Billy Thorpe's long-lost space rock opera, Children of the Sun, is finally back in print after over three decades. This classic rock deep cut, featuring session ace Leland Sklar and drummer Alvin Taylor, originally arrived in 1979, led by the futuristic title track. Despite its success, the album's commercial run was short-lived, leaving Thorpe and his team disappointed. The story behind its creation and subsequent rediscovery is a fascinating one, involving a powerhouse band, a producer with a legendary career, and a journey through the music industry's twists and turns.
The album's producer, Spencer Proffer, became well-known for his work with Quiet Riot, producing their chart-topping Metal Health album and releasing it on his label, Pasha Records. Proffer later returned to Thorpe's album, remixing and altering it for a 1987 reissue 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.
The new edition of Children of the Sun is a labor of love, thanks to Jeremy Holiday of Iconoclassic Records. Holiday, a fan first, was shocked to find the 1993 CD rare and expensive, leaving the U.S. market without a CD release. The reissue has been substantially overhauled, featuring a full remaster with Proffer's support, expansive liner notes, and new interviews. Holiday's involvement in the project has also taught him more about the album's history and the people behind it.
The album's creation is a testament to the power of collaboration and the music industry's unpredictable nature. Thorpe and Proffer met at a party, sparked by their shared interest in outer space exploration and the concept of aliens making contact with Earth. They crafted a fictional story of a friendly race from another planet, watching the Earthlings self-destruct, a narrative that was both fantastical and topical, reflecting the political climate of the time.
Proffer, who put up his own money to finance the project, spent close to a year working on the album with Thorpe. Despite the initial commercial success, the subsequent events were a result of bad timing and the collapse of Capricorn Records. Proffer remains proud of the album, believing in Thorpe's talent and the album's quality, even if the timing was unfortunate.
Children of the Sun is more than just an album; it's a time capsule, a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring appeal of classic rock. The new remastered version is available now, offering a fresh opportunity to explore this space rock opera and appreciate the vision of Billy Thorpe and Spencer Proffer.
