travelling wilburys name origin

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Jeff Lynne Says Traveling Wilburys Name Story is ‘Fabrication’

Jeff Lynne described the well-known story of how the Traveling Wilburys got their name as a “fabrication,” and lamented the fact that he didn’t get the chance to work more with Roy Orbison before his death .

The ELO leader told Billboard it had been a “marvelous time” as he looked back on the 30th anniversary of the band’s debut LP, Vol. 1 , which also featured George Harrison , Bob Dylan and Tom Petty .

“Getting Roy Orbison in the studio, it was just magic to me,” Lynn said. “As well as doing the Wilburys at that time, I was doing three tracks for his own album [ Mystery Girl ]. I was just producing him, and I was knocking these tracks out between the Wilburys sessions. If there were a few hours left in the day from the end of a Wilburys session, I'd go back to work on the Roy Orbison songs. I got the privilege of recording his voice, which to me, has always been the greatest thing ever.”

He said Orbison, who died 50 days after the LP’s release, had been “one of the nicest guys I’ve ever known,” adding, “He'd come to the session, and in his car he'd have a bunch of cakes, which he wasn't supposed to have anyway, because he had a bad heart. He'd call me ‘Jeffery’ and say, ‘I’ve got some really nice cakes in the back, come and have a look.’ So he'd invite me down to the back of his car, show me them and say, ‘You can have first pick.’ I thought that was so sweet.”

He continued, “Of course, Roy died just when we finished it and the record was coming out, which was the most sickening thing to me. I was devastated for ages because of that. Me and Roy had had plans to do much more together, and his voice was in really good shape. It was just so sad for that to happen.

“I think my fondest memory is Roy Orbison singing… When he's laying it down, and I'm egging him on a little bit as the producer, just going, ‘Oh yeah, just like that!’ He was such a brilliant singer, and a lovely guy. I had all the time in the world for Roy. My favorite thing of all was being pals with Roy Orbison.”

It’s often reported that the band name came from a conversation between Harrison and Lynne about studio errors and solution “we’ll bury ‘em in the mix.” But Lynne said, “That's totally a fabrication. Somebody invented that just to make it sound good, but no, there was nothing subtle at all about The Wilburys. What you saw [was] what you got. That was it.”

ELO are nearing the end of a tour , after which Lynne intends to finish the band’s next album, which he said was “halfway through.”

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The story of The Traveling Wilburys

By TheClarion

With Monday’s passing of Tom Petty at 66 years old, we are all going to look back and reflect on his career. So I want to take a look at one of his lesser known and under-appreciated projects, the supergroup called The Traveling Wilburys.

It consists of Petty, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne. Five musical powerhouses in their own right that recorded a song together by accident and circumstance, and turned into a full fledged band.

This is how the story goes: Harrison was in Los Angeles in 1988 and needed to record a song for the B-side of “This Is Love,” one of his singles. Lynne was in the city producing albums for both Petty and Orbison. Harrison told Lynne and Orbison his need to write a new song in a day, and the two offered him help to do so. They then needed a studio to record in at short notice, and asked to use Dylan’s home studio. He gladly let them use it, but also asked to help on the song. On his way to the studio, Harrison stopped by Petty’s house to pick up one of his guitars and invited him along as well. The five then wrote and recorded “Handle With Care.”

The song was so good that they decided to keep it, form a band and record nine more songs together to release an album.

“Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1” was released the same year and was a critical and commercial success, selling two million copies within six months in the US. It reached Number 3 in the US charts and spent over 50 weeks there. The album was certified triple-platinum by the RIAA.

“Vol. 1” was the highest charting album for Dylan, Orbison, and Lynne in several years.

The album was driven by the band members desire to jam out together, and in the interest of making it an ego free project, they all adopted fake names with the last name Wilbury and shared the songwriting credits. Their real names did not appear on the album.

Harrison became Nelson, Lynne was Otis, Orbison was Lefty, Dylan was known as Lucky and Petty was Charlie T. Wilbury Jr.

The name was created by using the term Harrison and Lynne used to refer to studio equipment. They called Limiters and equalizers “wilburys.” Hence, The Traveling Wilburys.

The atmosphere of the recording sessions were laid back, and it contributes to the relaxed feeling of the music.

“We would arrive about twelve or one o’clock and have some coffee,” Lynne said of the sessions. “Somebody would say, ‘What about this?’ and start on a riff. Then we’d all join in, and it’d 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. 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. It’s so tempting to add stuff to a song when you’ve got unlimited time.”

I personally love this album because it feels like the best of the five artists was thrown into a blender and made a truly special product. You can feel that they are having fun working together.

Songs you should listen to from their first album are “Handle With Care,” “End of the Line,” “Congratulations” and “Rattled.”

Months after the release of “Vol. 1,” Orbison died surprisingly after a heart attack. The band forged on in his memory and released a sequel in 1990 jokingly titled “Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3.” While not as good as the first, it contains some gems, like “Wilbury Twist” and “The Devil’s Been Busy.”

In 2001, Harrison passed away due to lung cancer, and the Wilburys did as well since Harrison held the rights to both albums and was the unofficial leader of the group.

Now only Dylan and Lynne remain following Petty’s death. However, the music lives on and now is as good a time as any to brush the dust off and listen to the five superstars jam out.

I’ll leave you with the chorus of “End of the Line.”

“Well it’s all right, riding around in the breeze Well it’s all right, if you live the life you please Well it’s all right, doing the best you can Well it’s all right, as long as you lend a hand”

Henry Wolski Executive Editor

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Traveling Wilburys – The True History Of The Traveling Wilburys Documentary

‘The True History of The Traveling Wilburys’ was filmed in the spring of 1988 whilst the band were recording ‘Vol. 1’ in Los Angeles, and includes footage shot by Nelson Wilbury. In trying to explain how the Wilburys originally came together, George Harrison once said, “The thing about the Wilburys for me is—if we’d tried to plan it, or if anybody had said, let’s form this band and get these people in it—it would never happen, it’s impossible. It happened completely, just by magic, just by circumstance. Maybe there was a full moon that night or something like that. It was quite a magical little thing really.” Director: Willy Smax Producer: Willy Smax and Olivia Harrison Edited by: David Kew Director of Photography: Nelson Wilbury Additional Photography by: Buster Sidebury and Willy Smax

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The True History Of The Traveling Wilburys , a Free Film Documenting the Making of the 1980s Super Group">Watch The True History Of The Traveling Wilburys , a Free Film Documenting the Making of the 1980s Super Group

in Music | February 26th, 2021 8 Comments

“It real­ly had very lit­tle to do with com­bin­ing a bunch of famous peo­ple,” says Tom Pet­ty about the Trav­el­ing Wilburys. “It was a bunch of friends that just hap­pened to be real­ly good at mak­ing music.”

One of the most mod­est super­groups of the 20th cen­tu­ry, one that fate and chance threw togeth­er for a very brief peri­od, the Trav­el­ing Wilburys made music that sits out­side the usu­al his­to­ries of 1980s music, fea­tur­ing five men in dif­fer­ent states of their careers. Tom Pet­ty was about to have a come­back, George Har­ri­son had just had one, Jeff Lynne was no longer hav­ing chart hits as ELO, but he was shap­ing the sound of the late 1980s as a pro­duc­er, Roy Orbi­son was *about* to have a posthu­mous come­back, and Bob Dylan was…doing what­ev­er Dylan does—every album he put out in the ‘80s had an equal num­ber of detrac­tors and come­back claimants. Put it this way: the Trav­el­ing Wilburys didn’t feel like a nos­tal­gia act, and nei­ther did it feel like a mar­ket­ing idea. It was actu­al­ly light­ning in a bot­tle.

“It was George’s band,” Lynne says in the above mini doc­u­men­tary, but it wasn’t real­ly formed as one. It just sort of *evolved*.

As he explains ear­ly in the doc, Har­ri­son was hav­ing din­ner with Roy Orbi­son and Jeff Lynne and invit­ed them along to a stu­dio in Los Ange­les the next day. He had the han­ker­ing to make a tune, and they wound up using Bob Dylan’s home studio—the nor­mal­ly reclu­sive Dylan actu­al­ly picked up the phone on the first ring and gave the okay. And Harrison’s gui­tar was over at Tom Petty’s house, so he came along as well. The song they record­ed that day was “Han­dle with Care,” which fell togeth­er like mag­ic. (Dylan pro­vid­ed the title after look­ing over at a card­board box).

Har­ri­son sat on the song for a while, hav­ing no idea what to do with it. The only thing he could do, was to record nine more songs and call it an album. Which, once they had found time in everybody’s sched­ule, they did. The songs were record­ed at the home stu­dio of Dave Stew­art (of the Eury­th­mics) and final­ized back in Lon­don with Har­ri­son and Lynne. The group gave them­selves the assign­ment of one song writ­ten and record­ed per day. That the record isn’t a mish-mash of jam­ming, left­over ideas, and cov­ers, and instead has a legit­i­mate amount of clas­sic sin­gles and career-high­light moments is a tes­ta­ment to the friend­ship between the five (and drum­mer Jim Kelt­ner, who knew them all).

Friends indeed, but it doesn’t mean they weren’t also big fans of each oth­er. What’s cool to watch in the doc is how in awe they all seem: George is amazed by Bob’s cryp­tic scrawled lyrics and his abil­i­ty to nail a song on essen­tial­ly the first take. Tom Pet­ty is in awe of George’s demo­c­ra­t­ic ways with choos­ing who gets to sing one of the songs, regard­less of who wrote it—really, how do you fol­low Roy Orbison’s ver­sion of a song? But Tom Pet­ty still had a go.

The album main­tains that friend­ly vibe in the record­ing: micro­phones were mobile to catch music wher­ev­er it hap­pened. Jim Kelt­ner played rhythm on the inside of the kitchen’s refrig­er­a­tor. Songs were writ­ten in the kitchen. And after the work was done, the music would con­tin­ue. “A lot of ukule­les till dawn,” says Har­ri­son.

Roy Orbi­son only made it into the first music video off of the album, “Han­dle With Care.” He passed away just after the album went plat­inum in 1988, and appears as an emp­ty rock­ing chair on the next video, “The End of the Line.”

The four remain­ing Wilburys would reunite for one more album (jok­ing­ly titled Vol­ume 3 by prankster Har­ri­son), but the first album still sounds time­less, five friends just hav­ing a good time togeth­er.

The True His­to­ry Of The Trav­el­ing Wilburys will be added to our col­lec­tion of Free Doc­u­men­taries , a sub­set of our col­lec­tion, 4,000+ Free Movies Online: Great Clas­sics, Indies, Noir, West­erns, Doc­u­men­taries & More .

Relat­ed Con­tent:

George Har­ri­son Wrote His Last Let­ter to Austin Pow­ers Cre­ator Mike Myers, Ask­ing for a Mini Me Doll (2001)

Sad 7‑Foot Tall Clown Sings “Pin­ball Wiz­ard” in the Style of John­ny Cash, and Oth­er Hits by Roy Orbi­son, Cheap Trick & More

The Sto­ry of WHER, America’s Pio­neer­ing, First All-Woman Radio Sta­tion (1955)

Ted Mills is a free­lance writer on the arts who cur­rent­ly hosts the Notes from the Shed pod­cast and is the pro­duc­er of KCR­W’s Curi­ous Coast . You can also fol­low him on Twit­ter at @tedmills , and/or watch his films here .

by Ted Mills | Permalink | Comments (8) |

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Comments (8), 8 comments so far.

I’d argue that Orbi­son made his come­back just as he was about to die, and died at his sec­ond-peak. Remem­ber, his songs were just fea­tured in mul­ti­ple David Lynch films, he had that wild­ly-pop­u­lar Black & White Con­cert, where he was backed by oth­er super­stars, and his song “You Got It” and his album, “Mys­tery Girl”, were at the top-of-the-charts when he sud­den­ly ascend­ed into Rock & Roll Heav­en. Good for Roy, he was a nation­al-trea­sure!

Hi, good arti­cle over all but you got a major fact wrong about Roy Orbi­son and his involve­ment in the first Wilbury album. He was fea­tured on almost every sin­gle track on the album and well as a stand alone song, above and being the tit­u­lar Han­dle With Care. His pres­ence was huge, and I don’t know how you couldn’t know that unless you haven’t actu­al­ly lis­tened to the record you’re talk­ing about. Very strange.

I caught that too. But what do I know, I’m an old rock and roll ani­mal with one foot in the grave. I record­ed this doc on DVD from the Sun­dance chan­nel decades ago. Still have it and coin­ci­den­tal­ly just watched it again.

For myself, this group of incred­i­ble guys will always be a part of my music world. All of them leg­ends, and sad­ly 3 are gone. When TW was active­ly record­ing and tour­ing, I was not famil­iar with them. I’m embar­rassed about that, although I was always lis­ten­ing to all of them indi­vid­u­al­ly. I just was not aware of the group itself. I love the music now and will always!

They didn’t say that Orbi­son wasn’t involved with every track on the album. Only that he was in one music video. Which is absolute­ly true.

Orig­i­nal writer here: yes, that was an unfor­tu­nate typo on my part, writ­ing “song” instead of “music video”. I was Run­ning Scared from the inter­net com­ments at first, and was Cry­ing over it , but now we’ve fixed the error. I apol­o­gize and ask for [Pret­ty Woman riff} Mer­cy!!!

I’m not an IT guy. Where can I watch the doc­u­men­tary of the Wilburys?

If you read the artical,it said he only made it into the first Music Video off the first album

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The Traveling Wilburys

The traveling wilburys artistfacts.

• 1988-1991 Bob Dylan 1988-1991 Tom Petty 1988-1991 George Harrison 1988-1991 Jeff Lynne 1988-1991 Roy Orbison 1988
• Based on the accomplishments of their members, Traveling Wilburys were the most super of supergroups. The lineup was Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne of ELO, all future members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• Harrison was the leader of the group. It came together when he needed a B-side for a single. He got his friend Jeff Lynne to work on it with him and Bob Dylan offered use of his garage studio. Tom Petty and Roy Orbison came along, so the five superstars found themselves together writing and recording the song on the spot: " Handle With Care ." They had such a good time making it and were so impressed with the results, they decided to form a band and include the song on a full album, which they recorded a month later.
• They were named after a slang term George Harrison and Jeff Lynne gave to studio equipment. The pair referred to equalizers and limiters as "wilburys," as in " we'll bury that mistake in the mix."
• Like the Ramones, each member took a moniker with the band name in it, although they changed their names for each album. Harrison was "Nelson Wilbury" for the first album and "Spike Wilbury" for the second.
• With the exception of "Handle With Care," the songs on their first album were all written and recorded in a two-week span at the house of Dave Stewart of Eurythmics. Stewart is British, but fell in love with Los Angeles when he came there in 1983. He befriended Tom Petty and co-wrote three songs for Petty's 1985 Southern Accents album, including the hit " Don't Come Around Here No More ." Stewart bought a place in the Encino area of Los Angeles and built a small studio on the grounds. His home became a gathering spot for the future Wilburys, and when they decided to make their album, Stewart gave them the keys. In a Songfacts interview with Stewart , he explained why he wasn't a Wilbury. "I would have loved to and I would have easily been an accepted Wilbury, but it was right at the period of Eurythmics making We Too Are One and touring it."
• Roy Orbison died in December 1988 just two months after their first album was released. The remaining Wilburys decided to make another album without him, which they released in 1990.
• They needed a drummer, so they brought in one of their favorite session players, Jim Keltner, to fill that role. He was credited as "Buster Sidebury," as he was a "sideman."
• The never performed live, in part because Harrison hated touring.

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• Pat Patrick from 98226 Music you can spend time with - Thank you Wp

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THE TRAVELING WILBURYS

The official home of The Traveling Wilburys: George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison.

The Birth of the Traveling Wilburys

Introduction by mo ostin.

The birth of the Traveling Wilburys was a happy accident. Warner Bros. Records’ International Department had asked that George Harrison come up with a B-side for “This Is Love,” a single from his Cloud Nine album. At the time it was customary to couple an A-side with a never-before-heard track, giving the single extra sales value.

This was mid-1988. Cloud Nine was just out. George, along with cowriter Jeff Lynne and their friends Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison, had been hanging out in Dylan’s studio. I suppose George figured that as long as his pals were on hand, why not use them to knock off this flipside?

The Wilbury Timeline

Explore the story of The Traveling Wilburys through our interactive timeline, featuring videos, music, key dates, release dates and much more.

Featured video

End of the line.

End Of The Line – released 1989 © 2007 T. Wilbury Limited

travel.grandborneohotel.com

Who Are the Traveling Wilburys? Unveiling the Legends of Music History

The Traveling Wilburys, an iconic supergroup comprising legendary musicians, have etched their names in the annals of music history. This article delves into the captivating journey of the Traveling Wilburys, exploring their significance and the remarkable impact they made on the world of music. Join me as we uncover the enigmatic story behind this extraordinary band.

A. Overview of the Traveling Wilburys

The Traveling Wilburys emerged as a musical force in the late 1980s, captivating audiences with their unique blend of talent and creativity. Comprised of five musical powerhouses, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty, this supergroup created an unparalleled fusion of rock, folk, and pop sounds that resonated with fans worldwide.

B. Importance of the Traveling Wilburys in Music History

The Traveling Wilburys didn’t just make music; they revolutionized the industry. Their collaboration represented a groundbreaking endeavor, as these iconic artists set aside their individual fame and egos to create something truly extraordinary. Their music transcended genres, appealing to a wide range of listeners and leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.

C. Brief Mention of Members

Each member of the Traveling Wilburys brought their own unique flair and talent to the band. Bob Dylan, the enigmatic poet of his generation, added his distinct voice and songwriting prowess. George Harrison, the revered ex-Beatle, infused the band with his soulful guitar melodies. Jeff Lynne, the mastermind behind Electric Light Orchestra, contributed his impeccable production skills. Roy Orbison, the legendary crooner, showcased his powerhouse vocals. And Tom Petty, the rock and roll icon, brought his signature sound and songwriting finesse to the m Get ready to embark on a musical journey like no other as we unravel the story behind the formation, musical style, and lasting legacy of the Traveling Wilburys. Stay tuned for the next section, where we delve into the formation of this extraordinary band and the inspiration behind their name.

Musical Style and Influences

The Traveling Wilburys boasted a distinct sound that captivated audiences and set them apart from other bands of their time. Let’s take a closer look at their unique musical style, the contributions of individual members, and the diverse influences that shaped their music.

A. Unique Sound of the Traveling Wilburys

The Traveling Wilburys’ music was a harmonious blend of rock, folk, and pop, resulting in a sound that was both nostalgic and fresh. Their songs were characterized by infectious melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and rich vocal harmonies. This unique combination created an irresistible allure that resonated with fans around the globe.

B. Impact of Individual Members on the Band’s Style

Each member of the Traveling Wilburys brought their own musical sensibilities and experiences to the table, shaping the band’s overall style. Bob Dylan’s poetic lyricism and folk-rock background added depth and introspection to their repertoire. George Harrison’s melodic guitar playing and spiritual influences infused the band with a soulful and introspective quality. Jeff Lynne’s expertise in production and his penchant for catchy hooks and harmonies added a polished sheen to their sound. Roy Orbison’s powerful and emotive vocals added a touch of raw emotion and vulnerability. Tom Petty’s rock and roll sensibilities and knack for crafting anthemic tunes contributed to the band’s energetic and infectious sound.

C. Influences and Genres Incorporated in Their Music

The Traveling Wilburys drew inspiration from a wide array of musical genres and artists, allowing their music to transcend boundaries. Elements of rock, folk, country, and even blues could be heard in their songs, creating a melting pot of influences. They paid homage to the music that had influenced them throughout their careers, while also forging a fresh and innovative sound that was distinctly their own.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the success and legacy of the Traveling Wilburys. In the next section, we’ll explore their commercial achievements, critical acclaim, and the lasting impact they’ve had on subsequent generations of musicians.

Success and Legacy of the Traveling Wilburys

The Traveling Wilburys were not only a creative powerhouse, but they also achieved remarkable success and left an enduring legacy in the music industry. Let’s explore the commercial triumphs, critical acclaim, and their profound influence on future generations of musicians.

A. Commercial Success of their Albums

The Traveling Wilburys’ albums resonated with audiences worldwide, propelling them to unparalleled commercial success. Their debut album, “Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1,” released in 1988, became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom. The album’s singles, including the iconic “Handle With Care,” captivated listeners and solidified the band’s popularity. Their follow-up album, “Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3,” released in 1990, also achieved significant commercial success.

B. Critical Acclaim and Awards Received

The Traveling Wilburys’ unique sound and exceptional songwriting garnered widespread critical acclaim. Their albums received rave reviews from music critics, praising their seamless collaboration and the sheer brilliance of their compositions. The band’s remarkable talent and the synergy between its members were recognized with prestigious awards, including a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Handle With Care.”

C. Influence on Subsequent Generations of Musicians

The impact of the Traveling Wilburys extended far beyond their commercial success and critical acclaim. Their innovative approach to collaboration and the sheer magnitude of their talent inspired countless musicians in the years that followed. Their ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles and genres set a precedent for future supergroups and collaborations. The Traveling Wilburys’ influence can be heard in the music of artists across generations, as their legacy continues to shape and inspire the world of music.

Stay tuned for the next section, where we will conclude our journey by summarizing the significance of the Traveling Wilburys and reflecting on their enduring impact.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Traveling Wilburys

As we reach the end of our journey through the captivating world of the Traveling Wilburys, it is clear that their impact on music history is immeasurable. This extraordinary supergroup brought together some of the greatest talents of our time, igniting a musical revolution that still resonates today. Their fusion of genres, unparalleled camaraderie, and timeless hits have cemented their place in the hearts of fans around the world.

With Bob Dylan’s poetic lyricism, George Harrison’s soulful melodies, Jeff Lynne’s impeccable production, Roy Orbison’s powerful vocals, and Tom Petty’s rock and roll spirit, the Traveling Wilburys created a sound that was both timeless and groundbreaking. Their music transcended boundaries, captivating listeners from all walks of life and generations.

The Traveling Wilburys’ success was not just measured in commercial achievements, but also in the profound influence they had on subsequent generations of musicians. Their innovative approach to collaboration and their ability to seamlessly blend their talents set a new standard for what a supergroup could achieve. Countless artists have been inspired by their legacy, and their music continues to inspire and resonate today.

In conclusion, the Traveling Wilburys are more than just a band. They are a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the enduring spirit of music. Their impact on the industry and their ability to captivate listeners with their timeless and genre-defying sound is a testament to their greatness. Let us cherish their music, celebrate their contributions, and ensure that the legacy of the Traveling Wilburys lives on for generations to come.

Thank you for joining me on this unforgettable journey through the world of the Traveling Wilburys. May their music continue to inspire and bring joy to all those who lend an ear.

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The true history of the traveling wilburys.

2007 Directed by Willy Smax

Spring, 1988: George Harrison asks Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty to spend a day in the studio at Bob Dylan's L.A. house. The result is "Handle With Care." He liked the process so much that the five of them, plus Jim Keltner, spend a week in May at Dave Stewart's house, where they write and record a song a day to produce an album. We watch the creative process: group efforts ("Dirty World" is a found poem) and individual ones (Dylan's lyrics for "Congratulations'). Petty calls them "a bunch of friends who happened to be really good at making music." The album, released in October, goes platinum. The rock video for "End of the Line" is a eulogy for Orbison (1936-1988).

Bob Dylan George Harrison Jim Keltner Jeff Lynne Roy Orbison Tom Petty

Director Director

Producers producers.

Olivia Harrison Willy Smax

Editor Editor

Documentary Music

Releases by Date

12 jun 2007, releases by country.

25 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Bridget 🍋 ★★★½

Dads having fun

Review by andrea g. ★★★★★

do you mind if I fucking SOB (roy orbison was such a sweetheart i'm so sad)

(AND GEORGE... MY MANS... HE DESERVED ALL OF THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE)

Review by Sebastian ★★★★½

Breaking: Real Footage of Elusive Bob Dylan Sighting. Watched with Ima and Monga.

Review by dymoure ★★★★★

I wonder if these guys shared what shampoo/conditioner they use.

Review by SergeGainsbourg

They were fucking.

Review by sam

I'm constantly amazed by how Tom Petty talking sounds exactly like Tom Petty singing.

Review by Sebastian ★★★★½ 1

Basically magic to see these guys just hanging out in a house wearing like T-shirts. Any movie with the chapter title “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” gets a 4.5 minimum in my book. Realized when they started talking about Orbison being dead that George and Petty were too now which wasn’t quite as joyful as seeing the five of them squeezed into a kitchen and sitting in a circle all playing guitars. I’m a Dylan fan first and foremost and I’m pleased to report that, though he has easily the least screentime and dialogue of any of the band members, we do get to see him in a sleeveless shirt.

More like The Chillax & Hang Out At Home Wilburys.

Review by ☮︎ ashley ☮︎

“iNfiNiTy wAr iS tHe mOsT aMbiToUs cRosSovEr oF aLl TiMe”

the traveling wilburys would like to know your location.

Review by emma

the traveling wilburys radiate dad in a hawaiian shirt energy and i mean that as a compliment

Review by Joseph D’Andrea

There’s an unbelievably hysterical part in this when Jeff is telling a story about the recording of “Dirty World” (the best song on the album), about how whenever Roy would say the “Trembling Wilbury” line, they would all crack up, and the documentary shows footage of it—George, Tom, and Jeff all collapse in laughter, and stone-faced Bob just turns around to walk out of the booth. The most mysterious man to ever live.

Review by Josh Gibbs

"That's what I thought was wonderful, the best singer and the best lyricist, and they're both in the same group!"

Enlightening, thoroughly entertaining and concise. Makes twenty-five minutes feels like five. Wanna go listen to the Wilburys all afternoon now.

"The whole experience was just some of the best days of my life really. And I think it probably was for us all."

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WATCH: A True History of The Traveling Wilburys

A documentary about The Traveling Wilburys is now available to watch online.

It's called "A True History of The Traveling Wilburys" and was posted on the band's YouTube channel last week in honor of the 30th anniversary of their second album, Vol. 3.

The doc was filmed back in the spring of 1988 while they were recording Vol. 1 in LA.

You can check it out below, or on YouTube .

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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.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

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

Published on

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.”

Best Steppenwolf Songs: 20 Essentials By Rock’s Easy Riders

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.

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