Superstar (Jesus Christ Superstar song) the recording, including using a full orchestra and the backing vocals of the Trinidad Singers. The Grease Band, one of the best rhythm sections in the world at that time, were brought in as the foundation of the ensemble. When the 1973 film version and its accompanying soundtrack was released, Carl Anderson played Judas. During the scene in the film when the song "Superstar" is played, Anderson was lowered onto the stage by a crane made to look like a star during the song's intro. Ted Neeley as Jesus is shown during the song being lowered onto a cross. Laura
Ted Neeley close friend Carl Anderson was touring also as a Judas understudy. Having also performed the title role in "Tommy" in Los Angeles, Neeley was led to reprise the title role in the film version of "Jesus Christ Superstar", directed by Norman Jewison, alongside Anderson as Judas. For his performance in the film, he received nominations for "Best Motion Picture Actor in a Musical or Comedy", as well as "Best Newcomer", at the 1974 Golden Globe Awards. In 1974, fresh from the success of "Superstar", Neeley released a solo album, "1974 A.D." (1974), and played the role of Billy Shears in