About The Book

Jesus Christ Superstar, a through-sung rock opera written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice is a worldwide phenomenon. Originally a best selling  concept album in 1970, it went on to successful, if sometimes controversial, stage runs all over the world. It became a film in 1973 and has since been revived many times in stage and concert versions. It has also been regularly re-recorded via cast albums and other re-imaginings whether official or unofficial. Stephen Lambe’s book traces the history of its early iterations, placing Rice’s bold story within its historical and religious context. He discusses Andrew Lloyd Webber’s imaginative and varied score, which expanded as the stage productions developed. He goes on to discuss the movie directed by Norman Jewison which set up its star Ted Neeley for an entire career as the archetypal Jesus. Many of the revivals, especially around the 20th and 25th anniversaries, are covered as are many of the recordings both in audio and video versions.  As well as the conventional productions, there have been some bold and sometimes bizarre reworkings over the years, and the book digs into many of these with a forensic eye, making this hugely comprehensive guide a must have for all JCS fans.

About The Author

Stephen Lambe is an author, publisher and journalist. In addition to having written three books about Yes, he writes regularly for Prog magazine and has interviewed many current and ex-members of the band, including Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Trevor Horn, Geoff Downes, Billy Sherwood, Rick Wakeman, Oliver Wakeman, Tony Kaye and Trevor Rabin. His first live concert – of many hundreds – was Yes at Wembley Arena in 1978. He lives in Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, UK.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Sonicbond Publishing (September 29, 2026)
  • Length: 144 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781789524840

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