The Traveling Wilburys have officially been crowned the Best “Rock Supergroup” of all time byCollider, placing the 1988 all-star band above other legendary acts in a new ranking published this week.
The list compared some of rock’s most famous supergroups—bands formed by musicians who were already successful on their own. But when the final spot was revealed, it was The Traveling Wilburys who took the No. 1 position.
Formed in 1988 in Los Angeles, the band brought together five Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artists: George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty.
What started as a simple B-side recording session for Harrison’s single “This Is Love” quickly turned into something bigger. When the group recorded “Handle With Care,” the chemistry was so strong that they decided to make a full album together.
Unlike many supergroups that struggle with egos or creative clashes, the Traveling Wilburys had one clear rule: don’t take it too seriously. Studio footage often shows them laughing, sharing stories and enjoying the process.
That relaxed energy translated into their debut album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, released in 1988. The record became a major hit, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and earning triple-platinum status in the United States. It later won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group.
Recently, Jeff Lynne reflected on their first session together, telling Far Out Magazine, “That was probably the very first one that George had half written, and we went over to Bob’s studio to record it. That was the first time we ever did a Wilburys session… it contains all the elements of the Wilburys at their best.”
He added that hearing Orbison sing harmony with Petty during “Handle With Care” was a thrill. That moment, he suggested, captured the band’s magic from the very start.
Their success wasn’t just about star power. Each member respected the others. Instead of fighting for the spotlight, they shared it. Songs like “End of the Line,” “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” and “Heading for the Light” showed off different voices while still sounding unified.
Sadly, Orbison died just months after the album’s release in December 1988. The remaining members regrouped for Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3 in 1990, intentionally skipping “Vol. 2” as a playful joke—but they later admitted it wasn’t the same without him.
Collider’s ranking placed the Wilburys above other well-known supergroups including Cream, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Bad Company, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Velvet Revolver, Asia and Them Crooked Vultures.
Related: ’70s Rocker Earned First-Ever No. 1 Album 52 Years Ago Today
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pop Culture section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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