1988 was an astounding year: Hope was in the air - I was about to get married, Reagan was departing, and a supergroup was coalescing in Malibu. In ’87 Tom Petty had backed up Bob Dylan on tour, Roy Orbison was being celebrated on national TV in “Black and White”; Jeff Lynne had produced George Harrison’s biggest comeback in a decade, and these 5 men decided to hang, jam, and release their good vibes to the world. 

The Traveling Wilburys album was a surprise to say the least. Anyone of them could’ve filled a stadium by themselves, but together? How could such a collaboration be real, and where were the egos gonna hide? Jeff Lynne has spent his life making the impossible happen, that’s how. And, the fun these men were having was palpable.

As Mo Ostin remarked, “George’s humility and good nature” suffused the whole enterprise. And, in End of the Line, when they sing “It’s alright… even if the sun don’t shine. It’s alright.. we’re going to the end of the line,” I get chills. 3 out of the 5 are gone now. Indeed, they took it to the end of the line. And, even though times are darker now, and 1988 feels like forever ago, When I hear that soothing message of camaraderie, I feel a lot better about what’s ahead.