JON Stevens admits he was “naughty” as a teenage student, but being banned from his high school’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar was taking discipline too far.
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Especially because he so wanted to play the lead role of that ultimate bad boy, Judas.
“When I was 13 years old, my school put on a production of Jesus Christ Superstar and I really wanted to play Judas,” Stevens said.
“I knew every part. I love that show. But I wasn’t even allowed to try out. I was a bit naughty in school,” he chuckled.
“My school actually brought in an import from another school to play Judas. I remember, as a kid, thinking that sucks! Just because I’m a bit rowdy...”
Fast forward to 1992 and Stevens receives the phone call that every fan of the musical wants to take.
“[Producer] Harry Miller called me and said I want you to play the role of Judas,” Stevens said.
And so began the all-conquering arena tour and album soundtrack of Superstar, featuring Stevens alongside John Farnham, Kate Ceberano, Russell Morris and Angry Anderson.
The production and CD went on to break all sorts of box office and chart records.
And in case Stevens’ former high school wasn’t already cursing its casting decision, Stevens would later revive his portrayal of Judas in a 1994 theatrical tour of Superstar alongside Deni Hines, and in 2013 he would join the English touring version of the show in Australia, which starred Tim Minchin as Judas, and former Spice Girl, Mel C, as Mary.
“I played the more age-appropriate role of Pilate in that production, which was lovely,” Stevens said.
Stevens is currently performing two of the stand-out songs from the musical – Heaven on the Minds and Superstar – in his Best Of Jon Stevens Tour.
The two-hour shows track his entire career, from his solo work, right through to Noiseworks, INXS, The Dead Daisies and, of course, Jesus Christ Superstar.
Most Australians were introduced to Stevens through Noiseworks, whose string of hits in the 1980s and 1990s included No Lies, Take Me Back, Hot Chilli Woman, and Love Somebody.
And Stevens has relished the chance to delve into that back catalogue, performing fan favourites such as Welcome to the World, Lock ‘n’ Load, RIP Millie and Don’t Change.
“Going back, I’ve realised there’s a massive body of work there,” he said.
Stevens remains prolific and focussed on new music. He released and toured back-to-back albums - Woman, in 2015, and Starlight, in 2017 – but said the fans’ affection for his older music was enduring.
“And that’s very humbling. People still gravitate towards the songs that I did 30 years ago,” he said.
And as a lover of nostalgic concert experiences himself, Stevens said he wouldn’t dare mess with the old songs. He said he was playing the hits the way the fans remember them being recorded.
“I know that’s the way fans want to hear them,” he said.
Five gigs into the tour, and Stevens said the reaction from audiences at the shows had been extraordinary.
“It’s been unbelievable. The excitement and the love… These songs are part of my DNA and it’s really quite satisfying to see people jumping out of their skin to hear them again.”
The Best of Jon Stevens Tour will arrive on the Central Coast, at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi, on Thursday, March 8. The support act is Taxiride.
Tickets cost $45. Book at the club. Visit mingara.com.au or phone 4349 7799.
