Vinyl pressings
by Andrew Lloyd Webber · 1972
Jesus Christ Superstar was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 5 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
2YAA1161-4.Side 1, runout: Variant 1
2YAA1161-3.Side 2, runout: Variant 1
2YAA1161-4.Side 1, runout etched: Variant 2
2YAA1162-3.Side 2, runout etched: Variant 2
2YAA1161-4.
2YAA1161-3.
2YAA 1161-1Side A
2YAA 1162-2Side B
2YAA 1161-1Side A runout, stamped
2YAA 1162-2Side B runout, stamped
2YAA 1161-1 R A 1Side A runout, stamped
2YAA 1162-2 A H 1Side B runout, stamped
2YAA 1161Side A label, in parentheses
2YAA 1162Side B label, in parentheses
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Australia | His Master's Voice SOELP 9916First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Australia | His Master's Voice SOELP 9916 / Drum DRUM 8035First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Italy | Emidisc 3C 034 51831First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | New Zealand | Regal SREG 30162First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Portugal | Regal Zonophone 8E 046 81204First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | UK | Starline SRS 5125 / Starline 1E 048 ○ 81204First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1972 | UK | Starline SRS 5125 / Starline 1E 048 ○ 81204First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1972 | UK | Starline SRS 5125 / Starline IE 048 ○ 81204First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | Chile | Odeon (S) LDC 36807LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | Italy | Emidisc 3C048-51831LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | South Korea | His Master's Voice SOELP 9916 / Oasis Records OLE-204LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Australia | Axis AX.1175LP, Album | LP, Album |
12 vinyl pressings of Jesus Christ Superstar are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1972 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in Australia, UK, Italy, New Zealand and more. One of them is His Master's Voice SOELP 9916.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SOELP 9916, SRS 5125, 3C 034 51831, SREG 30162) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2YAA1161-4. and 2YAA1161-3.. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
