There's a band called the Boxmasters, their leader is a guy named Billy Bob Thornton, and they were interviewed yesterday by Jian Gomeshi on his CBC Radio program "Q." During the intro to the interview with the band, Gomeshi mentioned that, yes, it's the same Billy Bob Thornton known for his starring roles in Hollywood movies like "Sling Blade" and "Monster's Ball." The interview itself was all about the band and the music, but apparently Gomeshi's brief reference to Thornton's film career - essential, to put the whole thing in context, as he would later explain directly to Billy Bob - was all it took for the bizarre movie star to flip into a funk, responding to most questions with either non-answers or non-sequitors. Gomeshi soldiered on with the other band members - the ones willing to talk - before finally asking Thornton what gives? Billy Bob vented about how Gomeshi had "broken the rules" by mentioning his film career ... a move which Gomeshi ably defended. Ultimately, and uncomfortably, the interview continued, ending with Thornton refusing to perform with the rest of the band. Thornton came across as a petulant, sometimes delusional ("you wouldn't ask Tom Petty if music was his first love") prima donna, and I can barely count how many people sent me "have you seen THIS?" emails (watch the whole thing here ). In the aftermath, both Thornton's band and Gomeshi's radio show have ended up with way more publicity than they've probably ever gotten previously, with even notorious celeb-watching website tmz.com picking up on the fracas. So we're going to let you make the call on this one: was it a Fumble for Billy Bob to squander a national interview opportunity? Or, by playing the bizarre card, did he generate way more buzz and attention than a straight-up chat about his new venture ever would have otherwise garnered (see "Phoneix, Joaquin")? Discuss it on our blog - I'm curious to get your take on this one.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
TOUCHDOWN OR FUMBLE? YOUR CALL ON BILLY BOB'S BIZARRE INTERVIEW
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8 comments:
If you check Billy Bob's history, there is a pretty steady pattern of bizarre behaviour, be it his vial of blood with Angelina Jolie, his obsession with Komodo Dragons, etc. He is just a strange dude all around. Combine that with his reputation for being a prickly, arrogant jerk, and there is no way this was a calculated act. This was just Billy Bob unplugged, and likely high as well.
It's obviously generated a lot more buzz than a regular interview would have. This is probably the first and last time you'll see the CBC referenced on TMZ or Perez Hilton. However, it hasn't done The Boxmasters any favours. They're a band that has gotten where they are because of their drummer's celebrity, not in spite of it. By denying it's existence they are putting themselves out there to be scrutinized as a "real" band, which they sadly aren't.
By biting the hand of the marketing machine that feeds them, they'll soon see that it was the only thing supporting them.
One comment submitted to the CBC blog was that Billy Bob seemed to be under the influence of heroin and/or alcohol. The writer seemed to know what he or she was talking about, and in fact, this makes more sense than anything else. CBC scored big on handling the interview so well. Billy Bob will just have to live this down, but he deserves our concern if he is abusing and not seeking help.
If getting some Buzz for the fact that Billy Bob is now in a band was all that is important then his interview was a good thing - The fact that I now think he's a Dork and wouldn't care to see him in his band
is another thing.
Who are we kidding here? Have you seen or heard "Gian" before this or is that a John vanity plate gone awry? He's the consummate a-hole. Billy Bob picked up on this right away. Good for him.
Assuming Billy Bob doesn't have a serious medical condition, he came across as a selfish, spoiled mega-brat. Let him take his ball and run home (maybe he'll remember to take his drums).
I Billy Bob definitely Fumbled. Yes there is some Buzz, but a Canadian audience doesn't seem to be as swayed by negative buzz... I guess we still like nice guys. This was a chance for him to come off as a nice guy, and people like me may have at least thought - hey he's not so weird anymore, and taken a listen. Now... no way. But lets not forget that Jian scored a Tourchdown with his professionalism. Flustered for only a few seconds, he did a great job of not beingintimidated by Billy Bob's bizarre behaviour, and also maintaining a respectful demeanor. I listen to Jian whenever I can, and will continue to lend him my ear... Billy Bob who? Oh yeah, the former Mr. Jolie.
Normally I'm all for 'living your brand'...but Billy Bob just lost out on cash as a result of him stepping out of the tour...and for that I give him a fumble.
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