Billy Thorpe's Time on Earth

Author: Jason Walker
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Price: $35.95

Rocker of the ages

Trying to explain the importance of Billy Thorpe in the 1960’s music scene to someone not old enough to have experienced it first-hand is a difficult task, but Jason Walker manages to do it with a beautifully crafted account of this remarkable man in his recent biography Billy Thorpe’s Time on Earth.

I remember the day Billy Thorpe died. I remember the funeral and the sense of loss that was felt through the tributes broadcast over radio and TV and plastered across the front pages of the newspaper but as a kid born in the mid 1970’s I had no idea what a tremendous loss this was. Then I was ignorant and after reading this book I feel ashamed.

In the first full biography of Thorpe’s life we learn about this extraordinary singer, songwriter, musician and author who started his life in showbiz as a 10 year old child star, Little Rock Allen in Brisbane. It is easy to fall in love immediately with this plucky roguish kid who knew from an early age exactly why he was on the planet. Thorpe was a man who definitely had a purpose and wasn’t going to let anyone make him feel embarrassed about it. He was fortunate to also have the support of his two loving parents who had faith in his talent and were fundamental to his success.

In the 60’s with the pop scene about to explode, Billy was drawn to the bright lights of Sydney and the big time as the lead singer of the Aztecs, with record sales and concert attendances rivalling those of the Beatles at the time.

Despite spending 20 years in the US, Billy was always popular in Australia and went on to write two best selling semi-autobiographical novels. Some of his live shows with the Aztecs have gone down in history as some of the most intense ever: loud, heartfelt and blistering – and his fans revered him for it. Even now two years since his death, Billy Thorpe continues to inspire musicians and fans.

Even if you do not consider yourself a fan of Billy Thorpe this book is a great read. It provides an insight into the development of the Australian music industry and importantly into the life of a man who lived with passion and guts. You will close the cover on this book feeling inspired and perhaps a little envious of a bloke who had such success doing something that he loved.

Billy’s energy was always being honed and he never stopped performing. It was his life. His reason to get up in the morning, a good excuse for not going to bed at all. It is that unrelenting vision and his irrepressible self-belief that ensures his influence can still be felt and heard.

Lisa O'Donnell