I've dreamt about that voice. I worship at the temple of that voice.' - Angry Anderson
No one rocked like Billy Thorpe. His live shows with the Aztecs and wild performances at outdoor concerts like Sunbury and the Myer Music Bowl have gone down in history as some of the most intense ever: loud, heartfelt and blistering - and his fans revered him for it.
His untimely death in 2007 sent Australia and the wider music scene into mourning, and sparked outpourings of grief and love from fans and fellow rockers alike.
Now in the first full biography of this extraordinary singer, songwriter, musician and author, we learn of Billy's start in showbiz as a 10-year old child star, Little Rock Allen in Brisbane. In the 60s with the pop scene about to explode, Billy moved to the bright light of Sydney and the big time as singer of the Aztecs, with record sales and concert attendances rivaling those of the Beatles at that time. A later move to Melbourne saw Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs develop into a legendary hard rock group with a driving blues-inspired sound, those era-defining outdoor concerts and the single that was to become Billy's anthem - and that of a generation - 'Most People I Know Think That I'm Crazy'.
Despite spending 20 years in the US, Billy Thorpe never lost his popularity in Australia, and went on to write two bestselling semi-autobiographical novels, Sex and Thugs and Rock 'n' Roll and Most People I Know Think That I'm Crazy, as well as appearing in comebacks and tributes like the Mushroom 25 concert and Long Way to the Top documentary and concerts.
Billy Thorpe's Time on Earth was a wild, loud, rocking ride that carried a generation in its wake and continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.
