**Dhani Harrison Pays Moving Tribute to The Traveling Wilburys: “They Were Lightning in a Bottle”**
*By Fiona Langley, Music News Weekly | July 8, 2025*
In an emotional and star-studded evening at the Royal Albert Hall this past weekend, Dhani Harrison paid tribute to the legendary supergroup *The Traveling Wilburys*, the iconic collaboration between his father George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty. The sold-out event, billed as “Wilbury Revisited,” marked what would have been the 35th anniversary of the release of *Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1*, and served as both a musical celebration and a deeply personal homage.
“This wasn’t just a band,” Dhani told the crowd during a brief break between performances. “It was lightning in a bottle—five friends, five giants of songwriting, laughing like schoolboys and writing some of the most joyful, unfiltered music of their lives. It was pure magic.”
Clad in a velvet jacket reminiscent of his father’s *Cloud Nine* era, Dhani led an ensemble of guest artists through a faithful and vibrant recreation of Wilbury classics, including “Handle With Care,” “End of the Line,” and the Orbison-led ballad “Not Alone Any More.” Flanked by longtime ELO frontman Jeff Lynne—one of only two surviving Wilburys—and a surprise appearance by Jakob Dylan, son of Bob Dylan, the night felt like a multi-generational musical family reunion.
Jeff Lynne, who also served as musical director for the evening, appeared visibly moved by the tribute. “I remember us recording in that little makeshift studio in L.A.,” he said between songs. “It was never meant to be big—we were just mates having fun. But somehow, the world fell in love with that spirit.”
Roy Orbison’s soaring vocals were honored in a stirring holographic duet with Dhani on “You’re Not Alone Tonight,” while Tom Petty’s snarling wit came to life through archival video clips woven into the backdrop. In one particularly touching moment, a reel of home footage showed George Harrison and Tom Petty trading acoustic guitar licks in a garden, a reminder of their close friendship outside the spotlight.
Dhani also used the occasion to unveil a remastered box set, *The Traveling Wilburys: Complete Legacy Edition*, which includes both original albums, rare outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage, and newly penned liner notes by Dhani himself. “There’s so much we found—demo tapes, handwritten lyrics, George’s doodles on the original lyric sheets,” he said. “It’s a window into a world where egos disappeared and the joy of music took over.”
Fans and critics alike praised the tribute for its authenticity and emotional weight. “What Dhani has done here is extraordinary,” wrote music journalist Laura Mitchell. “He’s honored the past without embalming it. It was celebratory, raw, and full of love.”
In a press conference following the concert, Dhani was asked if there was ever a possibility of a modern Wilburys revival. He smiled, then shrugged. “You can’t manufacture that kind of chemistry. The Wilburys happened because five legends didn’t care about the charts or labels. They just wanted to play. Maybe that’s the real lesson for us now—don’t chase the moment. Just be in it.”
Indeed, for those who attended the tribute, it was more than a concert—it was a reminder of a time when music’s greatest voices came together not out of ambition, but friendship. And through Dhani Harrison’s heartfelt tribute, that spirit lives on.
As the evening drew to a close, the full ensemble returned for an encore of “End of the Line.” With images of the original Wilburys flashing behind them, the lyrics took on new meaning:
**“Well, it’s all right, even if you’re old and gray / Well, it’s all right, you still got something to say.”*
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And say it they did.
