Billy Bob Thornton Cancels Canadian Tour

Billy Bob Thornton

In the last week Billy Bob Thornton has been in the news for his controversial interview with Canadian radio host Jian Gohmeshi.

Billy Bob is on tour with his band The Boxmasters and upon his visit to Toronto, Canada apparently told the radio host before the interview not to mention his acting or directing career whatsoever.  He is a musician after all and wanted the radio interview to focus solely on that.  When Gohmeshi introduced Thornton by referring to his movie career it obviously ticked off Thornton.  After that point Thornton was abrupt and just plain rude. 

Thornton evaded simple questions and criticized the host for briefly mentioning his movie background in an introduction. Thornton appeared on the show with his band, the Boxmasters, who are on tour with Willie Nelson. When host Jian Ghomeshi asked Thornton what he’d learned from Nelson, he said, “I don’t know him.” Asked when his band was formed, Thornton replied: “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Asked what music he listened to when he was young, Thornton spoke about reading the magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland. The actor took offense when Ghomeshi suggested he was passionate about music. “Would you say that to Tom Petty?” Thornton asked. After the interview, the band performed an instrumental tune without Thornton — who didn’t have his instrument. “I’m a drummer. We don’t cart those around at 6 o’clock in the morning,” he said before walking out.

He also, during the interview, likened Canadian audiences to “mashed potatoes with no gravy.”

At his performance the following night, Billy Bob and his band were booed by the Canadian audience at Toronto’s Massey Hall.

Now The Boxmasters have cancelled the remainder of the Canadian leg of their tour, citing “the flu” as the reason. 

So Billy Bob, I’m going to give you what you want.  No problem here.  I won’t reference or remember your movie or directing career.  If I could I’d take back any dollars spent on your movies. 

Do you really think you would even be on tour with Willie Nelson if it weren’t for who you have become because of your acting career.  I can guarantee you, you wouldn’t.  You would just be another up and coming band trying to get a break.  But because you are an award winning actor/director , you have the luxury of being able to open up for big bands…..because of your name.

How many people know the names of any other members of The Boxmasters.  Billy Bob isn’t even the front man, he’s the drummer.  What’s the front-mans name? Sorry Billy Bob, no idea.  I had never even heard of The Boxmasters until this tyrant of yours to be honest.

So there you go.  No more reference to your acting career.  Good luck with your band.