# The guitarist who turned down The Traveling Wilburys: “I felt really bad”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-guitarist-who-turned-down-the-traveling-wilburys-i-felt-really-bad/
- Published: 2026-11-08T16:04:59+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T16:21:43+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-guitarist-who-turned-down-the-traveling-wilburys/
- Topics: Culture, Entertainment, Music, Travel

## Key points

- Mike Campbell handed his guitar to George Harrison during “Handle With Care”.
- Harrison played the slide solo that made the final recording.
- Campbell said Harrison’s part was far better than his attempt.

## Summary

Tom Petty’s guitarist Mike Campbell was invited to contribute to the Traveling Wilburys’ recording of “Handle With Care”, but felt his attempted solo did not suit the song. He handed his guitar to George Harrison, whose slide part became the finished solo, illustrating how the group’s collaborative approach depended on finding what best served the music.

Campbell recalled that Jeff Lynne had asked him to play something in the style of Eric Clapton, but he was unhappy with his effort and felt bad because Petty was trying to include him. Harrison’s slide playing rose above the song’s busy acoustic arrangement while fitting its vocal harmonies. Campbell later praised Harrison’s part as “a hundred times better” than his own.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.