10 Incredible Musical Side Projects
1. The Traveling Wilburys
As the 80's progressed, George Harrison decided to return to the pop world with the album Cloud Nine. Once his label told him he needed B-side for a single, he decided to call in some help from friends Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison. The label heard the song and quickly told Harrison the song was simply TOO GOOD to be a B-side.
In turn, Harrison took the opportunity to work with some of his friends to write an entire album, calling themselves the Traveling Wilburys. What unfolded was some of the greatest songwriters from rock's glory years trading lines with each other across an album. The songs were equally thought-provoking, poignant, and funny (sometimes at the same time.)
The band seemed like an absolute joy for everyone involved until Roy Orbison's untimely passing in 1988. The band then made one more record but abandoned the project due to lack of interest. As it stands, the Traveling Wilburys was a beautiful musical experiment that helped each member rediscover the joy of making music.
It may not be the most transcendent musical experience, but it is an engaging piece of rock history that becomes no less enjoyable with every listen.