In 1988, George Harrison wrote a song that was “too good”. It sparked the creation of the Traveling Wilburys

George Harrison wrote ‘Handle with Care’ as a solo track intended for limited release as a bonus on a European single. Record label executives persuaded him it was too good to remain obscure, prompting him to form the Traveling Wilburys and turning the song into the supergroup’s first single.

The band brought together Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. Released in October 1988, ‘Handle with Care’ opened the group’s debut album, *Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1*, with Harrison singing lead and his bandmates contributing. The article says the song’s planned release might otherwise have left it known only to a small audience.