Billy Bob's Boxmasters Blow-Up

I have met Billy Bob Thornton on two occasions and have interviewed him over the phone a couple of times on top of that. He can be one of the better interviews around. My first experience with him was supposed to be a 10 - 15 minute chat that ballooned to nearly 45. And he would answer any question I asked. As you might know, Thornton has released a bunch of albums over the past several years, and he has a new band called The Boxmasters, which is now three albums into its career less than two years after forming. He's been performing in bands longer than he's been acting, and in fact, for my first interview with the guy, it was in support of one of his solo albums. Even then, you could tell he resented his music being called a hobby, although he never clammed up and later exploded like he did recently on Canada's QTV. And frankly, Billy Bob, you come across like a dick. It's uncomfortable for about seven minutes and the Thornton goes off on host Jian Ghomeshi, who in my opinion, does a great job moving the interview forward from that point. See, I don't think Thornton has a point here. Jian doesn't ask him about movies or juggling his two careers, he only provides a frame of reference for the listeners. And it should be pointed out that the band probably would gain more listeners than it would lose with the acknowledgment that Thornton is in the group. You can't avoid mentioning in the intro to a long-form interview that he's a movie star, and the band is likely to benefit from that. Bad move, Billy Bob.

Comments

[Gg]

A little courtesy goes a long way regardless of the personal problem. Regardless of Mr. Thornton's stature, this was aired on National TV and his "attittde" reflected on him, not the interviewer. If having a bad day, decline the interview, otherwise show ther gracious side of one's personality.

[Aaron Leaman]

Cheers for posting this, i'm kind of dissapointed by the way he acted.

you'd think he'd understand why people would think its a hobble?!

And first love? its justa phrase dear god!

[Eva]

Yeah, and it's not even like Ghomeshi called it a hobby -- he said "but his music is far more than a diversion" or something like that, acknowledging that (because of that unmentionable acting career) some people might assume things, but contradicting that assumption.

Throw in the part where he calls Canada "mashed potatoes without the gravy" and you've got yourself a test of the ol' "no such thing as bad publicity" canard.

Totally uncalled for, and I was impressed with how the host handled it!

[Asana]

Wow, kudos to Ghomeshi for masterfully reigning in the petulant Thornton and getting things back on the music. Billy Bob only has himself to blame for the distraction from what the interview was to be about.

What could've been a thoughtful and engaging exchange that informed viewers and listeners about the band's insights and motivations was instead a more disjointed and tension filled affair. All thanks to the attitude of Thornton which more than seemed to permeate and choke out his bandmates.

A definite ill move on the part of Thornton who had to realize that the host was merely tossing off background/frame of reference rather than centering focus on his acting career.

[Emo]

Good grief....get over yourself Billy Bob....just stfu and be glad anyone is interested in your band anyway.

[orinn]

Nicely handled. For a moment it felt like I was watching another Joaquin Phoenix interview.

[Barcai]

Now we know why Angelina and Billy Bob got along so well- his craziness matched hers. His band mates must really appreciate his ego in times like this. I am sure this wasn't the first time he has went off the rails.

It actually disappoints me- I have been a fan of his movies and acting for a while now.

The thing is, everyone that's even remotely familiar with the business (music, movies etc) know they prep these guys ahead of time for the interviews. Billy Bob's people/agent/manager could have stated a simple statement to the DJ (as well as the Producer of the show) and let him know not to even mention his film career at all.

Because of his HUGE ego- it's crap like this that gives credence to "Diva's" and "Prima Donna".

[Anybody]

This is worse than Phoenix on Letterman... at least that was funny thanks to Dave. Here I just feel bad for the interviewer and the rest of Billy Bob's band. What the hell is his problem, loon-ball.