the travelling wildberries

The Traveling Wilburys

Perhaps the biggest supergroup of all time, a roots combo formed by George Harrison with hired guns Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison.

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WILBURY TWIST (ORIGINAL VERSION)

Traveling wilburys vol. 3.

Produced by Clayton & Spike Wilbury

Originally released March 1991

© 2007 T. Wilburys Limited

HANDLE WITH CARE

Traveling wilburys vol. 1.

Produced by Nelson & Otis Wilbury

Originally released 17th October 1988

END OF THE LINE

Originally released 23rd January 1989

Originally released 29th October 1990

SHE'S MY BABY

Produced by Clayton & Spike Wilbury

Originally released October 1990

WILBURY TWIST

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With ‘The Traveling Wilburys Vol 1’, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne entered new territory.

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The Traveling Wilburys are one of the few bands to genuinely merit the “rock supergroup” tag , though given the self-assured and humorous nature of the five members, it was probably a label they would have dismissed. The quintet – George Harrison , Bob Dylan , Tom Petty , Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison – were all global stars at the time of recording their first album together , The Traveling Wilburys Vol 1 , the sessions for which were joyous affairs that took place across April and May 1988.

Listen to The Traveling Wilburys Vol.1 on Apple Music and Spotify .

“We would have some coffee and somebody would say, ‘What about this?“ and start on a riff,” recalled guitarist and co-producer Lynne. “Then we’d all join in, and it would turn into something. We’d finish around midnight and just sit for a bit while Roy would tell us fabulous stories about Sun Records or hanging out with Elvis Presley . Then we’d come back the next day to work on another one. That’s why the songs are so good and fresh – because they haven’t been second-guessed and dissected and replaced.”

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Multi-instrumentalist Lynne, who had previously been a key member of Electric Light Orchestra, had been working with Harrison as co-producer of his album Cloud Nine , during which time the pair had taken to referring to recording errors with faulty equipment as “Wilburys” (adding the punchline, “We’ll bury “em in the mix”). When the newly formed group were deciding on a name, Harrison suggested The Trembling Wilburys, but Lynne’s variant of “Traveling” went down better with the remaining trio.

The musicians were all assigned names in the new band: Nelson Wilbury (Harrison), Otis Wilbury (Lynne), Lefty Wilbury (Orbison), Charlie T Wilbury, Jr (Petty) and Lucky Wilbury (Dylan), and elaborate backstories were created for the characters. Harrison’s close friend Derek Taylor, former press manager for The Beatles and, later, jazz singer George Melly, even wrote an extensive fictional history of the quintet.

“The only thing I could think of was to make an album”

For The Traveling Wilburys Vol 1 , they persuaded Monty Python’s Michael Palin to write liner notes. Using the pseudonym Hugh Jampton, (EF Norti-Bitz Reader in Applied Jacket, Faculty Of Sleeve Notes, University Of Krakatoa, East of Java), Palin joked: “The original Wilburys were a stationary people who, realising that their civilization could not stand still for ever, began to go for short walks – not the ‘traveling’ as we now know it, but certainly as far as the corner and back.”

Lynne was the common link in the tale of how they really got together. While working with Harrison, he was also co-producing Orbison’s album Mystery Girl , on which Petty sang backing vocals and played acoustic guitar. One night when they were socializing, Harrison suggested that they join him on a track called “Handle With Care.” The song was to be the B-side for the “This Is Love” single he was putting out in Europe, ahead of the release of the Cloud Nine album. They rang Dylan, who agreed to let them record it in his garage studio. On the day it was cut, Dylan, who had been making them a barbecue lunch, decided to join in the musical fun.

As soon as the spontaneous single was laid down, with its catchy melody and knowing undercurrent of world-weariness (“Been stuck in airports, terrorized/Sent to meetings, hypnotized/Overexposed, commercialized”), the musicians knew they had created something special. “I liked the song,” Harrison said, “and the way that it turned out with all these people on it so much that I just carried it around in my pocket for ages thinking, ‘Well what can I do with this thing?’ And the only thing to do I could think of was do another nine. Make an album.”

The executives at Warner Bros loved the single and agreed to a complete record. The five friends, sharing songwriting and singing duties, were an instant and extraordinary superstar collaboration.

“He clearly meant it as praise”

Though The Traveling Wilburys Vol 1 is only 36 minutes long, it is full of terrific moments. “Dirty World,” a mischievous love song, features some great call-and-response vocals and typically classy saxophone work from Jim Horn, whose playing was so widely admired that he had played on albums with artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, Carpenters , Frank Sinatra and Dizzy Gillespie. Other talented session men on the album include percussionist Ray Cooper and Ian Wallace (so dynamic with David Lyndley’s El Rayo-X band), who plays tom-toms on “Handle With Care.”

“Last Night” is a melodic love song, while “Heading For The Light” is a spiritual quest that is vintage Harrison. One of the standout songs is “Tweeter And The Monkey Man,” which started when Dylan – years ahead of social media, obviously – said he wanted to write a song about a man called Tweeter, set in New Jersey. Petty, who joined in writing the song, said Harrison bowed out of lyric duties on a track he thought was “just too American” for him to meaningfully contribute to. “Bob was like, ‘Yeah, we could use references to Bruce Springsteen titles.’ He clearly meant it as praise,” said Petty. The references to Springsteen songs such as “Mansion On The Hill,” “Thunder Road” and “Highway 99” are littered throughout an evocative track.

Tragically, Orbison died of a heart attack just six weeks after the album’s release, on October 17, 1988. But on the sweet ballad “Not Alone Any More,” the 52-year-old showed in his lead vocals that he had lost none of the vocal mastery that had made him a rock’n’roll legend.

The closing track was the vibrant “End Of The Line,” on which the group chirpily sing, “Well it’s all right/Even if you’re old and gray/Well it’s all right/You’ve still got something to say.” With so many magnificent individual albums behind them, and a collective age of 222, these five wonderful Traveling Wilburys proved they had something wonderful to say together.

The Traveling Wilburys Vol 1 can be bought here .

October 17, 2018 at 11:24 am

“…the pair had taken to calling studio equipment “Wilburys”.”

No, it had nothing to do with the equipment. When they had an instrumental or vocal flub, or a variant recording they didn’t like, they would say “we’ll bury it in the mix.” Those unwanted bits because known as “Wilburys,” as in “we’ll bury.”

Terry Hughes

January 21, 2021 at 6:30 am

The group as whole put out some serious music they are and always will be super stars in the music industry it’s a sad a story like there’s was cut off so short

Jason Draper

October 17, 2018 at 4:19 pm

Thanks for the clarification MrG800 – we have corrected that textual Wilbury…

October 17, 2018 at 8:19 pm

The big O’s death and the album release were in 1988 not 1998 as mentioned in the article

November 10, 2021 at 8:32 pm

Thank you Outby10! We’ve corrected that now.

Innocent III

October 18, 2020 at 4:44 pm

Truly amazing how well it all holds up. Can’t play the record without breaking into a smile.

October 19, 2021 at 10:41 pm

The record was made in L.A.(Dylan´s place)not in England

November 10, 2021 at 8:30 pm

Thanks for the eagle eye, Jose! We’ve amended the text now to correct that mistake.

William Michael McDonald

June 3, 2024 at 12:42 am

The best superband of all time! (imho)

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M A G A Z I N E

The traveling wilburys: a supergroup.

The Traveling Wilburys, a folk-rock band during the late 1980s, had a short yet successful career. The five members included five well-known musicians coming from England and America. They had careers that were very successful such as George Harrison’s career as The Beatles’ lead guitarist and Tom Petty’s career as the lead singer and guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. What made these successful musicians come together and merge genres to become the Traveling Wilburys? According to Mo Ostin on The Traveling Wilburys’ website, George Harrison was working on the release of his single, “This is Love” and was asked by his label to create a B-side for this single. He along with his friends spent time together at Bob Dylan’s studio and made music. The song that came out of their time together was “Handle with Care,” but it was a song too good for a B-side and needed to be made into an album. The idea of a collaboration was in the works. George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison make up The Traveling Wilburys. The creation of their band name was started by Harrison and Lynne who called some studio equipment “wilburys.” The name that was inspired by Harrison and Lynne’s nickname was “The Trembling Wilburys.”

Later on, Lynne made the creative suggestion for, “The Traveling Wilburys,” which is what this band is known as now. As a group, they also decided to use pseudonyms on both their records using the same last name, so they could appear more like brothers. In the Traveling Wilburys, the work was shared between all the members. Everyone wrote, produced and sang the music their fans came to love. Their debut album was released October 18 of 1988 and named, “The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1.” This album had amazing success reaching the top of charts in multiple countries. The Recording Industry Association of America certified the album as multi-platinum, meaning it sold over 2 million copies. “The Traveling Wilburys Vol 1” was nominated for two Grammys including Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, which they won and Album of the Year. This album was also nominated for an American Music Award, Favorite Pop/Rock New Artist. Their first single, “Handle with Care” had significant success around the world as well and was listed on many charts. Shortly after their album’s release, Roy Orbison passed away due to a heart attack. He died December 6 of 1988 at the age of 52, so he didn’t have the opportunity to see the album’s success. A month after his death, “You Got It,” a song he wrote along with Lynne and Petty, was released. This song was his first solo song to top the US charts in over 25 years. After Orbison’s death the other four released their second and final album, “Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3.” This album was released October 29 of 1990 as a continuation of their first studio album. This album was not received the same way as their first album, but still received significant success. This album did not reach the success as the first but did manage to chart in multiple countries. This album sold over a million, so The Recording Industry Association of America certified this album as platinum. “She’s My Baby” and “Inside Out” had a lot of radio success.

Despite being their sophomore release, the title is listed as “Vol. 3.” There has been guesses on why the title is misleading, but on the group’s website, it mentions that George Harrison cleverly named the album. Jeff Lynne said “That was George’s idea. He said, ‘Let’s confuse the buggers.’” The Traveling Wilburys only released two studio albums in their short career. This famous group never toured, but their music did reach people around the world. These five musicians who reached incredible individual success joined together making The Traveling Wilburys into a music Supergroup .

Written by Allison Jones

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The Ages of the Traveling Wilburys: How Old Were They?

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

The Traveling Wilburys were a supergroup of five legendary musicians who came together in 1987 1988 to create an iconic sound that has stood the test of time. The band was comprised of George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. This unique collaboration brought together some of the greatest minds in the music industry, creating a timeless album with tracks that still resonate with fans today. But how old were the Traveling Wilburys when they first formed?

A History of the Traveling Wilburys: How Old Were They?

The Traveling Wilburys were formed in 1987 1988 , after a chance meeting between George Harrison and Jeff Lynne at Bob Dylan’s Malibu studio. The two had been working on a project together and decided to take a break and jam with Dylan. After a few days of recording, the trio invited Tom Petty and Roy Orbison to join them, and the Traveling Wilburys were born.

Introducing the Members

George Harrison, who was born on February 25, 1943, was 44 years old when the band formed. He was one of the most influential songwriters and guitarists of the era, and his contributions to the Beatles and solo career made him a household name. Bob Dylan, born on May 24, 1941, was 46 at the time of the band’s formation. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time and is credited with ushering in the folk-rock movement of the 1960s. Tom Petty, who was born on October 20, 1950, was 37 when he joined the group. He is best known for his work as the lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and is considered one of the greatest rock artists of the 20th century. Roy Orbison, born on April 23, 1936, was 52 when the band formed. He was a renowned singer-songwriter whose distinctive voice made him one of the most successful solo acts of the early 1960s. Jeff Lynne, born on December 30, 1947, was 40 when he joined the group. He was a highly sought-after producer and songwriter who had previously worked with the likes of ELO and Roy Wood.

Exploring the Ages of the Traveling Wilburys

At the time of their formation, the Traveling Wilburys ranged in age from 37 to 52. While this may seem like a wide range, it also speaks to the diversity of experience each member brought to the table. By combining their talents, the band was able to create a unique sound that resonated with audiences around the world.

Age at the Time of Formation

At the time of the band’s formation, George Harrison was 44, Bob Dylan was 46, Tom Petty was 37, Roy Orbison was 52, and Jeff Lynne was 40. All five members were already established in the music industry, but the combination of their talents created something entirely new. Their first album, “Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1”, was released in October 1988 and featured hit singles such as “Handle With Care” and “End of the Line”.

Age at the Time of Disbandment

The band only lasted two years before disbanding in 1990. At the time of their disbandment, George Harrison was 47, Bob Dylan was 49, Tom Petty was 40, Roy Orbison was 55, and Jeff Lynne was 43. While the band was short-lived, their music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

An Overview of the Ages of the Traveling Wilburys

Let’s take a closer look at the ages of each member when the band formed and when they disbanded:

George Harrison

At the time of the band’s formation, George Harrison was 44. When the band disbanded two years later, he was 47.

Bob Dylan was 46 when the band formed and 49 when they disbanded.

Tom Petty was 37 at the time of the band’s formation and 40 when they disbanded.

Roy Orbison

Roy Orbison was 52 when the band formed and 55 when they disbanded.

Jeff Lynne was 40 when the band formed and 43 when they disbanded.

Looking Back at the Ages of the Traveling Wilburys

When the band formed, the members ranged in age from 37 to 52. While these numbers alone don’t tell us much, they do provide a glimpse into the diversity of experience and talent that the band had to offer. Each member brought something unique to the table, and the combination of their skills made for a truly special sound.

The Band’s Achievements

In just two short years, the band achieved a great deal. In addition to releasing their debut album, “Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1”, they also released a follow-up EP, “Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3”. Both albums charted in the top 10 in countries around the world, and the band won several awards for their work.

The Ages of the Traveling Wilburys: A Retrospective

When the Traveling Wilburys first formed, they were all relatively young. But even though they were relatively young, they were already established in the music industry and had decades of experience between them. This combination of youth and experience allowed them to create a sound that was both fresh and timeless, and their music continues to influence artists today.

Examining the Impact of Their Music

The Traveling Wilburys’ music has had a lasting impact on the music world. Their songs have been covered by artists from all genres, and their influence can be heard in modern music. The band’s legacy lives on through their timeless songs and unique sound, and they are remembered fondly by fans around the world.

Their Legacy in the Music World

The Traveling Wilburys’ music is still celebrated today, more than 30 years after their formation. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and their music has been sampled and covered by countless other artists. Their songs continue to be played on radio stations around the world and their influence can be heard in modern music.

The Vintage Years: How Old Were the Traveling Wilburys?

When the Traveling Wilburys first formed, the members ranged in age from 37 to 52. While these numbers alone don’t tell us much, they do provide a glimpse into the diversity of experience and talent that the band had to offer. Even though they were relatively young, they were already established in the music industry and had decades of experience between them. This combination of youth and experience allowed them to create a sound that was both fresh and timeless, and their music continues to influence artists today.

Comparing Their Ages Then and Now

It’s hard to believe that the Traveling Wilburys were once so young. Today, George Harrison would be 78, Bob Dylan would be 80, Tom Petty would be 71, Roy Orbison would be 84, and Jeff Lynne would be 73. While they may not be making music together anymore, their legacy lives on through their timeless songs and unique sound.

The Influence of Their Music Today

The Traveling Wilburys’ music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world. Their songs have been covered by artists from all genres, and their influence can be heard in modern music. The band’s legacy lives on through their timeless songs and unique sound, and they are remembered fondly by fans around the world.

The Traveling Wilburys were a unique collaboration of five legendary musicians who came together to create an iconic sound that has stood the test of time. At the time of their formation, the members ranged in age from 37 to 52, and each member brought something unique to the table. In just two short years, the band achieved a great deal, releasing two albums and winning several awards. Their music has had a lasting impact on the music world, and their influence can be heard in modern music. Even though they were relatively young when they formed, the band’s legacy lives on through their timeless songs and unique sound, and they are remembered fondly by fans around the world.

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Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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The Wilburys formed in 1988, not 1987. I never share your articles in my 25K member Traveling Wilburys Facebook group because they are so filled with errors.

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