Billy Thorpe's long-lost space rock opera, Children of the Sun, is finally back in print after more than three decades. This classic rock deep cut has been a staple on radio for many years, and its reissue is a welcome surprise for fans. The album, originally released in 1979, features a powerhouse band, including session ace Leland Sklar on bass and drummer Alvin Taylor. Despite its initial success, the album's impact was short-lived, leaving Thorpe and those involved disappointed. The producer, Spencer Proffer, who is better known for his work with Quiet Riot and their chart-topping album Metal Health, later returned to the album and released a new version in 1987 titled Children of the Sun... Revisited. This new edition was remixed and altered, featuring only five tracks from the original LP and three additional songs. The original 1979 album has been largely unavailable for over three decades, appearing on CD only once in Thorpe's native Australia. The new reissue, thanks to Jeremy Holiday of Iconoclassic Records, has been substantially overhauled, featuring a full remaster, expansive liner notes, and new interviews. Holiday himself learned a lot more about the album during the immersive experience of developing the new reissue, discovering that it was the very first album recorded at the Pasha Music House studio. The album's narrative is fantastical but topical, reflecting the social and political climate of the time. Proffer remains proud of the album, despite the initial commercial disappointment. The new 2026 remastered version of Children of the Sun is available now on Iconoclassic Records, offering a fresh opportunity for fans to enjoy this classic rock opera.
