QUICK TAKES - April 9, 2009
Joaquin, you have competition.
In a radio appearance reminiscent of David’s Letterman’s recent interview with actor-turned-rapper Joaquin Phoenix, Billy Bob Thornton gave a puzzling and difficult interview Wednesday.
Appearing on CBC radio, the Canadian public broadcaster, Thornton evaded simple questions and criticized the host for mentioning his movie background. Thornton appeared on the show with his band, the Boxmasters, who are on tour with Willie Nelson.
When host Jian Ghomeshi asked when the band formed, Thornton said: “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Thornton mostly gave brief, sometimes monosyllabic, answers. Asked what music he listened to when he was young, Thornton spoke about 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?” asked Thornton.
A lifelong musician, Thornton appeared sensitive to any suggestion that music was a mere hobby.
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