The Wilbury's Story, Part 1
Here's the story a super group that almost didn't happen. Fortunately, it did. George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne formed a loose old-timey band. George suggested they call themselves "The Trembling Wilburys." That was vetoed.
It started as a meal between Harrison, Orbison, and Lynne, and the guys went to Dylan's home studio in Malibu. George had left his guitar at Tom Petty's place, so Tom got involved. The plan was to make a B-side to Harrison's upcoming single, but the group worked so well together they decided to make an album. It went on to become a huge success and was nominated for Album of the Year. The Wilbury's Story, Part 2
Sadly, it lost to Faith, by George Michael. Another huge Grammy blunder. "Don't Worry Be Happy" was awarded Song of the Year, a perfect anthem for the Reagan Era. While the Gala of Greed continued, the Wilburys hung out at the edge of town like scruffy outlaws, ready to rob the bank when the revelers finally drank themselves to sleep.
More on the name: According to Professor "Bobby" Sinfield, the name originates "from the various Wilbury Fairs which traveled Europe in Medieval times, titillating the populace with contemporary ballads, or were they rather derived from, “YE TRAVELING WILBURYS”, who were popular locksmiths during the Crusades and used to pick or unlock the jammed chastity belts"
The Wilbury's Story, Part 3
1 comment:
we do share a wavelength here. I posted on this extraordinary album just a couple months ago.
http://expatbrian.wordpress.com/2008/04/22/travelling-wilburys/
The timing, the group, the chance, the result, are pretty close to heaven. I love it.
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