concluded.

I planned to come to the rescue of the Project, by becoming Andrew’s & Tim’s partner. I was hoping for the same deal of 50% of any profits that I had for Woodstock. I would also try to stay partners with them throughout their careers, as I knew they would be huge, especially Andrew.

Ali & I flew to London, Sun, Oct 19, 1969. We met up with Andrew & Tim the next day. I wanted to ink a deal ASAP, but we chose that date as I knew Ian Gillan was due to record his Vocals as Jesus Christ the next day.

Ian only sang on the Original Concept Album. He was asked to be a part of the Broadway Musical & then the Film Version, but declined. He hated to be stuck in one spot for too long. He relished being on the Road, on Tour. But he left Deep Purple after a few years, blaming he was worn out after years of One-Night-Stands! Seems to me that there should be a balance there.

Ali & I stayed in an historic Hotel called the Grosvenor House, near Buckingham Palace. It wasn’t far from Olympic Studios, which was where Superstar was being recorded. It was as important as Abbey Road Studios. I had assumed Abbey Road was where The Beatles recorded most of their Albums, but nope, most were done at Olympic.

Others who recorded a lot of their best stuff did it at Olympic. Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix Experience...

Ian Gillan was amazing, as he recorded ALL his Singing parts for JC Superstar in only 3-Hours! He would have to come back to Record the Dialogue he had as Jesus, but his Singing of the Songs was really awesome & emotional. I still listen to them over & over.

Ali & I loved Ian Gillan from the start. He had the same Twinkle in his eye that Ali did. He was very gracious & friendly with us. Like Mick Jagger had done before, Ian invited us to join Deep Purple whenever they started Touring.

We’d take him up on it too, as I’d like to be with them in Montreux, Switzerland, Sat, Dec 4, 1971, where Smoke on the Water, was inspired,

But some Stupid with a Flare-Gun, burned the place to the ground

Smoke-on-the-Water

Our meeting with Andrew & Tim went fantastic! They already knew that they were in trouble, as their finances were weak, & there was no way to complete the project as it stood.

When I said I had just rescued the recent Woodstock Festival, & wanted to help them out too, they High-Fived each other. They also jumped to accept my usual 50% Plan, so I called Roger Lang in NYC. I had already shared with him my interest of financing JC Superstar, so he was waiting for the call. He thought it a low risk, with only an upside, especially to be in on the ground-floor of someone as talented as Andrew Lloyd Webber. Tim Rice was an outstanding Lyricist too. How he brought the last days of Jesus to life in such a moving way was awesome.

After a few days in London, Ali & I flew to Miami, FL. Tricky Dick had invited us down for a few days.

Ali & I thought it would be neat to see how a President lived.