The Traveling Wilburys were a “supergroup” made up of five music legends: Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and George Harrison. This tribute experience of their music is led by Paul Hopkins and has been touring for eleven years. He himself is now older than the Big O, who he plays, was when he passed away as are many of the musicians and indeed the audience. However the songs they play are classics that should live on forever.
This is a very well put together production with some wonderful songs from through the years, not just the albums the Wilburys produced but each musician’s solo material as well. A lot of the songs are ones that we know and love, and can sing along to (which is fortunately not discouraged). The back screen is used for videos unique to each song. The first song, The Mighty Quinn, came up with information about the song and then the lyrics so that we could all join in with the chorus. Possibly a moment when you realise you have had the lyrics wrong all of your life. Not every song had an informative backdrop, and it was perhaps the only one with lyrics other than Pretty Woman. Some of the videos were rather bizarre, with strange stories playing out about frogs or snowmen. Hopkins did give us some of the stories of how the band formed and what some of the songs were about in between the songs which was also interesting, and entertaining.
It really is a fabulous evening of well loved songs performed by very talented musicians. Owen Johnstone made a very good George Harrison and Al Campino was a suitably hairy and shaded Jeff Lynne. Each musician, except the drummer, got their moment in the spotlight with at least one of their icon’s own songs. Dylan’s Blowin’ In the Wind and Orbison’s I Drove All Night being particular highlights.
Reviewed on 8 August 2026 | Image: Contributed
