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. However, the album's legacy continued with a 1987 remix, Children of the Sun... Revisited, which added new tracks and altered the original sound. The 1979 album, unfortunately, became largely unavailable for decades, with a rare 1993 pressing available only in Thorpe's native Australia. This situation has now been rectified by Iconoclassic Records, who have remastered the album with the support of producer Spencer Proffer and others from the era. The new release includes expansive liner notes, new interviews, and visual ephemera, offering a comprehensive look into the album's creation and impact. Proffer, who helped concoct and realize the project, remains proud of the album, crediting Thorpe's brilliance and the unique timing of its release. Despite initial commercial success, the album's fate was influenced by the bankruptcy of Capricorn Records and the timing of its release during the Afghanistan war. The new remastered version of Children of the Sun is now available, offering a chance to explore this fascinating musical time capsule and appreciate Thorpe's talent.
