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Ultimate Classic Rock

How the Traveling Wilburys Said a Fond Farewell to Roy Orbison

Roy Orbison 's death in December 1988 came just six weeks after the release of Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 . The famed supergroup decided to pay homage to their departed bandmate when they reconvened to make a video for the record's second single.

Released on Jan. 23, 1989, "End of the Line" presented a unique challenge: Each member of the Traveling Wilburys had originally contributed solo vocals, with the exception of Bob Dylan . Orbison sang the third verse, while also taking part in group backing vocals.

The set the clip aboard aboard a railway train, with Tom Petty , Jeff Lynne , George Harrison and Dylan performing the track alongside drummer Jim Keltner. When their departed bandmate's vocal lines came, the camera showed a guitar sitting in a rocking chair next to a photo of Orbison.

"End of the Line" was only a minor success, peaking at No. 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but stands today as a touching tribute from the Wilburys to their fallen friend.

All of them had solidified themselves as legends in the music world before coming together to make this album. In keeping, Vol. 1 was approached as an enjoyable experiment and a change of pace from their solo work. Lynne said the project nevertheless changed his whole musical outlook.

"There was a lot of fun involved because you're strumming these brand new tunes that you've just made up, you know, milliseconds ago," Lynne said in a 2012 interview . "There you are doing it and then you've got to write the words and then you're singing in. And that's all happening in a matter of probably like four hours. It did change my way of thinking about things and show me the other way of doing it, which is actually doing it quick."

Watch the Traveling Wilburys' Video for 'End of the Line'

The LP became a multi-platinum international Top 20 hit, reconfirming Orbison's legend even as he worked on a solo LP which would be released posthumously .

Over the moon with its success, Orbison gave Petty a call in late 1988: "He phoned me about three days before he died, he was just going on about how happy he was – you know, 'the Wilburys, ain't it great?'" Petty recalled in a  1989 interview  with Norwegian TV. "Somehow I felt that he could tell things were going his way."

The Traveling Wilburys reconvened for another album without Orbison, but it wasn't as well received. Harrison still marveled that this joyful collaboration had happened at all.

"Just the fact that we were able to get together and produce two albums and four videos to me is sort of a bit of a small miracle, really," Harrison said in a 1990 interview , "and then the pleasure and the fun of writing the songs, recording them and the various other things that have happened because of the Wilburys. ... It's a good thing we're all good friends; it's an excuse to hang out together really."

Orbison's impact on the era resonated long after he was gone. "I was very glad to have worked with Roy and to have known him really," Petty said. "The last year of his life we spent a lot of time together, we got to know each other really well. ... I wish he could have seen it – maybe he did see it, maybe he does see it."

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The Traveling Wilburys

  • Handle With Care (Remastered 2016)
  • The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1 · 1988
  • End of the Line (Remastered 2016)
  • Last Night (Remastered 2016)
  • Not Alone Any More (Remastered 2016)
  • Tweeter and the Monkey Man (Remastered 2016)
  • Heading for the Light (Remastered 2016)
  • Dirty World (Remastered 2016)
  • Rattled (Remastered 2016)
  • Where Were You Last Night?
  • The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 3 · 1990
  • New Blue Moon
  • The Traveling Wilburys Collection (Remastered) · 2007
  • Margarita (Remastered 2016)
  • Congratulations (Remastered 2016)

Essential Albums

One of the joys of being a fan of The Traveling Wilburys—the short-lived supergroup featuring Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne—was just how ridiculous the whole thing seemed to everyone involved. These were high-wattage guys with reputations to protect and legacies to uphold. Yet the members of the Wilburys treated their 1988 debut album as little more than an affectionate joke. And by this point in their respective careers, these dudes deserved a little fun. Even Petty, the youngest of the bunch—and arguably the one with the most left to prove—was by then a multiplatinum rock star with greater claim to the legacy of Dylan and the Beatles than most of his peers. Why shouldn’t he relieve himself of his artistic imperative, and goof around for once? More than a band, though, the Wilburys were friends. And like any group of friends, they didn’t have a leader, so much as they had a dynamic—a group chemistry that stemmed from each individual’s musical character, which they express throughout Vol. 1. Lynne’s pop pastiche on “Margarita”; Orbison’s operatic spotlight on “Not Alone Anymore”; Dylan’s cranky lamentation on “Congratulations”: You can hear each member playing around with the trademark sounds that had made people love them in the first place. And you can tell that, to these guys, having fun was a crucial a part of the creative process (especially for Dylan, who didn’t do a lot of smiling in the 1980s, yet who seems to be having a blast on Vol. 1). Even the album’s songs about aging and mortality—“Handle With Care,” “Heading For the Light,” “End of the Line”—feel light, more celebrations of the present than preparations for the future. It was a future that came faster than the band members might have expected: Vol. 1 was released in mid-October; by year’s end, Oribison would be dead at the age of 52. Petty remembers getting a call from him a few days beforehand, to talk about how great it was that they’d gone platinum—a bittersweet moment, but a fitting one. They’d earned these golf carts, and they’d be damned if they weren’t gonna take them for a spin.

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About the traveling wilburys.

A chart-topping supergroup that included George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne, The Traveling Wilburys brought together some of the most storied figures in rock history. ∙ Conceived by Harrison while he was recording his 1987 LP, Cloud Nine, the band initially came together to help him record a one-off B-side for his single “This Is Love.” ∙ Petty wasn’t originally slated to participate, but he received a last-minute invitation from Harrison when the former Beatle had to pick up a guitar from the Heartbreakers frontman’s house. ∙ Recorded in Dylan’s garage, “Handle with Care”—which Harrison’s label declared too good to be a B-side—was the group’s debut single, reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s Album Rock Tracks chart. ∙ The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1, the group’s triple-Platinum 1988 debut LP, earned two Grammy nominations—winning for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. ∙ Monty Python alumni Michael Palin and Eric Idle wrote the liner notes for the band’s two albums, and comedians John Candy and Whoopi Goldberg appeared in their 1991 video for “Wilbury Twist.” ∙ A purposely mistitled LP that the band recorded as a quartet following Orbison’s 1988 death, The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 3 went Platinum within a few months of its release. ∙ The Traveling Wilburys Collection, a 2007 retrospective that put their out-of-print material back into circulation, debuted at No. 1 in the UK and reached the Top 10 of the Billboard 200.

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The Meaning Behind The Song: End of the line (originally performed by the traveling wilburys) [full

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The Significance of “End of the Line”

The meaning behind the song: end of the line (originally performed by the traveling wilburys) [full vocal version] by paris music.

The song “End of the Line” by the Traveling Wilburys holds a special place in my heart. It’s a timeless piece that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. The catchy melody and uplifting lyrics make it an anthem for positivity and embracing life’s journey.

The song conveys a message of resilience, contentment, and acceptance. The simple yet profound lyrics remind us that no matter what challenges we face, it’s alright as long as we do our best and lend a helping hand. It encourages us to live life on our terms and find satisfaction in the small joys that come our way.

Personally, “End of the Line” has been a source of comfort during difficult times. Whenever I find myself feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the future, I play this song, and it instantly lifts my spirits. The lyrics “Well it’s alright, even if they say you’re wrong” remind me to stay true to myself and not be affected by others’ opinions.

The song also emphasizes the importance of love and companionship. The line “I’m just glad to be here, happy and alive, and it don’t matter if you’re by my side, I’m satisfied” encapsulates the essence of appreciating the present moment and finding happiness in the company of loved ones.

Furthermore, “End of the Line” encourages forgiveness and living harmoniously with others. The lyrics “Remember to live and let live, well it’s alright, the best you can do is forgive” serve as a powerful reminder to let go of grudges and embrace a more compassionate approach towards those around us.

The overall message of the song is beautifully enhanced by its upbeat melody. The catchy guitar riffs and harmonious vocals contribute to its timeless appeal. It’s a song that effortlessly transports you to a place of positivity and peace.

Reflecting on my personal experiences with “End of the Line,” I remember moments of joy and solace. Whether it was road trips with friends, singing along to this song at the top of our lungs, or finding solace in its comforting words during challenging times, it has always managed to uplift my spirits.

Listening to this song allows me to escape from the worries and stresses of everyday life. Its soothing rhythm and meaningful lyrics provide a sense of reassurance that everything will work out fine. It serves as a gentle reminder to focus on the present and appreciate the beauty in each day.

In conclusion, “End of the Line” by the Traveling Wilburys, in the full vocal version by Paris Music, holds a special significance for me. Its timeless message of resilience, contentment, and love resonates deeply, offering solace and inspiration during both joyful and challenging moments. It remains a song that brings joy to my heart and renews my faith in the beauty of life’s journey.

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. Traveling Wilburys

    [Chorus 1: George Harrison] 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 ...

  2. End Of The Line (Extended Version)

    *Property of Warner Music Group. If it becomes available for digital purchase, I will remove it* This extended version of the Wilburys' best-loved song was ...

  3. End Of The Line

    PLEASE CLICK BELOW FOR MORE WILBURYS EXTENDED VERSIONS.....Handle With Care - Traveling Wilburys - 1080 - FULL EXTENDED VIDEO & AUDIO VERSION.https://www.you...

  4. End of the Line (Traveling Wilburys song)

    End of the Line (Traveling Wilburys song) " End of the Line " is a song by the British-American supergroup the Traveling Wilburys. It was the final track on their debut album Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, released in October 1988. It was also issued in January 1989 as the band's second single. The recording features all the Wilburys except Bob ...

  5. Traveling Wilburys

    [Chorus 1: George Harrison] 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, doi...

  6. Traveling Wilburys

    UK 12" single features and extended version of End Of The Line, exclusive to this single. Comes with an 11" x 11" sheet of TW stickers (see photo) Has round hype sticker adhered to the sleeve stating "Limited Edition Includes Free Sheet Of Stickers." Some copies have same cover, labels and runout matrices, but no hype sticker or free sticker sheet.

  7. The Traveling Wilburys

    Autoplay is on. 0:00 / 3:26. End of the Line Traveling Wilburys • 148M views • 577K likes. Music video by The Traveling Wilburys performing End Of The Line. (C) 2007 T. Wilbury Limited. Exclusively Licensed to Concord Music Group, Inc. #TheTraveli...

  8. How the Traveling Wilburys Said a Fond Farewell to Roy Orbison

    Released on Jan. 23, 1989, "End of the Line" presented a unique challenge: Each member of the Traveling Wilburys had originally contributed solo vocals, with the exception of Bob Dylan. Orbison ...

  9. The Traveling Wilburys

    Music video by The Traveling Wilburys performing End Of The Line. (C) 2007 T. Wilbury Limited. Exclusively Licensed to Concord Music Group, Inc. #TheTravelin...

  10. The Meaning Behind The Song: End Of The Line by The Traveling Wilburys

    The lyrics of "End of the Line" are deceptively simple but contain a deep and poignant message. The song starts with the following stanza: 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 ...

  11. Traveling Wilburys

    Doin' the best you can. Well, it's all right. As long as you lend a hand. [Verse 1: Tom Petty] You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring. (The end of the line) Waiting for someone to tell ...

  12. ‎The Traveling Wilburys

    Top Songs. Handle With Care (Remastered 2016) The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1 · 1988. End of the Line (Remastered 2016) The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1 · 1988. Last Night (Remastered 2016) The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1 · 1988. Tweeter and the Monkey Man (Remastered 2016) The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1 · 1988.

  13. End of the Line

    Lyrics. 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 You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring (at the end of the line) Waiting for someone to tell you everything (at the end of the line ...

  14. Traveling Wilburys

    View credits, reviews, tracks and shop for the 1989 CD release of "End Of The Line" on Discogs. Everything Releases Artists Labels. Advanced Search. Main Menu. Explore. ... End Of The Line (Extended Version) 5:34: 2: ... The Traveling Wilburys - End Of The Line (Instrumental) 3:27; Lists Add to List. Add to List. Ad.

  15. Traveling Wilburys: End of the Line

    Shared for fun and interest only. If you like the music, please support the artist. DON'T STEAL MUSIC

  16. The Meaning Behind The Song: End of the line (originally performed by

    In conclusion, "End of the Line" by the Traveling Wilburys, in the full vocal version by Paris Music, holds a special significance for me. Its timeless message of resilience, contentment, and love resonates deeply, offering solace and inspiration during both joyful and challenging moments. It remains a song that brings joy to my heart and ...

  17. Traveling Wilburys

    I Got You Babe. UB40 Guest Vocals By Chrissie Hynde. Released. 1985 — Europe. Vinyl —. 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo. View credits, reviews, tracks and shop for the 1989 Vinyl release of "End Of The Line" on Discogs.

  18. The Traveling Wilburys

    About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright ...

  19. End of the Line Guitar Lesson

    🎸 In this easy lesson, we'll learn how to play End of the Line by Traveling Wilburys on the acoustic guitar. We'll learn the chords and introduction, and an... Youtube. Songs. Music. End Of The Line. Music Lessons. Instructional Video. Lesson. Acoustic Guitar Lessons. Travelling Wilburys. Garrett. 12 followers.

  20. End Of The Line

    The Traveling Wilburys (sometimes shortened to the Wilburys) were an English--American supergroup consisting of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy O...

  21. Traveling Wilburys

    from the album "Volume One" (1988)

  22. The Traveling Wilburys

    No profit is being made in mind with this video, I am only sharing this for everyone else's enjoyment. No copyright infringement intended.

  23. How to play 'End Of The Line' by The Traveling Wilburys

    This song is SO fun to play! Join me for a slow playalong first and then a full-speed playalong as we learn to navigate the chord changes and strumming patt...