Billy Thorpe's long-lost space rock opera, Children of the Sun, is finally back in print after over three decades. This album, a deep cut in classic rock, features a powerhouse band, including session ace Leland Sklar on bass and drummer Alvin Taylor. The original 1979 release, led by the futuristic title track, was a short-lived success, leaving Thorpe and his team disappointed. The producer, Spencer Proffer, who also helped concoct and realize the project, later returned to remix and alter the album, releasing a new version in 1987 titled Children of the Sun... Revisited. However, the original 1979 album remained largely unavailable for over three decades, with a scarce 1993 pressing available only in Thorpe's native Australia. Now, thanks to Jeremy Holiday of Iconoclassic Records, the album is being reissued with a full remaster, expansive liner notes, and new interviews. This immersive experience has taught Holiday and others more about the album's history and the creative process behind it. The reissue project was an adventure, involving the search for original tapes and the collaboration of various experts to bring the album back to life. Proffer remains proud of the album, which began with a conversation between Thorpe and Proffer about outer space exploration and the idea of a friendly race from another planet watching Earthlings self-destruct. Despite the initial commercial success, the album's release coincided with the bankruptcy of the record label, Capricorn, leading to its short-lived success. Proffer emphasizes that Thorpe was a brilliant talent and that the album's lack of mainstream success didn't diminish his talent. The new remastered version of Children of the Sun is available now, offering a fascinating glimpse into a musical time capsule and a testament to the enduring appeal of Thorpe's space rock opera.
