The Traveling Wilburys, a legendary supergroup of 1980s rock icons, had a unique plan to expand their ranks. They considered adding a member who had been deceased for a decade: Elvis Presley. George Harrison, a key member, revealed this intriguing idea in a 1990s interview. The concept was to use Elvis's existing recordings, overlaying them with the Wilburys' own vocals and arrangements, creating a unique tribute. However, the band ultimately decided against it, recognizing the potential gimmick and the fact that they could instead use Roy Orbison's recordings, a more fitting and genuine addition to the group.
This hypothetical inclusion of Elvis Presley raises an interesting question: what if Presley had joined the Wilburys? It would have been a fascinating twist, especially considering their history. Presley and Orbison, both early rock stars, had a complex relationship. Years before the Wilburys, they worked at Sun Records in Memphis, with Presley initially hired to replace Orbison. This dynamic could have added an intriguing layer to the Wilburys' lineup, but the band wisely avoided this potential controversy, maintaining their integrity and artistic vision.
