Why Billy Bob Thornton Ditched His Traveling Wilburys-Inspired Persona

Billy Bob Thornton has always bristled at being labeled just another actor who decided to dabble in music. While it ’s true he’s an Oscar- winning screenwriter, a seasoned director, and a two-time Golden Globe-winning actor, Thornton’s passion for music runs much deeper than a celebrity’s side project. Long before he made a name for himself in Hollywood, he dreamed of being a musician, and he’s been remarkably productive in that field. Since forming The Boxmasters in 2007, he’s released nearly two dozen albums—far more than most actors- turned-musicians ever attempt—though none have become mainstream hits.

Despite his dedication, Thornton has always faced the challenge of his fame overshadowing his musical ambitions. Any project he touches is instantly seen as an extension of his celebrity, not as a genuine artistic pursuit. Determined to avoid the perception that The Boxmasters were simply 'Billy Bob Thornton’s band,' he looked to the legendary Traveling Wilburys for inspiration. That supergroup—featuring Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty—famously adopted playful alter egos, leaving their real names off the records to let the music speak for itself.

Borrowing a Page from the Wilburys

Thornton realized it would be tough to blend in as just another member of the group, but he decided to give it a shot. He rebranded himself as WR ‘Bud’ Thornton, taking on the role of drummer and vocalist.

“Bud sounded like a good name for a guy who is a Boxmaster,”

he told The Boot. The plan was to downplay his celebrity and let the band’s work take center stage. They even crafted a backstory for Bud, much like the Wilburys did with their own pseudonyms. But as Thornton admitted,

“In the beginning, we were going to downplay me a lot. But sometimes, they won’t let ya. We made up this whole story, kinda like the Traveling Wilburys, who all had different names, but then we thought we don’t want it to look like we’re trying to trick people.”

Returning to His Roots

Despite the creative effort, the disguise never really stuck. Thornton’s face was still front and center in promotional materials, and everyone knew who he was. Eventually, the elaborate persona faded away, and he went back to using his real name.

“When you look at a record cover, and I’m on it, there’s no mystery,”

he admitted.

“But I used the name because I simply like being part of a band. I don’t like to be the star of something.”

For Thornton, the attempt to step out of the spotlight was less about hiding and more about his desire to be seen as just another musician, not the main attraction.