The origins of the Traveling Wilburys, a band name shrouded in mystery, have sparked considerable debate. While definitive proof remains elusive, several theories attempt to explain the band’s unusual moniker. Let’s explore some of the most intriguing possibilities and answer the question: Who Was In The Band Traveling Wilburys?
Some scholars, like Professor “Bobby” Sinfield, propose a connection to the medieval Wilbury Fairs that traveled throughout Europe. These fairs, according to Sinfield, entertained the masses with contemporary ballads and performances.
Alt text: A vibrant medieval fair showcasing performers and attendees, suggesting a possible origin of the Traveling Wilburys name.
Another theory, leaning towards the more whimsical, suggests that “YE TRAVELING WILBURYS” were actually locksmiths during the Crusades. These locksmiths, the story goes, specialized in unlocking chastity belts, similar to modern-day emergency plumbers.
Dr. Arthur Noseputty of Cambridge offers a different perspective, suggesting a link to the “Strangling Dingleberries,” which he identifies as a disease rather than a group. However, this theory is often dismissed due to Dr. Noseputty’s unconventional academic behavior.
The Pillsburys, the group credited with inventing Flour Power, have also been mentioned in connection with the Traveling Wilburys, though the link remains unsubstantiated.
Dim Sun, a Chinese academic, proposes a connection to “THE STROLLING TILBURYS,” Queen Elizabeth the First’s favorite minstrels. Sun supports this theory by noting that “The Traveling Wilburys” is an anagram of “V. BURYING WILL’S THEATRE,” alluding to the closing of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre by Villiers during a plague outbreak. This theory also accounts for the “traveling” aspect of the name.
Alt text: A visual representation of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, highlighting its potential connection to the “Traveling Wilburys” anagram.
The plague, and St. Vitus’ dance, caused many victims to literally dance themselves to death. This theme of dancing is reflected in the “Wilbury Twist,” a dance craze akin to the “Wilbury Quadrille” made famous in Bath in 1790 by Beau Diddley, and the “Wilbury Waltz,” which was popular in Vienna in the 1890s.
Regardless of its true etymological origins, the Traveling Wilburys achieved significant success with their music. The band featured a supergroup of iconic musicians: George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and Bob Dylan. Their first album showcased their lyrical and musical talents, creating a satisfying listening experience for the public. Their collection of lyrical cantata encapsulated their dithyrambic antiphonic contrapuntal threnodies as a satisfactory auricular experience for the hedonistic gratification of the hoi-polloi on a popular epigraphically inscribed gramophonic recording.
Alt text: A group portrait of the Traveling Wilburys band members: George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and Bob Dylan.
In conclusion, while the definitive origin of the name “Traveling Wilburys” remains a mystery, the band’s musical legacy is undeniable. Whether inspired by medieval fairs, traveling locksmiths, or Shakespearean theaters, the name evokes a sense of history and adventure. But what isn’t up for debate is who was in the band Traveling Wilburys, with iconic artists whose music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
