The Traveling Wilburys are undoubtedly one of the bands most consistently recognized among the greatest supergroups in rock history.
Together with legendary acts like Cream, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Asia and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, these bands united an all-star lineup of celebrated musicians and solo artists whose combined talents and star power helped define what a true rock supergroup should be.
In a ranking released by BBC Music, The Traveling Wilburys, composed of George Harrison of The Beatles, renowned singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, Tom Petty of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Jeff Lynne of the Electric Light Orchestra and Roy Orbison, landed at No. 7 among the 23 bands.
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Described by the publication as “the starriest supergroup of all time,” the band managed to deliver two hit albums and several notable tracks, including “Handle With Care.”
Released as the opening track on their 1988 debut album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, the song showcased an upbeat, catchy folk-rock sound with rich, contrasting vocal harmonies from its members.
The lyrics have often been interpreted as exploring vulnerability, emotional exhaustion and the search for love and tenderness in a relationship.
Some listeners have also interpreted the track as the band’s “confession” about the exhausting realities behind fame and aging in the music industry.
“Handle With Care” was initially intended to serve as the B-side for Harrison’s single “This Is Love” but was ultimately released as The Traveling Wilburys’ debut single instead.
The track peaked at No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 while the album reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
Apart from their Billboard success, “Handle With Care” became one of The Traveling Wilburys’ signature songs, alongside another hit track, “End of the Line,” both of which appeared on Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1.
Unfortunately, shortly after releasing their first album and amid the supergroup’s success, Orbison passed away from a heart attack in 1988 at the age of 52.
The remaining four members continued the band with drummer Jim Keltner joining them for Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3 in 1990.
“Roy was the absolute reason why they even came together in the first place,” the drummer described the late Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee during his 2018 interview with Billboard. “They all loved George and would have certainly come together for him. But with Roy, it was a no-brainer. The first album had this magic to it, and that was all Roy.”
Moreover, Keltner praised how Orbison became the center of the group, saying he “kept them having fun and knowing they were doing something special.”
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