I'm listening live to Billy Bob.. I always knew he was unique. But what a tool

Just listened to your "interview" with Billy Bob Thornton and all I can say to you is how sorry I am that you got stuck having to TRY and get something that made sense out of this incredibly rude and ignorant man! You did your best. That man didn't deserve even 1 minute of airtime.

What the ber-loody hell was that? Now I'm curious...has Jhian ever interviewed Tom Petty? Was he that unpleasant? ha ha...

I don't mind when celebs try their hand at something new (I'm thinking Scarlet Johanson doing the Tom Waits cover album, which I kind of like)but listening to Billy Bob on your show today, I have to say "who cares?" He acts like they are reinventing the musical wheel when really, they would still be playing in mom's basement if he wasn't a rich and famous actor. So when he gets all upset about you asking him questions about his acting history, well, that's just lame. There are a million better Canadian indie bands who get no coverage, maybe try interviewing them someday.

What a silly, silly boy he is. And what boring music. God. I hope the only people that go to his show are there to heckle him.

Billy Bob Thorton displayed his true talent in your interview, which is smugness and arrogance. In these tough economic times when so many people are losing their homes, their jobs and artists all over the world are slammed by the combination of funding cutbacks and decreased consumer spending on art. He has so much good fortune he really needs a reality check. Shame on him. Jian you are a true gem, thank you for holding your ground and you were amazing in this interview with this moron.

Are we allowed to talk about this!?!?
Jian, you had a tough job, but you handled it well. At first I thought he was impaired, but he just showed the nation that he's obnoxious. Now that it's over, you have to laugh at this....it really is hysterical.

Billy Bob Thornton is a drummer? After that interview dipstick comes to mind moreso than drumstick. Let me get this straight Billy Boob, sorry, Billy Bob, you wanted to talk about your music but wouldn't answer simple questions about your music.You didn't understand the questions? Well, we understand plenty about you from your answers.
Didn't win too many fans today buddy!
My Suggestion? Take Bully Babble, sorry, Billy Bob, his plastic frankenstein monster model and the Boxmasters, pack them all IN A BOX and stick them on a back shelf somewhere. Soon to be forgotten. I think Billy Bob bobbed too many Baileys last night.

What a self-indulgent ass... good on you Jian for getting through that. Made me cringe, but it was well-handled. Billy Bob: having an interviewer ignore your acting career isn't going to make people forget how bad "Mr. Woodcock" was. And if Tom Petty started to show up in movies, you're damn right he'd be asked if acting was his first love (and he'd probably not pout like a child and dodge around the answer).
Cheers.

I saw him play in Kingston the other and I have to admit he was not too bad- his band is very good - he truly is making it in music because of his film career though - and he is also a nutcase

Listening to the interview today made me cringe. Pretty awful behaviour on Thornton's part given that he wouldn't have even been in that interview (getting free publicity) if had he not been a well-known actor before. If Tom Petty started acting and he was being interviewed no one would blink if he was asked questions about his previous career and its connection to the current one. Yikes. Sorry Jian! Plus he insulted Canadian audiences. Oh, man.

I am a long time listener of the CBC. I have never felt the need to comment before. Just wanted to say what an excellent job you did salvaging the interview with that incredibly obnoxious Billy Bob. I don't understand celebrities who think they can dictate the terms of their fame. He apparently, is a complete boor. Congratulations on a job well done, I would have felt the need to try the headphones. For the record, I have no interest in non-talented pipe dream would be musicians who have the nerve to compare themselves to Tom Petty. Nice try Billy Bomb, maybe in a few millions years...actually, no, Thorton will never have the talent to be mentioned in the same sentence as Petty...and the reason he's such an unpleasant person is he already knows this.

Were those duelling banjos playing in the backgroud?

Yeeehawwww Billy Bob!

That was completely unprofessional, insulting and lame. I do hope that Canadians don't waste their money by seeing him and his band play. Was he under the influence?

Is Billy bob drunk or high? He is completely absurd. Poor Jian trying to make something out of this interview

omg this is awkward. he's not even answering the questions. Is he stoned???? holy crow.

Doh??
Now we know why Angelina left him.
I will go out of my way not to buy his music

It is quite sad that Billy Bob, with all of his fame, is not a happier person. I wonder if he feels bad at all for acting that way. He is certainly not amongst the group of commendable celebrities who practice humility and graciousness. Billy Bob was acting illogical. Jian, you did your best and handled the situation well. Your program is wonderful!

Jian, i give you an enormous amount of credit for airing this interview. I would have tossed it in the recycle bin.

What an idiot!!!! What is he on? You did your best, Jian.

What was with that dude? I feel sorry listening to Jian try to get anything out of him. Too bad Jian couldn't just cut to commercial and kick them out...

I am impressed that Jian is able to keep his cool in front of this waste of space called Billy Bob.

Billy Bob Thornton is amazing. Ha. Good work Jian. I keep laughing. I'm going to be sending this episode to everybody. You should have asked more info about his first love Lisa Cohen!

hahaha billy bob is a dummy.

wow! this guy is arrogant. and it seems that his head was left at home in a box. jian - the redemption of your interview with this guy is that you're skillfully allowing him to reveal himself. the downside is that it's taking up our headspace/airwaves. shut him down...

Holy cow, what an ass. That could have been an interview with Karl from Sling Blade. (Ooops--forgot I wasn't supposed to mention film stuff.)

---Michael B.

Wow, what a jerk. His band gets attention because he is famous as an actor and he acts like this.
I hope he goes on The Hour and that George grills him.

OK, it's official. Billy Bob Thornton is a dipshit. Full marks to Jian Ghomeshi for not just throwing the arrogant asshole off the show and talking to somebody more interesting...like a random street person

Oh, what an ass. Jian, you are doing an amazing job handling Billy Bob. I might have been interested in his music -- until this interview. I would be quite happy if you cut him off right now and go to a more interesting guest.

What a jerk! He's a worse human being than he is an actor.

OMG! Jian, you are handling this a-hole really well! Who the heck does this fool think he is? I am laughing my head off at this loser!

I never knew Hillbillies could be Douchebags! He's got "mashed potatoes and a little gravy" upstairs, and that's about it.

I feel sorry for Billy Bob's band. if he acts this way in all interviews i cant see them going very far.

It is quite sad that Billy Bob, with all of his fame, is not a happier person. I wonder if he feels bad at all for acting that way. He is certainly not amongst the group of commendable celebrities who practice humility and graciousness. Billy Bob was acting illogical. Jian, you did your best and handled the situation well. Your program is wonderful!

omg, what a jacka$$ Billy Bob Thornton is. I've never heard a more difficult interview in my life, and my heart goes out to Jian for having to deal with such a deliberately offensive person. Jian, you are a consumate professional, and I admire how *well* you handled the interview, despite the chip on your interviewee's shoulder.

Before he started explaining himself (badly) I was honestly worried that he was having a stroke.

Is he on Glue or just an ass?!
Love the comment from Michael Bolton -
"Yup. Uhmmhum"

please get that self centered pompous ass off the air. politely yours: Peter Llewellyn

It's funny that Jian had just been talking about legalizing majijuana in the US before the interview, and then Billy Bob.... at first I thought BB was stoned, then I thought that he needed to be, then I thought that he needs much stronger meds. To say that BB was obnoxious and nasty is fair, but he was so confused. He just didn't make any sense. Poor man. Poor Jian for having to tolerate and work with it, but he did an amazing job keeping the interview together. He could be an air traffic controller on the side. Jian is very cool under pressure.

Dear Jian,
Thanks for ignoring your ‘instructions’, today, Jian! When your guest got his back up today, I was surprised to find that I was transported back to the elementary schoolyard after someone yells “fight!” We were cheering; you were smooth and pacific, but unwilling to let this personification of what’s annoying about America get away with dissing our gravy. (They don’t throw S@#$ around in Massey Hall!)
Incidentally, if Tom Petty were a famous Hollywood star, overly sensitive to everyone’s impression that he’s trying to piggyback a music career on his already established fame, I think you would have asked him about his childhood connection to music (and perhaps monster magazines)!
Cheers,
Bretton

He's a dumb as he sounds.I'll never waste a dime on that idiot. Way to handle yourself Jian.

Listening to interview with Billy Bob Thornton right now. What an ass! You did your best Jian but the guy was a write off. If I ever thought I would buy his music before, I never will now. And I probably won't go to see any of his movies ever again either. Let him go back home and smoke wherever he wants. He sure doesn't belong here!

Well, I have to say Jhian did a good job actually getting BB talking.

What a jerk.

It was a good move asking BB directly if he'd continue the interview if you constrained the conversation to music. He at least bought-in a bit and started to take a stake in the interview.

Still though, what a jerk.

Hahaha - what a tool. Good work Jian - I think you guys should have thrown him off the air, mind. "You were instructed not to talk about that - would you ask that to Tom Petty?" Jian (I wish): "You're no Tom Petty, Billy Bob".

What an awkward, annoying interview with 'Billy Bob'. Pull the plug on this rude, obnoxious, argumentative narcissist.

a wide man once said

"never wrestle with a pig.......you'll both get dirty ......but the pig will like it"

Take the high road Jian, you're beautiful and this guy is an absolutely classless boor.....no wonder Angelina Jolie dumped him

I'm doing a BA in journalism this year and that interview scenario is basically my worst night mare. Congrats Jian for dealing with that in the best way possible.

Why would anyone warm up to these cold, rude, smelly, fish?!. let alone pay to hear them. Waste of valuable air time!

OH MAN - Jian, I can't believe how calm and diplomatic you sound right now. Billy Bob Thornton (the "musician") is in need of a serious reality check. Perhaps a revenge playback of his gag-worthy "Angelina" single is in order??

I just listened to your interview with BB Thornton. Jian did you put the wrong color M & M's in his "superstar" dressing room??
The man thinks highly of himself..though not so highly of interviews OR Canadians. Makes you wonder why he is doing a promotional interview in Canada!!..and then he refused to play the music he's promoting.
Jian you did the best you could with such a difficult and agorgant guest.
As a regular listener of Q, I've come to expect a mixture of lovable and interesting personalities. Someone like BB threw me for a loop. Shook up my day really! lol
Good Job Jian, keep doing what you're doing!

What a loser. Jian, can;t believe you had to put up with that.
This guy wants to sell his music ? Not here baby.

This man is an incredible personality...good on you to support and continue the interview despite him not answering ANY of your questions. Whoa? And now not playing with his band, no drums...hmmm. This is some good material Jian. My sympathies go out to you and the entire CBC crew that has had to struggle through this interview. P.S. I like band without Billy Bob.

Nice "instrumental"... So awkward.
It sounds like Billy Bob is trying to make sure that he's not the only one to get recognition in the band. Unfortunately, by acting like a petulent child, he makes the entire interview about himself. Nicely done.

I'm listening to the show now and it's painful...there's rude, but this goes beyond..Jian, you did an amazing job...good work..I don't think I would have been so generous...good on ya

Jian, you're an EXCELLENT host, and have done a fantastic job with this interview despite Billy Bob being as arrogant and rude as humanly possible. I feel sorry for you for having to interview someone so ungrateful, uncooperative, and unfriendly - and for his band for choosing to associate with him! What a dedicated band member, to not bring his drums... yikes.

All i have to say is...Tough Crowd! Jian, You were very classy!

I suspected that BB was looney tunes, but WOW. I wish, on our collective behalf, you had discontinued the interview - a waste of air-time. Just to top-off his ignorance and arrogance, the music was pedestrian.

How PAINFUL to listen to! What a loser Billy Bob is! He is totally out of touch with reality if he really thinks that anyone would care about his music were it not for his acting career. (And for his strange relationship with Angelina Jolie.)

And then he doesn't even bring his drums! Jian, you deserve a huge cake with lots of icing for getting through that. Along with your preferred alcoholic beverage.

Jian, I'd rather you have pulled the plug on the Billy Bob interview and listened to you talk about anything...seriously...anything: kitten noses, sap buckets, nose hair.
What a JERK!

Well done Jian, you did a good job of interviewing a really determined twerp. I hope the CBC pay you danger money on these occasions.

That was music. I am no musician and I could do better. What a boar that man was
Thank God it is over, Poor, poor you!

Wow! I thought the whole point of publicity was to attract people to your music. Billy bob missed that point by insulting Canadians and making an ass of himself during the interview.

And it really sounds like they could use all the publicity help they can get, as I didn't find the music unique or entertaining.

I agree with everyone above, what an uncomfortable situation. Does BBT not realize that his behaviour probably discourages people from seeing the band. I certainly wouldn't be interested, no matter how good the band. As said before, what a nut case, but you handled it really well. I'm glad you were able to stand your ground!!

What an asshole.

Jian, your journalistic skill is evident as you deal with this self-aggrandizing ass you're interviewing. Surely he must realize that the primary reason this band is getting publicity stems from his involvement and celebrity. Kudos for the great job, and my sympathy for having to deal with him in the first place.

CBC can do without Billy Bob Thornton, if this is how he conducts himself on air. I'm not sure why he thinks berating the interviewer and outright belligerence is acceptable, but if he does, let him stay home next time. He was ignorant, insulting, and had nothing meaningful to say. Please don't invite him back.

Billy Bob should change his name to Big Baby, then there wouldn't be the association with the actor/screenwriter. Of coarse talent can successfully cross over different mediums, and why not be proud of your past accomplishments? The boxmasters should dump the drummer. Who needs that kind of ego around?

Billy Bob doesn't deserve the airtime. What a maroon. Sorry you had to suffer such a fool, Jian.

You might think from all these comments that you should keep having terrible old people on the show. At least it get's people commenting right? I turned off my radio to write and say don't bother with that type again. I like real interviews way better.

Billy Bob Thorton - pardon the expression but what an 'asshole'... I tuned in with some interest but I once I heard him - I wouldn't pay a dime to hear him or buy any of this CD's.

Get over yourself, Billy Bob...Tom Petty earned his musical reputation the hard way. If u don't want people to draw attention to your fame, prove u have what it takes to get the publicity. And don't bite the hand that feeds u. this "hillbilly" grandma wud put u on the "naughty spot" for ur rudeness and petulence. Oh yes, when you are in someone else's "house",mind your P's and Q's. Sorry for your troubles, Jion.
cathy

I feel your pain with that interview. I would have thrown the clown out. You know what happens to real rednecks when they discover the person they are sitting across from is not a fellow Caucasian. How rude was that? I also know that I will never ever spend a penny supporting anything this fellow does or has done. Wow

Billy Bob Thorton - pardon the expression but what an 'asshole'... I tuned in with some interest but I once I heard him - I wouldn't pay a dime to hear him or buy any of this CD's.

Congratulations, Jian, for handling bad little Billy Bob so well. What a sad person he is. I'll go out of my way not to listen to his music. What an idiot!

Jian, I'm sorry that you had to put up with that garbage. I'm just so appalled at the lack of respect you were given. And you handled it great anyway!

seriously?...this music isn't 'new'...hey billy, take a walk into any bar in most places in north america and you will hear the same crap played by people who would really appreciate the free publicity...billy, you are not a music legend, for that matter you aren't even an acting legend...it's too bad that the your band has to put up with the constant embarrassing situations you must drag them through...

jerk...

I didn't think there could be a bigger doucebag than Gene Simmons, but i guess i was wrong. Congratulations to Mr. Thornton.

Sorry, but I had to turn my radio off. It was too painful to listen to that arogant jerk. Too bad you could not have turned the mic off too!

wow.

I caught the second half of the interview and was appalled at Billy Bob Thorton's arrogance and rudeness. Can't believe how you kept your cool Gian but good for you. I actually didn't know who it was when I turned the radio on and logged onto your website just to find out who this jerk you were interviewing was.

Compare the self important, petulant Billy Bob to Willie Nelson and Ray Price and you can see why he seems to have this big complex.

I just caught the end of this interview. Unbelievable. I guessed it was Billy Bob before the end and I couldn't believe what a jerk he was. I want to listen to this again.

I just have to say, that its a good thing his band is talented, because Billy Bob's a tool. Nice job handling him Jian.

Jian, congratulations on mantianing your usual calm demenour when dealing with this exceptionally rude man. I'm afraid if I'd been your producer (or you) I would have cut to music and shown him the door. You're a better man than I.
What a releif to have Albert as a chaser.

Bless you for making it through that interview.

While you may not have asked Tom Petty about his musical influences, you would ask his opening band about their musical influences! What an ass!

wow. well done jian.

Wow, way to hold your own Jian. Billy Bob is such a child. Throwing a tantrum because his acting career was mentioned and then insulting Canadians to boot. Billy Bob's band mates must have been so embarrassed. Get him out of the studio quick!

What a child!!! Who does he think he is? You handled it beautifully Jian.

Was he on something????????

Wow, what an interview. That must have been the most awkward one for you, EVER! BB is such an **s. Good on you for lasting that long. That group can disappear for all I care...

I especially enjoyed how after all that, he didn't even play on the song!

Jian, really, you were so great with these guys who really were terribly miserable!
You showed class and also stood up for Canada when all he could do was slag it. I love your show, please don't ever have those guys back. I used to think he - BBT was kind of sexy - now I know he is a total ass.

Wow!! Just caught the tail-end of the interview. Billy Bob...here's a news flash...the world doesn't revolve around you....you should check your meds and drop the 'ignorant jerk' pill. Jian....bravo!!

What an ignorant tool Billy Bob is! Good effort handling such a self-absorbed idiot Jian; my heart goes out to you trying to keep an interview on the level!

Jian - kudos on your patience and professionalism. Clearly, Billy Bob has a number of serious issues. Let's hope he gets some help soon.

Jian,
I just wanted to tell you that you handled that specimen(and here I mean "part of an animal"-Wikipedia)of Billy Bob Thornton really well. He is a prick and he knows that. You wonder what the moral fabric of a guy like Billy Bob Thornton looks like. Or maybe there is none what so ever!

Good god in hell! I seriously question the value of BILLY BOB THE ACTOR WHO MARRIED ANGELINA JOLIE AND WILL ALWAYS BE KNOWN THIS WAY's music if he can't treat another human being with a gram of decency. Hats off to you, Jian. And I'm sorry you can't have that half hour of your life back. This one will definitely go down in the Q history books under Shitastic People Moments.

Jian, you handled yourself well. Billy Bob is a total ASS!

Oh, man... cringe-worthy.

You stuck to it, Jian. There was at least one pro in the room.

Ah, live radio...

i hope you have something strong in your mug!!!! wow, jian, you are SO cool under pressure. well handled. i could feel my heart rate rise, my blood pressure go up and my toes curl. wow. no humility in that man...xoxoxoxoxoxox

I am listening to your interview with Billy Bob. I am sorry I have wasted so much time liking him as an actor just to find him absolutely arrogant and insulting. Is he genuinely like that, or just making an exceptional effort to be rude to you as an interviewer and all of us listeners? It is a shame his band mates didn't speak up. They are unfortunately attatched to a name I would be ashamed of to have sitting in my cd shelf.
Hopefully Willy Nelson or his people will have enough sense to drop them from the bill.

Well done today Jian.

I'm guessing that's the first time you interviewed a horse's posterior.

WOW. Jian is absolutely amazing for handling this asshole with a bloated ego the way he did. I was so impressed with Jian, and so disgusted with Billy Bob. Hope someone DOES throw something at him at his upcoming show..

What a jerk.
You handled it beautifully and profesionally.

Dear Billy Bob,

Maybe you should become more of a morning person. Or perhaps not schedule interviews before say, 4:00 pm.

Jian, nice save.

Perhaps, next time, ask Billy Bob for me, 'So you think you are in the musical ranks of Tom Petty?, How so?'

Jian, you did a great job with that tool! He should have sent you the questions and he could done his own interview, and you could have gone for coffee!

Thanks for the morning laugh!

Good for you, Jian. After recovering from the initial shock of Billy Bob Thornton (I could feel your pain all the way to here in St. John's, NL) I thought you pulled off a tremendous recovery. Interesting to see that when you challenged him he came around a bit(...well, sort of...were his boys kicking him under the table?). Keep up the good work. You deserve a little extra in the pay-packet this week.

WTF?! My admiration to you Jian for holding your composure while trying to have a conversation with BB. I was not sure if this was a joke and actually had to check to make sure it was not April Fool's Day!

This interview was like watching a car accident, wanted to turn away, but couldn't. This uneducated moron gives Hillbillies a bad name.

Jian - my heart goes out to you! Definitely one of the worst/best interviews I've heard and through no fault of your own. I was intrigued by the sounds of their music but B-Bob's attitude has turned me right off - my sympathies to his band members! Echoing the sentiments of another - what a very large tool.

Did he want the "Asshole of the year" award? Poor Jian. If Billy Bob was within throwing distance - I have some gravy.........

I woke up this morning with a cold, seeing snow on the ground here in Ottawa, and my koipond frozen over again. I thought: "Is it Monday?" Then I heard this Jian's interview with Billy Bob Thornton and my day seemed so much warmer and brighter in comparison. Good job Jian, never leave us.

Love the Show.

P.S. Still waiting for the Björk interview.

Jian,your ratings just went way up,as for Billy Bob,well some words just are not allowed here on CBC so use your imagination.I don't know how you did it.All the best to you.

Good job Jian, what an ass Billy Bob is.

Kudos to you Jian for handling an unpleasant and unfortunate situation. It takes great professionalism and concentration to work around a difficult and ignorant person. I feel bad for his band for having to put up with that kind of behavior. Thanks for great radio.

omg. I am so sorry Jian! that was the most uncomfortable interview I've heard in a long time. What a self-important asshole! but, I must say that you were a pro Jian, keep up the good work and don't invite him back... actually let's determine as a country not to invite him back.

BILLY BOB THORNTON - HOW RUDE AND ARROGANT CAN ONE PERSON BE!!!???? WHAT AN IDIOT!!!!!!!!!

That man is an ignorant rude person. Good for you Jian for being a true professional.

Jian, well done. You remained calm and professional. Billy Bob comes across as a complete twit, rude, and ungrateful to the CBC for taking an interest in his band and his music. I hope people will boycott his Canadian concerts.

What an arrogant, egotistical, self-induglent, grumpy, etc that Billy Bob is. The music was boring, and now I won't have anything to do with his music or movies.

I agree with all the previous posts. At first I thought B-B was seriously drugged, but then it became obvious he's just a prick (although perhaps it's not an either/or situation). Well done, Jian, for holding this impossible interview together. Wonder how the band feels about putting up with this guy? Tell BB to check back when he comes up with an album as good as "Damn the Torpedoes."

Billy Bob......I did not expect much and I got less than that! The shame is that the music is good...can't speak for him because he did not sing..and lets be sure that I wont be pursuing his music simply because he was a pompis ass, who was disrespectfull and rude. There's the gravey!

Tom Petty would be particularly ticked off as far as I heard.What discomfort! jian, you did not deserve that! no matter what time you need to pull your drums out, you should billy boob. i won't buy any box masters for sure!

I tuned in half-way through, and had to stop working. I didn't know who was being interviewed but I stopped working and just stared slack-jawed at the radio.. I mean you know whoever is being that big a loser must be famous to be getting any airtime.
It was funny- totally reminded me of those idiots you get caught having a smoke with outside a bar, you know, just nodding at them when they tell you about how dumb the rest of the world is and how brilliant and awesome they are at whatever their art is.
When I found out it was Billy Bob, I just remembered how he dumped Angelina's ass for some other actress chick, and had to laugh. Lame. Hollywood is a shitshow, that's the price they pay- public patheticness - except for Nicholson and Russel Crowe.

well! now that was probably the toughest interview i've ever heard on cbc radio! billy bob... what a tool. gian... you did a very fine job with an arrogant, spoiled hollywood brat. thanks for your composure and even handed response to a complete jerk. your were completely appropriate and fair with him. anyone listening would support you 100%! kudos!

Billy Bob has a reputation for being an arrogant prick but that interview takes the cake. I would have been impressed if you called a spade a spade, told him and his band to walk, and ended the interview then played Rush to fill the dead air. No need to waste your time or valuable air time on such a dufus. There is plenty of other talent in the world who would have been far more gracious. Don't waste your money on the buffoon, don't invite him back and don't promote his movies.

Jian, as always, a truly professional interview. As much as I have admired Billy-Bob Thornton's film work, this interview has effectively killed any and all respect that I have had for this "artist". The Quebecois have an expression, which loosely translated equates to "When you hunt the natural, it returns at a gallop". The man's "natural" seems to have surfaced during the interview. Jian, 3 thumbs up for elegantly navigating the mine field. Billy Bob Thornton, what a jackass.

I just finished listening to the interview and it was so painful. I wanted to turn it off but was so impressed with how Jian handled himself I stuck it out. Was the guy on drugs? It was embarrassing.

Great job CBC for handling it so well.

That was an absolutely horrible interview. Thorton was rude, disrespectful. I felt so bad for Jian. Good job on getting through it - more patience than I would have had!

Whoa! That Billy Bob Thornton interview must have been like a tooth extraction without anaesthetic!! Good for you, Jian! But as for Billy Bob....what an arrogant jerk! As stated by others, why any of us should care about what he and his group are doing is beyond me. May Billy Bob and his ego play to empty houses...and go home.

What question set him off. I listen to the whole interview but, I felt Billy Bob was incoherent before he said the Tom petty bullshit. Like when Jian asked, when did you start playing together? Billy's answer...um er uh I don't know. I really don't understand what he got pissed about. Has anyone ever heard Angelina, A song B.B.T released a few year ago solo, it's was painful to listen to. His band seems to have some musical chops, but he is arrogant. He's is no Tom Petty, but if Tom Petty made an attempt at an acting career, I believe he would be asked about his music. Jian you heard your composer very well considering.

I was actually interested in hearing what a band claiming to produce British Invasion mixed with Hillbilly would sound like but after that "interview" I won't bother. What a douche bag. From now on I won't even watch his movies let alone listen to his music. I hope the other band members kick him out. Good job Jian, I was rooting for you.

I can't help but shake my head and wonder what the @#%^*?

"Don't talk about my acting career"... sounds like a whole lot of emotional turmoil that hasn't been dealt with. It would be great if you could bring BB back for a discussion on emotional imbalance, irrational child-like behavior in adults, and the inability to deal with others in a healthy and forward way.

Yeesh. Jian... It's difficult to believe you didn't just ask him to leave while on air.

Can we all agree that it's probably best to invite BB back to the show on a semi-regular basis? Fantastic stuff. Absolute drivel.

There is always less comfort taking the high road Jian but good on you for making the best out of such an uncomfortable situation. I would have gone to commercial and not brought him back after Billy's lame answered your question about his musical influences growing up. Great work of make Lemon aid out of Lemons.

I usually don't have much sympathy for radio and TV hosts; so often their skills are insufficient to ask relevant questions and get meaningful answers. However, after catching part of your interview with BB Thornton, I can't believe you actually bothered to run that on-air. The guy was a world-class douchebag. If he wasn't willing to participate in an interview, he should have stayed in his hotel room. His music was, at best, of 'garage-band' quality, nothing near the innovative stuff he was spewing about. If the guy didn't have a couple of movies behind him he'd be lucky to get a pay-to-play gig in some southern US dive bar. Truly boring musak.

Congrats for hanging in there, Jian, but next time, just delete the tape and don't give this turkey the benefit of any exposure.

This is , also, the first time I have been so moved to write. I felt I needed to express my empathy for Jian with his effort to interview Thornton. Billy Bob,clearly, did not want to be there. His reference to the early hour confirmed that. He was ridiculous.I hope that his bandmates never let him be their spokesperson again. What an ass! Out of respect for their band he certainly needed to conduct himself in an appropriate manner.No class!

Yikes. What a knob.

While I take the point that Billy Bob may have wanted to talk about his music on its own terms -- without any suggestion that his musical career owed anything to his film career -- the sad irony is that he was using his film celebrity to try and get away with being an a**hole. Thanks for politely standing up to him Jian.

Well handled, Jian. Billy Bob has proven himself an obnoxious, condescending ass. Why do I doubt he'd respond the same way to similar questions if interviewed in the States by one of the late night guys? I hope their gear gets stolen.

What a true unprofessional
he made me angry-putting you through such so unnecessary . This must be his true demeaner. My hat is off to you Jian for handling it as professinally as you did...I was steaming......I will never buy or watch anything of his again- who does he think he is - he needs people like you! Angelina must have been on drugs when she was with him.
You are a trouper- I hope your boss hears this show and gives you a raise .

I am glad to have read the comments before me as I feel quite the same as most of them!!

okay, I confess, I have always had a little crush on Jian, but after listening to today's show, I am head over heels. You, my dear, have class and charisma. Billy Bob Thornton, not so much. What a rude, pretentious prima dona. Someone should let him know that he's not in Lala Land anymore - Canadians are not prone to tolerating pumped up airbags. Let's hope his stylish boots don't land in some of our "signs of spring" - a stride through rotting doggy doo would be poetic justice and a nice reminder of his visit north of the border, don't you think

Keep up the good work Jian, BBT had no class. I understand he doesn't want the spotlight on his cinematic career, which I find you tried to avoid after the intro; but you had to introduce the band somehow.. and like you said, the only reason they are even known is because of him.

I thought he was impaired only to found out that he truly is just an ass. Jian - you handled him quite well. Good for you. I wouldn't of been as kind.

Jian, you are a fantastic interviewer. That Silly Boob Thornton is one weird prima donna. You handled him with charm, intelligence and courtesy - none of which he deserved. Well done.

Penny

What a waste of time, Jian you should have turn off his audio, he did not have any respect for you or this country...don't bring him back again!

Wow, BB was totally unprofessional and rude on Q today. I must say though, Jian, my hat is off to you for handling this douchebag with class! He didn't deserve a spot on Q. The silver lining, I guess, is that it makes a great story! Kudos for seeing the humour and lighter side of that situation.

This guy doesn't deserve the time of day. Whatever his intentions were for defacing your show, the guy needs a character and personality overhaul.

Funny how a name can suit a person soooo well. You were top shelf and make us proud!

Wow. Before that little scene I would have been surfing the internet for Boxmaster tunes. I'm impressed by Jian's restraint. I wouldn't buy their CD if it was the last album on earth.

What was his problem?!? What a complete jerk.

Nice handle on your part.

Hay Sling Blade, get some manners!!!

wow, he doesn't just play a jerk in movies, he does in real life too. If he really thinks his name doesn't make a difference then maybe he should have changed his name for this purpose and see how much or little interest he would really get. And was he really trying to compare himself to Tom Petty?

I found myself glued to the (Sirius) radio with every question to hear how gracefully Jian would handle the next passive-aggressive comment from Mr.Bob. And really, his band did not peform very well. Perhaps they were a little taken aback themselves. Well Done, Jian ! LOVE your show.

Billy Bob Thornton is made of fail. Jian is made of win. That is all.

BBT is an A-hole. And in our culture, it makes him $'s.
What's with that ?

What an arrogant asshole!....
Lets not forget this is the same idiot that carried a vile of Angie Jolie's blood around his neck
you handled that really well, I would have lost my cool and sent him back to got look for his drum set.

Like Billy Bob, I can find Jian Ghomeshi annoying. But really, what a narcisstic goof! Ghomeshi showed professionalism in a difficult situation.

Well that was pretty unbelievable.. BillyBobThorton.. what an incredible A-hole! Staying true to his low life hillbilly yankee culture.. way to go BillyBob. Sad thing is, that he and his band are opening for Willy Nelson, which now deters me from going to a Willy Nelson Concert .. too bad for Willy, he should dump that dufus BillyBob.. by the way.. I never comment on interviews, but BillyBob Dufus .. well he just is something special.
Thanks
Frank Julius
--

Please tell me that Bill Bob Thornton is not allowed to go out with out a escort. For a guy that is TRYING to make a living in the music business he leaves a lot to be desired. Glad you didn't ask him to spell his name.... that may have been to difficult a Q. Nice job Jian holding you cool.

OMG - that was the most painful thing I ever had to listen to!!! Kudos to Jian for trying to salvage something out of that whole scenario!!!! WTF was he on - Jian was asking about musical influences and he was talking about making monsters?!?! I would have thought asking someone about the influence of music on their lives - esp if they are so-called musicians - would be a relatively "safe" topic to broach - even with this nutbar!! Also - is he a one man band or were the other members NOT allowed to speak. One of the most RUDE, ARROGANT and OBNOXIOUS individuals I have ever had to listen to!! Unfortunately, there are unlucky people who will be exposed to his musical performances - seeing as he'll be an opener for someone we may want to see. I would suggest booing him of stage!!!

Billy Bob, although you believe that your Canadian audiences just seem to sit there, what's really going is that some are trying to figure out how to help you with your "emotional" issues, and others are just trying to locate the hidden cameras.

Jian, job well done!

Jian, I just have to add my voice to the chorus here. I am so impressed by how well you handled Mr. Thornton, who was hostile, obnoxious and arrogant. I can't imagine a circumstance which would justify his behaviour- I suppose some people are just jerks.

wow, it's all been said, but it sounded like mister billybob does not think alot of Canadian audiences?? well, let's give him a clear message and not give him, his movies and his somewhat very average music attempts a pass? i will not be giving him one more minute of my time or money. what a dink.

Billy Bob was aiming for badass and came off a jackass.

Oh My God!
I've been listening to your interview with Mr. Thornton.
I can't believe his behaviour. Maybe he should be grateful that Canadian audiences don't get up and throw things. He would get more than a shoe thrown at him that's for sure.
Bravo Jian for not letting him intimidatie you.
Mr. Thorton you are a borish dolt.

I feel sorry for the other guys in the band...having to put up with BBT's tantrums. I felt that Jian handled the situation in a truly professional manner.

Jian: I've been listening to Q since the beginning and even before when you did SLC in the summer. I've been thinking in recent shows that you've really become a solid interviewer, but after listening to your session with the bizarro Billy Bob Thornton, I think you deserve some serious awards. Albert Schultz is totally right: it may have been hellish for you, but it was great radio. BBT seems to think that speaking on Canadian radio will have no repercussions on him, but I predict that this interview will become the radio/podcast equivalent of Christian Bale's rant. For a little while I thought he was trying to outdo Joaquin Phoenix on Letterman. I was never interested in BBT in the movies, and now I have a reason to ignore his music. Oh, right, he didn't even play, did he? Keep up the great work, Jian!

Jian you handled Billy Bob so well! Hats off to you.
However what an arrogant ass he was. I was rather interested to hear what the music would be like ( would never of heard of them if it was not for your show btw..) However after that display of arrogance and rudeness..who really cares?
I certainly am not going to any of their shows or buying any of their music. I feel rather bad for the other band members to have such a tool for a front man.

Hey Jian - you handled this interview with class, humour,and trademark Canadian diplomacy. I'm proud of you and the CBC.
Cheers! Kathleen

Yeehaw. "Billy Bob" is now the euphemism for being a real GOOF. As in hey you with your "billybob" attitude! Don't be such a billybob eh? Jian! Were you not INSTRUCTED by the billybob to NOT talk about the billybob elephant in the room !!?? What are you, a billybob journalist or sumthin'!!?? Maybe the billybob needs more than gravy when he's called upon to ACT like human prior to 4pm. Ooops! Sorry! Didn't mean to use THAT word.

Way to hold court Jian!What an awesome rep. you are for Canadians, the gracious host you, took back control of your interview,didn't cave, made your point with tact and grace. No wonder so many people think Americans are a-holes.

Wow. I saw the Boxmasters in Kingston on Sunday and was thinking about buying their album ... or albums, really, at the impressive rate they're going. Then I heard today's interview and I can now say I have about as much interest in them as I do in Brittany's next release ... might be good, but not my thing. Billy Bob was such a jerk, and I can no longer separate his personality from his music. Granted, he wanted to promote his music, but anytime anyone with his resume is interviewed on an arts and culture show, of course his other works are going to be mentioned. Jennifer Hudson, Cher, Better Midler, Ice T, Barbara Streisand, Ludacris, Rick Springfield and many others are almost all going to get introduced as singers/rappers and actors and I would assume take no great offense at that.

I was left wondering though, if Tom Petty did a tour to promote his role in "The Postman" would you ask him if acting was his first love?

How excruciatingly embarrassing!
To have to continue to interview such a rude tempermental jerk. Jian, shows his chops for sure on this one. Didn't back down but kept leaning in an ever so polite way that completely allowed Mr BBT to reveal himself in all his ridiculous self-righteous stupidity! Wow. And of course guess who looks worse? All across Canada now, as if this arrogant jerk cared. For that logic alone, this guy's ego makes him not very bright whatever he has earned in other "fields of endeavour". Jian I'm proud of your deft control on this one, but am I ever glad it wuz you and not me man!

typical american trailer trash. wouldn't spend a wooden nickel on his music or movies after that interview.you held your own and made me proud to be Canadian.WELL DONE!!!

Damn! I missed it! Just caught the last few seconds of the set up to the last song...I thought something was up. Have to listen at 10 pm.

I treated myself to Q on my 10 minute drive to work and heard the last few minutes with Billy Bob Thornton, enjoying every minute of Jian's expert handling of the ridiculous interview that had been bestowed upon him. Congratulations to you Jian, and up yours Billy Bob.

Jian, your my hero. It is a good thing for all that I wasn't the interviewer.In a way it was fortunate for you that you got the opportunity to show your class and professionalism Don

First time posting a comment, and after that unbelievable interview I felt I had to. Boy... top points to you Jian for the way you handled it. I myself would have been speechless trying to interpret what was happening. I would have loved it if you had said "Well that's enough of this", and cut to music. Billy Bob, as much of a fan I am of your acting, you definitely came across as the biggest jerk I have ever heard in an interview. as a result, I will not be checking out your new album. Great show Jian, even when things go off the rails like this interview did. Cheers!

Oh my. Jian, you made the best of a very awkward situation here. I was so distracted by what was unfolding that I burned a batch of cookies. I agree with others that I was sure Billy Bob Thornton was impaired at first. I'm glad you were able to let us see him for what he really is. Well played.

I hope that Willie Nelson has the good sense to drop the Boxmasters from his tour. The instrumental offered this morning on Q was not sufficiently fabulous to make me overlook what an ignorant, self-absorbed lout Billy Bob is. Actually I feel sorry for the members of the band who did play for the audience. Imagine having to spend time with this sorehead of a "celebrity". I enjoyed Albert Schultz's comment on the interview and I agree that the host of Q handled the situation very well.

Sounds like Billy Bob just graduated from the Joaquin Phoenix school of interveiws. Kudos to Jian for pulling it off and remaining professional with someone who was just plain rude.

Just finished listening to the interview a few minutes ago. What a let down on Bill Boobs Part sorry Bob. i think you did an excellent job handling that joke of a man. Love your show.

What a self-indulgent ass... good for you Jian for getting through that self indulgent ass. It made me cringe, but it was well-handled given what you were working with. Comparing yourself to Tom Petty is insulting Tom as he would never act like that! Shame on him! I was once a fan of Billy Bob's acting but now completely turned off his music and acting!
Chin Up Jian! You're the one that showed class!

Looks like Billy Bobs' whole day was thrown off by having to smoke a Lucky Stripe outside with regualr folk. Perhaps he should have one of his people check the smoking laws of foreign countries he is going to play in. I assume he is as hearty as many Canadians I saw forced to have a smoke outside the Saskatoon airport in minus 50 degree weather in our caring and compassionate society.

Brow raising interview...Good job Jian! His absolute inability to answer questions lead me to think he was either intoxicated or suffering from brain damage from being intoxicated. He did say up front that he plays in places where people like to hit each other. I think we all too often assume that someone with a 'talent' in something also comes to the stage with social skills. Not the case!

Was billy stoned??? Don't bother asking him because he won't understand the question! He's definitely a jerk - no surprise that he's touring with Willy and yet Willy doesn't hang out with him.

Just because he can, does that mean he should?
You have to earn the respect of your musical fans.
He's earned nothing musically from me.
He's a good actor.
Stick with acting BillyBob, while you still have fans.

Well Jian, you've earned your salary for the year right there! you handled it much better than I would have for sure; I may have faked technical failure to get him off the air (he deserves no air time). What an arrogant, demented s.o.b. Without the fame, he would play in his parents's basement.

There is always less comfort taking the high road Jian but good on you for making the best out of such an uncomfortable situation. I would have gone to commercial and not brought him back after Billy's lame answered your question about his musical influences growing up. Way to make Lemon aid out of Lemons.

Wow Jian, I commend you for not popping him one in the nose and telling him to come down from his high horse....or at the very least just laughing at him and telling him to please leave. I figured it out after I realized he wasn't drunk...he is am insecure little boy. He knows if he wasn't a famous actor and director he would be playing his music in a cage in a honky tonk bar. But then again he'd probably like that anyway. I wonder if he knows how much he just embarassed himself. This is not Hollywood, he is not "handled here" and you are not TMZ.

I'm a long-time, huge fan of bluegrass, hillbilly, rock-a-billy, country and a lot more. I listen to Nitty Gritty, Emily-Lou Harris, Willy Nelson and more. I wish Billy Bob had listened to the questions, spoke to the music, and wasn't so determined to act like a bratty child looking for a good spanking. Billy Bob blew it for the band. Good musicians there, by the way.

If you are going to see Billy Bob at the Massey shows take some eggs and throw at him. I think he will enjot it!

Jian: I tried to listen to your interview with BillyBob Thornton and turned it off because I was pissed off for you. If that asshole wanted annonimity, why did he call his band BillyBob Thornton and the Boxmasters? I wouldn't go across the street to see them. You make a great show. Thanx.

Without knowing what "rules" were laid out for the interview, it still sounded to me like Mr. Thorton was extremely paranoid about his credibility as a musician. This is further backed up by his refusal to participate in the song, why not at least ahake a jar of pennies? Jian showed good composure, I agree; however, I wonder why bother airing an interview like that. I learned nothing about the guests/band other than their drummer should not be in charge of media relations.

Legendary interview Jian. You'd think as a musician Mr. Thorton and his band would, like any other band, use whatever leverage they could get their hands on to promote their music. I can understand that Mr.Thorton was trying to sway the interview away from his own accomplishments in order to focus on the music, but even when asked about his own influence he shut you down. Unreal...pff...comparing himself to Tom Petty! ...his poor band mates, I could have been a new fan, cause the music wasn't bad. Way to blow it Billy Bob. Ah to be that self righteous.

Swine. Him, not you.

Ummm- you 'didn't' ask him any questions about his acting career. He's a dork with no listening skills. You're a star Jian, with talented interviewing skills. AND he dissed Canadians. I'm apoplectic...

Hi Jian,

Untill a few minutes ago, Billy Bob was one of my favourite actors.

You handled his difficulties with mastery...it was breath taking to hear you work around his issues on national radio. This ranks up there with Letterman's Farrah Fawcett and Joachim Phoenix interviews.

Great job!

Regards,

M

This was like the interview David Letterman had with Joachim Phoenix - Why do these people seek out publicity then behave like an ass.

Why didn't you cut them off and just play music during the rest of the segment (not theirs though) the audience would have appreciated stuffing them.

Mashed potatoes without the gravy? Maybe we should throw things at each other at his shows to make him feel like he's back home. What arrogance. Do us a favor Billy, GO HOME.

Jian - we were with you! what a total Jackass Billy Bob is. You were amazing - I just sat in my car cheering you on. Billy Bob your career is over - you need to move on! Maybe public speaking at seniors homes?

I had to phone my wife at work as soon as the "interview" was over just to tell her to listen to the repeat tonight for herself.
This was unbelievable.
I, too, thought he was intoxicated, or trying his hand at "acting"; a character by the name of "Joaquin Phoenix on David Letterman".
I feel embarrassed for his band, who I hope are not riding coat-tails.

I know this is going to sound out of line with the consensus on this board -- but when the interview first started, I thought, "Oh great, another boring interview with a band talking about their last CD, tour dates, blah blah blah." But then the interview was salvaged by Billy Bob - he may have been obnoxious, but it sure made for great radio!

Jian, Wow you were impressive, kept your cool and intellect. He sounded like such an arrogant idiot!

That ranks right up there with the Gene Simmonds interview for pure ickyness.

Jian.

The interview with The Boxmasters/Billy Bob Thornton has got to be the worst interview I have ever herd. By no means was the interviewer at fault. At first I thought Billy Bob was trying to be funny but as the interview progressed it just sounded to me like Mr. Thornton wanted to throw his prestige as an actor around and use you as his personal whipping boy. I did enjoy the instrumental they played in studio but listening to Billy Bob was painfully. It really emphasizes the stereo typical Hollywood actor better then thou attitude. Was Billy Bob stoned? I can only image how hard that interview must have been for you to do. I listen to you almost every day and enjoy the programming. Unless Billy Bob apologises on air to you and the listeners please DO NOT have him back again.

Looking forward to the program with Diana Karl on Friday.

who was that ass hole, the whole david letterman/jaoquin pheonix interview popped into my mind, when i listened to that dribble. hey thornton!! you'll never have to worry how to spend my money, cause i wont be wasting any of on you, your music, or your prescious little "acting career". i wouldnt walk across the road to piss in your ear if your brains were on fire, cause you showed the world that you dont have any.
i was waiting for Jian to say that cbc was going to a commercial so that security could put the trash out.

Jian, great show man, but when are you going to interview or be interviewed by a guest host with your former band mates from moxy fruvous??

LOL, I thought the interview was brilliant. Billy Bob is known as a method actor, perhaps he was playing the rudest most arrogant hilly billy personality he could muster, or maybe he truly is that much of a jerk.

Either way it made for a VERY interesting and entertaining interview that made me LOL at work and kept Jian on his toes (good job Jian). His music is VERY forgettable, but no one here will forget that interview for a VERY LONG time.

What a great way to start the day!

Cheers,

Lowkase

Jian, my mom would have given you an extra large hot cocoa with extra honey! In fact, probably would have doubled your allowance. The only thing going for the Boxsters was Big Bomb's film career but now that's gone, so is he and the band. Would they have played in tune if they hadn't heard his interview first? He's the drummer? Gosh, thought he might take his drums or borrow a set or beat his chest. What an arrogant, pretentious a hole. Cancelled my london tickets moments ago. Whew, Saved by the Jian! Ya did good, kid!

Jian, my gawd...I tuned in to Q just after you began the "interview". I had no idea who you were talking to until the end of the "interview". Boxmasters? Who are they? Who is this rude moron who had an acting career and had some thing for Tom Petty.It all made sense at the end when it came to light that it was none other than Mr. Slingblade himself.

I am SO impressed with how you handled this! You had so many options at hand, and you took the high road, remained calm and collected and kept that wobbly train on the tracks.

You went from a "10" to an "11+" in my books!

Paix

Note to billy bob:
if you've got nothing good to say just send in the demo tape!
Good try Jian but he's not worth your (or our) time.
bev gray

I normally abhor violence but I wish someone would walk up on stage while Billy B. is playing and pour some gravy on his head.

I am disappointed over the behavior of YOUR GUEST Billy Bob Thorton. There is not excuse or reason to be so demeaning to you the CBC or any of their potential audience for any of their stops here in Canada. I feel extremely bad for his band who obviously have to deal with such a self indulgent petulant actor with the maturity of a child. To the host of Q you displayed a level of professionalism unparalleled by most. Keep up the good work.

Never heard anything like that before! You came out the winner for sure Jian. How could you keep your cool while interviewing such an angry, arrogant person. Unlike BBT, who I will never be interested in seeing perform again, you handled the situation amazingly well.

I encourage all the Willie Nelson fans, those who are going to the shows in the upcoming days in Toronto or Montreal, to heckle Billy Bob a little!! Show him that Canadian audiences are not passive, that we know talent, or recognize the lack of it and that we are offended by his totally arrogant, ignorant behavior. I have never felt the desire to be rude to an artist before (I am after all, a polite Canadian and an artist myself!)... but, boy, I wish I had tickets... I'm imagining myself yelling "Get off the stage!!!" or "Nobody treats our Jian that way!!" even the classic "boooooo" would feel extremely satisfying.

Sent my thoughts to contact us. I hope you can move them or copy them to here. Wow.

Jian, Jian yesterday when you interviewed Goldstein, I thought he was going to give hard time, You talked about how scared you were from the flying monkeys from the WofOZ, I think after this interview with Bob you have overcome that fear,Jian. You were great like a good canadian should be. Proud of you. (Next time sent Bob to Jonathan Goldstein, I won't miss that)

Good job Jian. Like a lot of others, I assumed he was impaired, but then realized he is just an insecure a-hole. He sounded as though he was afraid people were going to take his music as a hobby, and why he discussed model making. He doesn't need money, so I'm sure he only does these interviews for his band. What does he care if anyone shows at his concerts or buys his music. This in fact makes it a hobby in my opinion.

I am glad to know that he used to read monster magazines as a kid. It's been preying on my mind for some time.

Nicely handled Jian, that was an unbelievable display of Douchebaggery on billy bob's part...

Here is what I thought of the Billy Bob interview. Q is a nice pair of shoes...one of our favorite pair of shoes. We went for a nice walk in our favorite shoes and stepped in something unpleasant. And now we'll be scraping Billy Bob off the bottom of our favorite shoes for hours.

You handled it well Jian.

Wow ... was great listening to that interview .. I can almost understand why he wouldn't want his acting fame to affect his musical acceptance .. but to let that show on a live broadcast truly exhibits his emotional problems .. he must be a very unhappy person who clearly has problems dealing with the other humans :( And the music ?? yikes .. I could strum that stuff out .. the leads were ordinary .. it was well played, but he isn't re inventing the musical wheel with that stuff .. it doesn't live up to the arrogance displayed during the interview..
Jian, way to deal with him .. except, when he avoided your question and talked about the building sets and stuff .. I wouldn't have even ackowledged his attempt at ignoring your question .. he won that little battle .. he wanted the reaction you gave him .. next time, don't give it to him ! On to the next question :D
Great work .. thoroughly entertained :)

So he wasn't acting in "Bad Santa". That was the best Q interview I've heard. Hilarious. Informative. Live with Hill Billy Bob.

I happen to love mashed potatoes with no gravey!This is another example of a young child in an old man's body. He appears to me accomplished and mature when in fact he will hold his breath and stomp his feet if everything doesn't go his way. He and his types, with their narrow and discriminating views are always exposed eventually. Thanks for presenting us with the real Billy Bob!

a mediocre musician with an over-inflated ego. his music is un-impacting, to say the least. i'd dread being his bandmate, let alone having to interview him.

As an audience member I expect context to be offered about each guest. After mentioning acting, Jian clarified the intention of the comment, but no clarification was needed. A good journalist, such as Jian, asks the questions the audience wants the answers to. It's unfortunate in this particular instance that Billy Bob felt disinclined, (or unable?) to provide quality answers to some quality questions.
Also - who doesn't bring their drums when the plan is to play live?

Kudos to Jian for handling such an unpleasant "guest" in so professional a manner. Mr. Thornton is a horses ass, the hollyweird version of the "ugly american"

Jian
Today the cringe factor was at max. At first I thought Thornton was exhausted, drunk or drugged. I was amazed to find he was being passive aggressive and a complete whiny bitch. What a child this creep turned out to be, I guess he needs a script to carry on a decent conversation.
Well I'm certainly proud of you, somehow you suppressed the monsters in the Id and let him live.
I feel sorry for the other Boxmasters (who seem to know the meaning of the word "decent").
Ed McIsaac

Billy Bob came across as what he probably is, a nasty redneck bully. He didn't want to talk about his other career as a celebrity but I'll bet it's made obvious who he is when the band books into hotels so that he gets all the attention. I had to feel sorry for the rest of the band, they have to work with him. Something tells me the tour is not going well.

Well done Jian Ghomeshi---normally I find him a little bit annoying, but superlative job done on the Thornton interview. What a menace Thornton is---mildly deranged is the best way to put it. Well done Jian again--coolly stood your ground. Maybe Thornton should be interviewed as a musician next time he makes a movie--perhaps that will satisfy him.

When Billy Bob asked Jian whether we would ask Tom Petty that question, Jian should have responded, "With respect, you are NOT Tom Petty."

Seriously, does he really think people would give a crap about his music if he wasn't already famous. What a joke.

Jian surly showed his professional skills and what a loser this Billy Bob was. I felt so sorry for the rest of the band members. I wonder how the whole picture looked, with everybody else in silence looking on Billy humiliating himself. I hope Willie will ditch him for his opening!

The comments made by the CBC listeners so far have proven to be very humourous. And mostly spot on.

This man is clearly insecure about the relationship between his current 'successes' as a musician and his previous success as an actor. This is common behavior among those who have found success in one media type and are trying to/have found some success in another.

I could smell the tension over the airwaves as Billy "the thinking man" Thornton unsheathed his blade with the intention of drawing Jian's blood. "I think it's stupid that people need to smoke between the white lines outside!". Good one. First time in Canada? Such a foreign concept: protecting others' rights and freedoms.

Step 20 or 30 feet away from the door and you can smoke any which way you'd like.

As is with Russell Crowe, as with Dogstar's Keanu Reeves.. There are few reasons these bands are "known" outside of the fact that one of their members happens to make movies for a living.

Mr. Thorton was marginally respected before (Slingblade was pretty good- but now I understand his unique relationship with his character. He and the character both have to live with developmental disabilities.

He lost it today: There's ways to be graceful and then there's Billy's way.

The way "My manager said this and my manager said that" is very reminiscent of those "Rock and Roll" backstage riders. "Any reference of my career, or the lack of a bowl filled with only blue and green SMARTIES will result in an on-air tantrum! You have been warned!"

Do us all a favour and bring someone like Crispin Hellion Glover to the show and we can enjoy the company of a talented actor, musician and fan of Canada. Do not pander to the talentless.

And then there's the obvious: Five wives later you're still a pathetic loser. Growing up in the South can produce two types of people: gentlemen and rednecks. With Terry Funk in the family you'd expect this man to have some charisma.

Jian, I already emailed "Q" this morning after listening to that imbecile Billy-Bob Thornton. I'm so pleased that you mocked him quite soundly post-interview! He deserved it. What a jerk. Many people have already observed that he is only enjoying any kind of music career because of his previous acting career. And why on earth would you NOT mention his previous acting career in an interview! Not to mention that he sounded like a three year old from the start answering your (perfectly coherent) questions with "I dunno" and "I don't get what you're asking". What a loser. Really, once you established with him that he only wanted you to ask him about music, you should have asked him what kind of music Angelina Jolie likes. That would have been hilarious and very gratifying when he walked out of the studio! But you did a good job as it was, Jian!

'we're use to playing at places where people throw stuff'... umm, ok, sounds good... where is your next gig?

I love listening to Q...Jian is amazing - smart, insightful and well versed (darn cute too). Given that, I wasn't surprised to hear how well Jian handled that interview (? monsterview)
I think the concenus on BBT is... what an a$$. Who'd want to buy an album from someone so ignorant of the people around him and his audience.
"What a tool" doesn't express it quite vividly enough.

Silly Billy, no wonder Angelina dumped him. I must say it was very entertaining radio- CBC rocks thanks to Jian.

I had to turn off the interview...well exceeded my cringe factor level of comfort. Sorry you had to endure that, at least we could shut him off and tune in elsewhere for a while.

About your interview this morning with BBT - I knew there was a reason I never liked him. What a miserable person.

So I can appreciate that acting outrageous can get you more buzz than being nice, as this message board shows, when your product is music, ticket and album sales,it just back fires. So I am not headed to youtube or itunes or even google, let alone a to a concert, to consume any Billy content. At least he didn't release a sex tape.

Wow! What an interview. What an obnoxious jackass! That you remained professional and polite is a huge kudo to you. Perhaps you should have asked if forming a band had nothing to do with a love of music if it had to do with a mid-life crisis or an attempt to recapture his youth?! To say Billy Bob was rude would be an understatement - one had to wonder if he was still high from last night and totally hung over as well or if he is just that ignorant. As a 50-something I have to say "Thank God that wasn't my son up there proving himself a liability to mankind in general."
In retrospect the interview will go down in history as showing the epitomy of a very classy interviewer. CBC is very fortunate to have you with them!
Well done Jian!

Re- BBT interview. Just heard it - am still shaking. Jian you are a pro. I would have lost my cool. Thanks. P.S. send your "letter of the day" award to BB. As Ghandi said "take an eye for an eye and the whole world goes blind".

Jian, you should have asked him to leave. You've interviewed better and there are far more talented artists that would be honoured and more deserving to be on Q.

Oh Billy, thank you so kindly for infusing the otherwise bland lives of Canadian audiences with the type of acrimony that only brooding, misunderstood geniuses like yourself can generate. We are humbled in your presence, truly.

I had no idea that in addition to your illustrious acting career were a music historian since a young age. Yet another feat of greatness! Were you also an astronaut? Or perhaps a neurosurgeon? I bet your Dad could beat up Jian's Dad as well couldn’t he?

Many thanks Billy. The interview certainly confirmed that you are a serious artist and not just another celebrity trying to cross over from an inexplicably successful career in movies to another genre.

That was effing hilarious.

schmuck ...throw mashed potatoes!!

Kudos to Jian for trying to conduct the interview. He really displayed the utmost in professionalism. Thornton was way out of line displaying breathtaking arrogance and insensitivity. What a first class jerk!

This is the first time I have felt so strongly to respond to an interview on CBC. I am completely astounded at the absolute abuse and disrespect that Jian Ghomeshi had to endure at the hand of Billy Bob Thornton in today's interview. Jian, you did not deserve this! I have no idea how you were able to carry on with such arrogance and ignorance. I commend you on your patience and integrity. You sure allowed him to reveal how absolutely self-absorbed and ignorant he really is. You deserve commendation from all of us especially the CBC.I know for myself, I wouldn't have been nearly as gracious.

That was effing hilarious. I knew something was up when he I realized that magazine story he was telling wasn't going anywhere. I had to stop what I was doing and just sit there, "bug-earred," wondering if the next thing would be another snide remark from Thorton or a punch into Ghomeshi's face. EXCELLENT.

Wow!!! Jian... You done good!!! Never realised that live radio could be so arresting! I had trouble believing my ears... BB obviously has some serious problems. This interview should be heard by all his fans... What an education for them. Is it possible he was just trying to get more attention - you know like a toddler throwing a tantrum? He knew this was a live show and how uncomfortable he must be making you...

Hey Gravy boy, don't try to pass yourself off for soup.
It's good to take your art seriously but don't take yourself so seriously.

Listening was akin to watching a train wreck.

Ok, now I don't think being a radio host is such a light job. Good job dealing with gravy boy!

Does Billy-Boob think that his pedestrian music would get any attention if he hadn't already made his name doing the "unmentionable". I realize now that his acting in Slingblade was no stretch at all!

I have had a far more enjoyable time in my dentist's chair than listening to the intentionally rude and obstinate Colonic Cowboy Billy Bob doin' his durn'dest to entertain and inform listeners of the value and self projected importance of his misguided foray into country music. Jian's effort to salvage an interview with a marginal actor and third rate bar performer was the only reason I continued to listen. Thornton's profound lack of civility possibly fueled by foul substances and an obvious list of personality disorders only reinforced my acceptance of the fifty billion fly theory. His "cred",which has worn as thin as a pair o' dust bowl dungarees, is based upon failing media associations and two bright pieces of work from over a decade ago. As a musician I state that he does a grave disservice to the sincere intentions and legacy of artists working in the Country Music genre. He's a minor talent still trying to get the plastic monster models out of his head. My helmet's off to Jian, the Larry Robinson of the Q studio!

Jian, it sounded at times like you were interviewing a politician with something to hide rather than an actor/musician with a career to promote. His acting career has left me with the impression that he likes to portray himself as a badass. It seems the reality is that he is just an ass.

i can't add to the already huge number of responses here, but i really want to! Well done Jian for holding your ground and being professional. at first i thought BB was drunk or high, but maybe he just has a huge chip on his shoulder. no one buy his music!!

Maybe Billy Bobo was pissed off because Jian wasn't a white Christian. I would have shut him down after the second "I don't know" and filled in the remaining time playing good 'ole polite Canadian music. Willy Nelson is a true gentleman who should bounce this loser from the tour.

I too want to participate in this cathartic "shoe cleaning" -cf. Frank B 10:59. I think Mr. B B Thorton held an ironic double standard. On the one hand he did not want to ride on his fame as an actor but on the other, he compared himself to Tom Petty. The only way that comparison has weight is if we consider his former success as an actor.
That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed the interview. I almost wish Jian would have continued questioning about the magazine contest - it was a Ionesco play in person! Bravo Jian
ps. for some Canadian modbilly check out the deep dark woods from saskatoon.

I was impressed with Jian’s composure and humility in dealing with the recalcitrant and obnoxious Billy Bob Thorton this morning. Because of this interview, I will never watch another film Billy Bob Thorton writes produces or acts in, let alone listen to his music. Keep up the good work Jian!

Tough Interview! I really admire how Jian can stand up for himself - something I aspire to. Good work.

Bravo to Jian!

Today you dealt with a total idiot with grace and class. I was driving when I heard this discussion between Jian and what could only be described as a no-talent, self-absorbed slug. Jian...I don't know how you did it. I'm not a broadcaster but I wanted to cut off his mike and have him ejected from the building. Thank goodness you had the classy Albert Schulz to follow up.

Again, my friend...kudos to you. I am very very proud of you.

Torre

I was very much looking forward to hearing your interview with Billy Bob. so much so that I moved an appointment to hear it in my car. And then on comes this mono-syllabic, arrogant and rude boor.
Jian, I would have paid big bucks to be inside your head during that interview. You were scrambling to find 'safe' questions and each time Boorish Billy "didn't know." What a prick! You handled yourself with great professionalism Jian. Keep up the good work.

Bravo to Jian!

Today you dealt with a total idiot with grace and class. I was driving when I heard this discussion between Jian and what could only be described as a no-talent, self-absorbed slug. Jian...I don't know how you did it. I'm not a broadcaster but I wanted to cut off his mike and have him ejected from the building. Thank goodness you had the classy Albert Schulz to follow up.

Again, my friend...kudos to you. I am very very proud of you.

Torre

Well done Jian. What a giant Hollywood douche Bill Bob turned out to be. Willie should be ashamed he has stooped to touring with an ignorant poser like Billy-Boy there. In my opinion Billy’s band is boring and uncreative. Yet perhaps what is most disturbing is that he claims to be some sort of musical sage and that he has actually has the audacity to compare himself to genuine legend like Tom Petty. What an ass! It’s too bad the interview ended before you had the opportunity to test his encyclopaedic knowledge as a music historian. I am also disappointed we didn’t get to hear Billy Boy thwack away on his million dollar drum kit. Anyways, thanks for not letting that bum walk all over you ... or Canada. I hope the border officials search Billy and the Boys thoroughly (they are touring with Willie). Watch the door don't hit ya on the way out, there Billy Bye!
M. Keaveney

Prickly guy, that 'You have been instructed'Thornton. I am so glad he wasn't a favourite of mine before this interview...
Job well done, Gian.

Well-handled Jian. I thought he was drunk, might have been better if he had been. You dealt with him like the consummate professional you have become.

Billy Bob Thorton is a very rude man. He should not have agreed to an interview if he was incapable of speaking coherently.

Thank you, Jian, for making the best of an awkward situation. You showed Billy Bob and the rest of us that Canadians like you are courteous and smart - a far cry from being "potatoes without the gravy".

does billy actually think the band would get on the radio without his name? if he doesn't want to answer questions why not stay in the hotel and let his band mates do the interview? when his movie comes out,will he refuse to talk about his music?
bryan

Jian, Thanks for being so gracious!! I will not support BBT in any way... don't know what his problem is but he's not going to win friends that way... you did a great job... keep up the good work.. we are proud of you.

What an absolute JERK. A good lesson perhaps for the next time someone of that ilk comes for an "interview"...after 30seconds or less ... no truce just "Well thanks (ahem) for coming in... bye!!!" Cut to plan "B" ... perhaps Jian's Symphony for MONSTER Jerks.
Please DON'T replay tonite unless you give equal time to your insulted listeners.

well said, dave. yes...douchebaggery. that sums it up perfectly, and that will have me laughing all day.
Jian is a true professional, and i am impressed that he came right out and confronted Billy Bob....it allowed B-B to clarify just how big an asshole he is, in case anyone had misjudged him.

What a cringe-fest! I hear the next Paris Hilton CD will be a rap/cosmic opera fusion that will re-define music for our generation( apparently she's been singing rap/ cosmic opera fusion since she was 3 years old) ..how about a full 2 hour show?

How unfortunate for the band. I actually turned the radio off twice during Billy Bob's incoherent blubbering, but thought I'd better stick it out cause Jian had to. Nicely done Jian.

Ohhh my Gawd! I actually cringed and paced the room while listening to... dead air... in an interview... and an obnoxious pin head trying to be too cool to interview...what a knob! I enjoyed the musical interlude by the other three band members... nice music. But as I recall the 1968 Elvis special, DJ Fontana (Elvis' drummer) didn't have a drum kit either... he just used a guitar case... now there is some southern class. What's that expression Jian? You can polish a turd, but it's still a turd!

Well done Jian. What a giant Hollywood douche Bill Bob turned out to be. Willie should be ashamed he has stooped to touring with an ignorant poser like Billy-Boy there. In my opinion Billy’s band is boring and uncreative. Yet perhaps what is most disturbing is that he claims to be some sort of musical sage and that he has actually has the audacity to compare himself to genuine legend like Tom Petty. What an ass! It’s too bad the interview ended before you had the opportunity to test his encyclopaedic knowledge as a music historian. I am also disappointed we didn’t get to hear Billy Boy thwack away on his million dollar drum kit. Anyways, thanks for not letting that bum walk all over you ... or Canada. I hope the border officials search Billy and the Boys thoroughly (they are touring with Willie). Watch the door don't hit ya on the way out, there Billy Bye!

Billy Bob is a [u]complete[/u] idiot and doesn't deserve to be interviewed on Canadian national radio. He can take his over-inflated ego and return home. Not only did he insult Jian but he also insulted every person living here. Just because we don't act like hooligans at his concerts doesn't mean to say that we should be dismissed as not being worthy. I would suggest that all of those who bought tickets to his concerts, return them immediately.
Congrats Jian for keeping your cool, I wouldn't have been able to do it.

Jian - it is called Studio-Q, not studio Billy-Bob. Thornton was an absolute tool on your show and you should have had the courage to tell him to pack his bags, take his geriatric, antiquated unappealing band and hit the road. I know he caught you off guard but letting him take control of your interview was so typically Canadian. Don't let that happen ever again. When a guest tries to run you over - point him to theexist sign. I would have gladly listened to an extra 10-15 minutes of Albert Schultz.

what a shame - typical un-educated mouth piece. check out their web-site and "billy bob" insults our Canadian Dollar in his blog dated April 6th. Perhaps they should reconsider touring our fair country if they have problems with us. Good job handling the ass!

Jian!! That was fan-bloody-tastic, how you stayed on him in this interview. I pulled the car over just so I could get the full effect of the emptiness of his presence in the interview. I will continue to laugh about this and the next time I see the BB on the big screen, I will think of you and how you wrestled him into submission. Have you ever considered becoming a therapist? Keep up the good work, Jian.

Nice try. And quite unfair. You almost had me for a few minutes. However, I must point out that April Fools day was on April 1st.

Now I realize this interview was a late April Fools day prank like the Carter interview a few years back.

No one could be such a self absorbed head case in real life: could they?

I have to get back to my monster model.

Nice job Jian.

OH NO HE DIDN'T! No one talks to my Jian like that.

Billy Bob - what a knob.

At first I thought he was drunk or on drugs and trying to be funny by not answering questions, but then I realised he is just an arrogant and rude man.

Good on you for holding it together, but if I were you I would have kicked him out of my studio!

I have lost all respect for him.

I missed the beginning of the interview and thought that it was just a band going nowhere with a strung out ass of a front man. When I found out that it was Billy Bob Thronton I couldn't beleive how arrogant and rude he was in "answering" simple questions about his past and influences. I feel sorry for his band mates and hope that they get rid of him.

I was really looking forward to this interview. Halfway through I had to turn my radio off! Kudo's to you Jian for getting through. My opinion of Billy Bob sure has changed.

I can’t imagine how awkward that interview must have been because to be honest I felt uneasy just listening to it. I will never understand those in the public light that would be nothing without it who are belligerent to the very people who helped put them where they are and gave them the forum in which to put forward their talents. Self indulgent, childish, bellicose came to mind five seconds into the interview. Without the public he so quickly dismisses as an annoyance he would be nothing but the typical disgruntled drunk spewing disputatious drawl at the local Swine n’ Swill! Boxmasters…..it sounded like he’s mastered the art of opening a box of beer before 8 am!

What more is there to say...except let's be thankful, we don't have to claim BBT as one of our own (his manners would never pass the test). With any luck, he will never come north of the 49th again! Jian, your restraint makes you the Man of the Hour!

What a childish man. Couldn't be bothered to bring his drums either? I actually liked his bands music but I wouldn't buy it now...did he realize he was on a National radio station? Is he just so arrogant that he doesn't care that he is going to piss off a whole country? Jian, you did the best you could...

He thought it was 6:00 am. Please never again. Jian if you could only come to my place and teach me how to be cool with my teen children!

Billy Bob was just plain rude. Jian did a wonderful job of refocusing the interview, when most would have just given up on him.

Jian, your interview today of Billy Bob Thornton will be used in schools of journalism for decades to come. I listened this morning with bated breath and laughter as he became a member of the worst interviewees in the world club. You really handled it like a maestro! I fully expected you to just stop asking him questions and talk with his partner (who seemed totally normal!), or to cut the interview short, or to get angry. But you persevered, stayed very composed, sincere and honest, and delved deep into the issue of his resistance. I've always appreciated your talents as an interviewer but this interview has raised you to another level in my mind. How interesting that you interview so well, when you really are a musician at heart - just kidding! By the way, I'm not a journalist but am a therapist, and we too have to stay with the resistance rather than throwing in the towel.

Yup, we are more reserved than most, and thanks be for that! Hearing Big Billy Boor's pretentious,un-professional, drugged-out, deliberately-combative responses (probably to garner some press for his "unband"), I'm still a big fan of poor old real Canadians! Jian, extra pie for you tonight. You survived, the Boxsters won't.

In regard to an earlier comment...methinks Billy makes SlingBlade seem like an articulate intellectual. I like the image of squirting him with poutine gravy all the way back to the border. All that little varmint accomplished on the air today , was to make you, Jian, look very good. I feel sorry for his band members.

Hang in there, Jian. Great job! Eat your "gravy" and enjoy the heart attack, Billy-Bob! The guy must need a smoke or something... what a jerk!

Wow! Entered the interview part way through and was thoroughly impressed with Jian's strength in meeting Billy Bob head on and maintaining control of the interview. It will be one of those highlights we'll hear about year's down the road when Jian is interviewed about 'most memorable moments' in his career. Great work!

No, you wouldn't ask Tom Petty the same thing because he didn't choose acting as his career. Billy Bob obviously did. So given that he is known for being an actor I think Jian was right in asking if he was passionate about music. Billy Bob just came off as an arrogant asshole.

Wow - Billy Bob - The most insiteful comment in the whole mess was his assertion that "There hasn't been another band like this in 30 years" You mean to say there hasn't been another mediocre self-absorbed country rock band for 30 years...I beg to differ. Jian should have offer to assist Billy Bob in pulling his head out of his ass.

Question-"So how long has the band been together?"
Answer-"Uhh, don't know."

Question-"What were your early musical inlfuences?"
Answer-"Uhh, don't know."

Question-"What's it like being a complete moron?"
Answer-"Uhh, don't know."

I'm so proud to be Canadian!!

I couldn't get out of my car....glued to the radio for this live interview with BBT. Jian, you were the best with a total ass! Go see Willy Nelson...perhaps skip
the opening act?

in the words of Bugs Bunny: "What a Ma-roon"!!
I have wrote this and more in an email to Q. BB is no-class, all idiot.

Billy Bob is an ego maniacal jerk and doesn't deserve air time. The Box Masters are better off without him and so are we.

for the first time ever, i feel inclined to send hate mail!!!

billy bob thornton can kiss my hairy yellow ass.

Billy-bob is a tool. a paraphrase of one of his comments: "I'm a lazy POS who doesn't bring my drums to a gig"

Jian, I hope Willie Nelson heard that interview with BBT. Perhaps he will think twice about going on tour with him next time. Willie would have been a better person to interview... proud of you...you handled it so graciously.

Jian, you handled your interview with typical class maybe you can show Mr.Thornton where he can Git hisself sum for his next interview. As far as slamming Canadians, Billy your name would be Klaus and you'd be singing in German right now if it wasn't for Canadians you pompous idiot.

I don't watch his movies.
I don't listen to his music.
My reasons have just been reinforced by this interview.
Mr. Thornton, you are an ignorant idiot.
If only we knew what door he was leaving from, we could have gathered and thrown mashed potatoes at him.
Congrats to Jian for an excellent job. I was very impressed.

To follow up, it's true: BBT compares himself to Tom Petty.

I think that shows he has a sense of humour: if it wasn't for his previous acting roles and fame, the band would have to stand on their performances and catalogue of work as their sole indicator of talent.

While I'm sure BBT has surrounded himself with talented musicians (the best friends money can buy!) the retro-holly look can only go so far. Black suits, ties, thick glasses, smoking on-stage.. This man is a genius (barf).

He might as well have compared himself to Neil Young or Gordon Lightfoot. Since we're just making shit up as we go along anyways.

HE DIDN'T EVEN BRING HIS DRUMS! what a tool. what a "connoisseur of music." so much talent, billy bob! you blew my mind so hard i almost peed my pants! way to go! you have proven to be a perfect model of douchebaggery!

Jian, today I developed a higher level of respect for you than I have for many people. Your ability to remain calm and professional, while not backing down in the interview is very admirable. Whether Mr. Thornton realizes it or not, NO ONE would know who the Boxmasters are without his prior fame. The best thing people could do is not attend his concerts. That way, his musical career will evaporate into obscurity, just like his career since he became a Hollywood sellout since making so many crappy movies.

This is my first exposure to anything about Billy Bob Thornton, and my first impression has been soooo bad, I will not only never purchase his album, I will bad mouth this rude ignorant idiot to anyone I can. Great PR move Billy Bob, all of Canada thinks you're a pr**k, which judging by this interview, you probably are. I feel so sorry for Jion. But he handled it incredibly well considering this guy was tantamount in his communcation skills to a belligerant drunk street person. I and most of Canada now officially hate Billy Bob Thornton, I'm sure. Strikes me as a man-boy with a fragile self-esteem and delusions of grandeur. I mean you're Tom Petty? Reality check, you don't even have basic social skills, and your music does not seem above mediocre in my personal opinion. Go back to a pampered life in Hollywood where you can be a talentless jerk all you like with impunity.

That was great! Billy Bob is pretty irrelevant these days and obviously trying desperately to remain so. Jian, I am impressed with your control. i would have asked him about why A. Jolie left him and if he is planning a Slingblade 2 movie. UH HUH
I guess that is why I don't have my own show on the CBC.

Was he high? Wow, there's nothing like live radio!Jian, Love your show and you handled that pretentious idiot with great humour and skill - I listened in stunned awe to BB's incredibly ignorant performance (oh sorry, forgot not to mention the acting) - As for the music, there are bands at my daughter's high school that deserve airplay as much as that, not to mention a gig at Massey Hall. If Willie Nelson hears the spot maybe he'll introduce himself!

Sure sounded akward..

But despite his demeanor, consider that his whole band is diluted by their only claim to fame being his acting - I was at the concert last night and enjoyed them - before I realized he was the singer (and yes he did drum one song). He's been in music as long as he's been an actor. I don't know why he was an asshole in the interview, but he's an odd guy - and really must get sick of looking his bandmates in the eyes knowing that they will never get proper respect for their talent no matter how good they are - because he is being interviewed because of his fame as an actor not the band. They wouldn't have bothered with him if he wasn't the actor. Just my two cents. Shame he's unhappy and make a muddled mess out of the interview instead of simply saying to the guys 'leave my acting out of this interview please, if you're interested in my music' in a polite way.

Excellent job by all. This will definitely help ticket & cd sales. I definitely look forward in helping the Boxmasters feel right at home by throwing things at them during their concert, lol.

Jian was too kind to actually promote BB's shows at the end of the interview. If BB isn't willing to play nice, Jian should have just ended the interview and moved on to the next guest. BB didn't hold up his end of the inherent quid pro quo of such music interviews.

Holy Crap! You are quite the radio host lemme tell ya! I would have snapped and kicked the shit outta him with an asshole like that. A few principles that have gotten me thru life:
Never trust a bald man
Never trust a guy with the name of Billy Bob or spike.
What a friggin tool! Send him back to the Ozarks!

Yikes. That interview was so awkward and unbelievable. BB is class-A trailer park trash. What was the guy on? He needs help. Jian! You handled it like a gentleman and a true pro. Good on you. And hey, Billy Bob: Yankee go home!

I do think that a previous career can be a burden when you're trying to shift focus and move on to new pursuits. But Thornton was an ass - he can't possibly expect an interviewer to ignore the last two decades of his life! Aside from that, he seemed to be deliberately stonewalling - he was either sabotaging that interview, or he's a real prick. If you're going to do that, why bother? Either way, Thornton came off as an arrogant, ignorant twit. Too bad Jian got stuck dealing with him.

Bad Santa, bad interviewee, take your choice. Billy Bob Thornton excels in both roles. Jian, you were great handling a tough nut. I loved the music but would never buy tickets to someone so very judgemental (mental being the key word) about his Canadian audience.

Billy Bob Nutcase is channeling Joachim Phoenix and/or Farrah Fawcett. CreepyVonCreepenhymer!

Infinite props to Jian. As a reporter, I can't imagine having to turn that interview around on live radio.

I have new respect for you.

Jian i too was glued to my car radio. what a jerk send him back to u.s.a. give him some potatoes and gravy, he reminded me of a 14 year old baby.oh poor me,i dont want to talk about that.Good job Jian i would have left the studio..

That was so painful. If Billy Bob wasn't stoned, I would be most amazed. That guy was an 'ultrama-roon' - another quote from Bugs Bunny.

Too bad you don't have license to shoo people like him off your great show!

That rates right near the top of the worst interview subjects I've ever heard, and I listen to a lot of CBC. Congratulations Jian, you absolutely proved yourself to be a fantastic interviewer. Billy Bob sure didn't do himself any good with that one...

Hello Jian
You showed amazing restraint in the face of such idotic behavior from a pompous talentless musician who did not deserve the respect you gave him. In a a small way I wished you had kicked him out of the studio and told him what i am sure you really think of that rehashed boring noise he thinks is music. Maybe you did after he left ?I pitty the musicians that must put up with this idiot day in day out. Willy Nelson should get rid of this moron!

Jian congratulations on holding it together

Paul from Montreal

... and Billy Bob doesn't have his drums.... What the heck was that? I felt bad for the other members of his band who are actual musicians and who tried to answer a few questions with coherence. But I felt bad for you too, Jian. Billy Bob sounded like a surly drunken man looking for an argument.

I had to pullover to the side of the road to finish listening to the interview- I felt like I was watching a train wreck. Kudos to Jian for rising above it and showing us all how to handle things graciously. I feel sorry for the band, they may be great, but if I had tickets to the concert, I would be returning them for a refund. The band would do well to ask BB to stay off the air and away from any interviews. Never heard anything like it! Wow.

Well done Jian for keeping your cool.

What a jerk!

All I can say is that I came back to my desk at work and tuned in to the Billy Bob interview. I did'nt know who was being interviewed - at all!!! I quickly thought- what a complete asshole and poor you, Jian. Again, I had no idea who was being interviewed, then I heard that the band was the Box Masters and looked it up online. My mouth hung open - when I realized it was Billy Bob Thornton. With all the fame- this is how he chooses to behave? The worst part of it is this: I think this kind of behavour will actually draw a lot more attention/sales for Mr Thornton and his band. In any case- Jian - you managed to stay calm(voice was calm) and you should be paid extra for your work today!

What a twit ! As the band members played their instumental, I was wishing I was a fly on the wall in the studio, just to see what all the CBC staff and BBT were like when the microphones were off. Hope Billy Bob was escorted out brusquely. I bet Canadians attending his future shows won't be as quiet as he claims. Come on go ahead throw him something !

I'm a sucker for extreme sports video and watching people crash (not that i want people to get hurt), but earing that interview gone bad was a great Radio moment ! Jian you're a consumate pro and i hand off my tuque to you and like we say here in Quebec Billy bo is an (OSTIE de Fou !!!) a *&((*&%&? nutcase !
I love the show and i do not wish you another guest like that although ....MMMM ??!!

Jian. You were Bar Mitzvah'd today, you are a man in the world of broadcast intereviewing. I could go so far to say that you had a bris preformed...Billy Bob refused to answer a question about music yet mused about his love of early cinematic model figures like King Kong which opened the door for him to attack you for naturally asking about his early fascination with film. HE opened the door, you handled it gracefully and I like that you stood up to him respectfully. Also, the Tom Petty references indicate that he has an inflated sense of himself. Shelby Lynne said (see YouTube) that she's learned not to take hersself too seriously, just the work. Take that very seriously. Sounds like Billy Bob's got a day of reckoning coming.

Congratulations, Jian, for navigating so gracefully through today's interview with the obnoxious Billy Bob Thornton. One consolation is that any of your viewers who might have been tempted to buy his CD will now be spending their hard-earned money on something more worthwhile!

I agree with Mike Thomson, I was infuriated listening to that arrogant ass...kudos to you Jian for being such a consummate professional~

Billy Bob was a complete fool...he sounded as if he was on some kind of mind altering substance. He was so rude to Jian and gave a face to the "ugly, ignorant American" although I am sure no-one else in the USA would appreciate him representing them in that manner. He has done himself a huge dis-service - I would not watch one of his "movies" after that. He cannot appreciate his own cinema work? He is either deeply disturbed or has such a poor self-image that he has to put on some kind of stupid bad-boy act. Thank-you Jian for remaining so polite and Canadian for us. I hope you don't have nightmares after this interview.

Billy Bob should not quit his day job, but his bandmates should quit him. that was an entertaining but uncomfortable interview. I might have sought out the Boxmasters but couldn't be bothered now. Canadians may not have "gravy" but we have principles. Thanks for demonstrating yours, Jian.

Mmmm....another actor becomes a formidably mediocre musician.

All that earlier fame has obviously gone to his head, and all I can say, is there must have been room for it.

Great job at keeping your composure, Jian, you are a true professional.

I was so disgusted by Billy Bob that I called in my comments from my cell as I was driving into Toronto. I suggest that this interview be rebroadcast. i am sure that it will become a radio classic. at the very least it will be used in communications courses to teach students how to deal with ignorant, obnoxious and possibly stoned individuals.
Gian, you showed intelligence, grace and humour in dealing with your guest this morning. I think this will go down as "your" classic. Well done!! Gillian

Just threw out my Farmer's Astronaut DVD... to the moon with Billy Bob. What an arrogant... he is nothing but mashed!

It must have been very difficult to keep your cool while interviewing Billy Bob, however, you managed to do a great job. Sounded like the guy was on drugs. It was embarrassing.

What a freekin' meat head! Take the spoon out of your nose Billy Boop! Great job Jian - you're a class act as always.

To all the folks who purchased tickets for Billy Bob's show tomorrow night, you should listen to this interview. He doesn't have a particularly high opinion of ya'll. What was it that he said? "Canadian audiences are like mashed potatoes . . . without the gravy". Apparently he likes playing to audiences who "throw things" too. Hmm . . . "throw things" . . . "mashed potatoes" ! : )

Good work, Jian. Thornton's arrogance seems to have eaten a hole right through his head. What a collasal jerk he is. I shall now promptly begin to forget who he is. He deserves all of the 'shunning neglect' coming his way.
Don't ever have him back. As if I really had to say that !

I like listening to CBC as it's band/music presentations are broad ranging. I Had the chance to listen to Q on my way to work this morning. Liked the sound of the Boxmasters and thought it would be interesting to hear how the music came to be. Although extremely painful to listen to the interview (You did a great job Jian) I am now not going to purchase any products of the band as not to support a self-centre egotist.

I am also a huge Moxy Fruvous fan!!! Sorry, Jian to comment on your previous life. Keep up the great work, I love the show.

Lori Matthews

Jian, once this interview makes it to Reddit, Digg and SlashDot... You will go down in history for the best handled, worst interview ever...
Thank Billy Bob, too bad he doesn't realize this could have been a boon to the band, and not an embarrassment, moreover it's a boon to your true professionalism... cheers Jian - When is Tom going to be on?

Jian, my first thought is that you are a very patient individual who is willing to see the positive in people and make the best of a bad situation. Had I been in your place and realized "the guest" had lost interest in engaging in a polite conversation, I would have started referring to him as Mr. Thornton from Springfield, sarcastically described his magazine story as "fascinating" and used a Letterman tactic by immediately thanking the band for dropping by and introducing the next guest on Q. The resulting sound of Mr. Thornton climbing over the Q desk in a violent outburst, both of you running around the studio with you laughing uncontrollably would have made for great radio. Just a thought.

Great work Jian. He is an arrogant jerk and insulted you and all Canadians. Thanks for telling him we have some gravy here. You handled it beautfully and professionally.

Get this on youtube and let the world see what a JERK this guy is.

Look up Lisa Cohen... give her a feature interview... it'll be infinitely more interesting than the coke quiver voiced addle brain BBT.

Ditto all of above. I'm impressed with our Canadian take on this over-the-top Crazy & hope we shut him down by disconnecting from him.

As I joined this interview half way through I thought you were interviewing a mentally challenged singer. When I found out it was Billy-Bob I uttered an apology to those I know are mentally disabled fot they are much more intelligent than this man. Most of his responses were "I don't know". That is the answer to why do people think you are talented and why did Angelina marry you. As someone who spent 15 plus years in radio, I would have stopped the interview - dead air would have been much better.

My father always said "if there wasn't two kinds of class, some people wouldn't have any". Everyone knew the interview was headed south after the first question, but when bb started talking about monster models you should have thanked him for coming and told him to say hi to Brad and Angelina.

I am going to the concert tonight I wish I had a shoe
(I really like the ones I have on ) what a genuis you are Jiam for keeping it all together. I am off to find a shoe for the concert tonight.
Kay

Today Billy Bob lost my respect as a human, point blank. From being rude and obnoxious, to cutting up Canadian audiences - I believe he's embarrassed about the fact his band is only being heard b/c of his name and connections. The utter disregard re: how this interview was being heard nationwide; his lack of interest in playing for us; and his 'i don't know when my band got together' idiocy - speaks wonders for his ego, ignorance and insecurity. Cosmic Cowboy my eye - BB's music is the most boring, run of the mill hick stuff that offers nothing unique.. Jian I felt sorry for you, but you handled it exceptionally well, and that's what kept me listening.

Wow, Jian--well done--you're a great host and you handled that really, really well!! I still can't believe how ridiculous Billy Bob was... talk about over-compensation for--what? Where does this guy's clear inferiority come from? Maybe from the fact no-one really cares about a Brit-pop / Hillbilly infusion revival? :)

I wish you could have actually pulled out Tom Petty from the wings--Woody Allen style--and have him say something like "I actually don't mind talking about my musical roots or passion, you incredibly rude a**hat :)"

Heh, wow. What a class act. Thanks Jian, for putting up with that in a professional manner.

I'm looking forward to seeing him apologize for his behavior. Maybe this interview'll go viral and BBT will be asked about it for years?

"You were specifically told not to ask about that!"

Well-done Jian ~ you staying on top of that ill-mannered, ill-educated, mumbledypeg, "hillbilly". Clearly, his arrogance has blinded him to the fact that if it were not for his fame, his band ~ a measly opening act (for dawg's sake!) for Willie Nelson wouldn't even rate a sniff from CBC or it's listeners. Good riddance to bad rubbish Mr. Thornton~ I, for one, will NOT be buying any of your music and I hope Mr. Nelson has the good sense to dump you on the 401.

You really showed your radio skills, Jian. You are a class act.


Twitter is buzzing about this, check it out.

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This is heading 1

Jian, you were nothing less than professional, polite and extremely patient during your interview with Billy Bob! I sat in my car, after arriving at my destination, hardly able to believe the garbage that spewed out of Billy Bob's mouth!! At first I thought it was a joke, then I thought he was inebriated or high. Then I realized that he is just a total ass, wasting your time and that of your listeners.

Okay, I see I'm not the only one shocked by Billy Bob's behaviour. I listened to that interview and cringed in horror at this man's arrogrance and rudeness. Where did he think he was, on a movie set in hollywood where you throw tantrums directed at the peons with impunity. Hey buddy, youre in Canada, we don't play like that here. They're supposed to be a band but he doesnt drag his drums around at 6 in the morning. Newsflash Billy, most bands starting out do drag their drums around. In other words youre trading on your 'fame' as an actor. Jian, how you maintained your professionalism through that I dont know. Kudos for standing up for yourself with such class.

Great job Jian. You gave BBT lots to rope to hang himself with and he's hangin'! He needs to take a pill - oops - maybe he already took too many.

Music, Arts, Culture, Film, it's all combined. Why talk about one and ignore the other?
BBT would not be anywhere otherwise.
Good work Jian and CBC for completing the interview. Didn't sound like Billy could.
Live radio at it's best!! The tension is still lingering in my apartment.
And I can't believe the heartbeat forgot his drums. I guess being a rock star, staying up late, and getting up early for promotion or stumbling onto a tour bus isn't working for BBT.
CBC didn't run out of coffee, did they?

What a hoot that was. Can't wait to see it on utube. And I hope his name makes it to Q's Hall of Shame. Good job Jian. Poutine anyone?

Just relistened to the Boxmasters Interview to see if I missed something that would excuse the disrespectful and rude behaviour displayed by one of the band members. I must say that I really feel sorry for the other members of the band in having to put up with BBT stealing the spotlight from what should have been an interview about their music. I guess he doesn't like sharing the stage so he turned the interview into something all about him... Too bad so sad

Good job, Jian!!

Boxmasters...lose the loser and I might listen to or even buy your cd's. Leslie

Just heard the BillyBob/Boxmasters interview. Congratulations on Jian's great display of grace under pressure. This interview should find a place in CBC archives of "difficult" (read "asshole") interviewees. Only thing that would have made it better is for Jian to have told him what he really thought of him and boot him out of the studio. Way to go, Jian!

Just relistened to the Boxmasters Interview to see if I missed something that would excuse the disrespectful and rude behaviour displayed by one of the band members. I must say that I really feel sorry for the other members of the band in having to put up with BBT stealing the spotlight from what should have been an interview about their music. I guess he doesn't like sharing the stage so he turned the interview into something all about him... Too bad so sad

Good job, Jian!!

Boxmasters...lose the loser and I might listen to or even buy your cd's. Leslie

Hey folks. Send BBWackJob's "handlers" an email: arobinson@rogersandcowan.com

I am guessing that the pod-cast will be going viral. I hope it does because it would be the first time I saw something that went viral right at the beginning. It took a couple days before I saw Amy Goodman's arrest.

I agree with so many of the comments above about BBT... and I intend never to support his so-called career.P ersonally would have eventually popped him on in the mouth, good on ya Jian for being so professional.

So let's presume that BBT's acting skills are so beautiifully honed so that this whole interview was designed to generate email responses (so far plenty...check), extra free publicity at national broadcastor's expense and Canadian public's productivity (....check), and that this is a copy-cat hoax in the genre of another cross-over type, Joachim Phoenix on Letterman (check it out on Youtube, very similar). IF so, just a sad comment on this lack of originality, like the music, sans drums (...check). Mission Accomplished BBT. Go back to bed and sleep it off.

Gian, you may have been had.

Billy Bob Thornton is vermin -- Oh sorry but Joaquin Phoenix beat you to it. It must be AWFUL being such an ignoramus, i mean "musical historian."
14 minutes ago · Comment

i need to get my husband to listen to this epic interview - any idea where i will be able to find it online??

That was one of the best interviews I've heard in a long time. BBT may have insulted everyone but he gave us the honest goods. Who would disagree that Canadian audiences are reserved?

Wasn’t anyone else curious about his first love and the model magazine despite how they were communicated, as if, in a schizophrenic daze?

What’s obvious is that BBT struggles massively with his celebrity status, and must be embarrassed whenever he’s called out for it – which must be all the time. It’s sad because the guy has talent whether it’s in films or music.

Despite his unprofesh behavior, this morning BBT gave CBC listeners a gift – something we’ll be talking about for awhile. It was soooo good that I’m starting to think that BBT and Jian planned it.

Great acting, Guys. You both nailed the awkward pauses!

Jian, thank you for allowing us to see the real Billy Bob Thornton. I realize that name-calling is puerile, however I will think of him as BULLY Bob Thornton. You handled his belligerance with grace and courtesy. I hope that CBC decides against providing him any further exposure through further interviews, for instance on The Hour.
Posted by: Marcia

Reprint of an email I sent to q@cbc.ca directly after the interview this a.m.:

I can tell you one Canadian who will NEVER purchase one of Billy Bob's CDs or attend one of his shows...
I have never heard such an ignorant guest on any type of show - TV, Radio, Internet or otherwise.
You, Jian, are a saint to have handled that interview with the grace and aplomb with which you did.


If that's mashed potatoes with gravy, keep mine plain, please.

And thank you.
-------------------------

Like some others, this is my first time posting a comment and I agree with most of those already posted - I was going to say "grow up" Billy Bob but at his age and with his total lack of insight it is probably too late - really hoping his band mates get enough publicity from his name that they can dump him and continue on their own!! Jian, I agree that it was fabulous the way you turned things around so we could see that he wasn't just totally loaded, he is a total load of crap. If he didn't think his "orders" were being obeyed why didn't he come out like an adult and say that he asked for an agreement to not discuss his acting and please keep the questions and comments to music. Had he done that, I MIGHT have had some respect for him , now, like most others, I wouldn't spend any time or money on his music if it was the best stuff I had ever heard. Sure hope the other band members make it without him someday!!!

Billy Bob would not have his gig with Willie Nelson, if he was not who he is trying to seperate himself from. Just another ungrateful person.

Billy Bob made a huge ass out of himself. Jian Ghomeshi did an excellent job trying to keep the interview on topic but it was clear that he came to the interview trying to feign that he was just a regular dude in a band, anticipating that all these pesky journalists just want to talk about Billy Bob and his "acting". Maybe his role in "Sling Blade" got the better of him? Thanks for the laughs. I think the only thing funnier than that interview was hearing yet another sad attempt at him trying to make "music". No wonder Willie Nelson doesn't want to hang out with him on tour.

"How long have you guys been together?"
"I don't know what that means."

SRSLY?

Q - 1
Billy Bob - 0

True confession: I was only half listening, this morning, to the start up of this interview, and had no idea that you were interviewing Billy Bob Thornton. I started to really pay attention when this 'band member of the Boxmasters'(because I didn't know it was BBThorton!) started the mono-syllabic answers to the Willy Nelson questions. I thought - Man, he must be stoned. By the end of the interview, however I thought no, he's just nasty. I had a complete flashback to the recent David Letterman/Joaquin Phoenix interview. Well done Jian for keeping you cool and being professional when obviously your guests are not.

Just finished listening to the podcast with Billy Bob....what rock did he slither from under? Moron, ignorant, pompous,are just a few words that come to mind. Jian, bravo for putting up with his crap. Does he pay his band members to stay with him? If not, they should be. He mentioned something about playing in venues where "things are thrown". Obviously, not hard enough and not targeted.

Hey Gian, kudos on the interview. BB draws interest to his band because of his acting career. I use to think BB was a great actor. I now realize that BB is not acting when playing an obnoxious jerk/deviant - he's just being himself.

Please DO replay the interview tonight so that anyone who missed it today can appreciate Jian's handling of this douchebag.

Someone please give Willy Nelson a heads-up about this interview. Why don't you ask him on the show. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you mentioned his acting career.

Wow! Like so many others, I found that pretty hard to listen to -- but marvelled at how Jian could keep at it. I felt sorry for his band having to put up with such childish nonsense.
I hope this was being taped for QTV: I predict it'll be a video classic as well as an audio one.

Is this the "Joachim Phoenix syndrome"? Rude, crude and now booed - out of Canada, I hope. Jian, you're a great host and showed so much restraint! My favourite part is that jerk complaining that Canadian audiences don't act like animals and throw things at each other during his performances. So sad! Let's hope he never comes back here. Or if he does - he should get NO publicity.

After having heard the show this morning I'm still struggling to understand and make sense of what happend. Aside from the childish behaviour expressed by Mr Thornton my biggest challenge right now is to understand why a person who is desperately trying to be seen as a muscian only would not bring his drums.
One thing is clear, although Mr Thornton plays in a band he is no professional musician.

Hi Jian,
Oh wow, I learned a lot from you in this interview Jian in terms of how to handle difficult people. This interview was handled with such skill and patience; you salvaged what you could from it without telling this guy off. Fantastic! I feel sorry for Billy Bob's bandmates... they need to find a new lead singer and drummer!

What a d*ck. Is he trying to pull a Joaquin? I'm diagnosing a blood disorder affecting the brain.

He's just pissed cause he lost Angelina.
Seriously, I had no idea he was in band, and I'm assuming a lot of listeners didn't either, before today. How is it possibly offensive to bring up a prior career, in which he was considered by "the Academy" to be successful?

Kudos to Jian for his graceful handling of this stoner. It was one of the funniest things I've heard in a while tho - made me reflect on how our culture empowers these silly guys. Billy Bob certainly feels no urge towards introspection!

"My first love was a boy named Leonard Cohen"..

why is billy bob such an ass?

However I still would listen to this interview again, and again.

Thanks Jiam and Q!

Wow!! I cannot believe what I'm hearing. I have enjoyed watching him on film, but will now make my viewing choices more selective after listening to him and will definately not be buying the album. You should have just ended the interview and not bothered calling a truce.

This is the first time I have written to CBC. I am a 75 year old semi retired psychotherapist and have always loved your program. I am pretty sure Billy Bob was not on pot. I wish he had been. He is certainly one very screwed up man. If you ever get another guest like him PULEESE think of some excuse to get rid of him fast!! Fill the time with ANYTHING, just don't put yourself and us through such agony ever again. It is an hour later and my anxiety level has still not subsided. No wonder your next guest was shaking.

Throw him off!
Jian You do not deserve this disrespect - and your audience does not care for the abuse by extension either!

Jian - you did a great job 'handling' Billy Bob. When you said 'and you don't have your drums here' I almost wet myself.

ha ha ha ha ha - for all his want of not talking about his acting career, that is all that is being talked about here. What an idiot. Had he just answered a few simple question to provide the context, as Jian had explained, and then gone deep into the music topics I'm sure there would be a fraction of the comments on this site. But as it is, he brought major light to his acting career, in the context of his musical career??
Oops Billy Bob... maybe you should rethink that strategy.

Kudos to Jian for handling that boorish, childish brat so elegantly.

We love your program and we listen to you everyday in our office. However; today is an exception... Billie Bob is a rude, arrogant nasty person - too bad you are stuck with him this morning. We wish you could just stop this interview right now. Furthermore, we will never watch another movie he is in!!!!!!.

Good on you Jian for putting up with the over-inflated and antagonistic ego that is Billy Bob Thornton.
That was probably as painful for us as it was for you. However, I'm certain all the listeners were in your corner.
You are one gracious dude my friend!

If it's any consolation people listening everywhere now know what an utter jerk that guy really is.
As I listened, my sister in England also happened to be plugged into the live audio streaming. She found BB to be not only torturous, but a complete idiot!
And to think, you were worried about the David Lynch interview.

From all of your loyal listeners, maybe in the future you shouldn't feel obligated to keep flaming train wrecks going.
We respect you Jian. When things are going out Live, you are the captain of this ship. And I for one can say that I would've thought no less of you had you told the Box Masters to get back in their box, take it outside, and you played nothing but Afro Klesmer Rap Fusion for the next 15 minutes.
Cheers to You and Jeers to Bitter Bitter Billy,
Steve Steinbach
Toronto

OH MY GOD!! If he is so adverse to talking about his film making past why when Jian asked him the question about his musical past does he talk about movie monsters?? His ego overides any personality and ANY creativity with his incredbily lame and mundane music.

Wow! Literally cringing on my way home from work this morning listening to Billy Bob. On second thought, maybe he's gone to Malcolm McLaren school of promoting your band with "treat your fans with contempt", or "court controversy" approach. Just one sticking point, the 'boxheads' or whatever the hell they are called, are no Sex Pistols are they, or even Tom Petty for that matter. Nice job maintaining your composure Jian, your a better man than me.

This was an awful, uncomfortable listening experience. How was this worthy of the airwaves? I thought guests were pre-interviewed prior to appearing on air so the host could get a sense of whether the interview would "work" or not. Was the point just to let the guy roast himself on-air?

I am laughing out loud to myself. Before I realized it was Billy Bob, I was thinking this guy is a comedian, or an old guy with dimentia, or just really, really stoned. Now that I know it is Billy Bob Thornton I figure he is either really, really stoned or acting like an aloof jerk for publicity. I know that must have been a tough interview but it sure was funny.

Guess i'll be at the bar waiting for Willie while Billy Bob wanks on stage. .

Albert was right. Michael Enright's interview of Mickey Rooney (which up to now has been the most painful.interview. ever. to listen to) has been usurped by your unfortunate experience today.

Flabbergasted (a word that that I would normally reserve for major news events that defy rhyme or reason) is the only word that comes to mind to describe the proposterous behaviour of Billy Bob Thorton on Q this morning.

Despite this, I would like to thank Jian for having the composure to stick with his interview as it provided a valuable life lesson; to remind us that self-importance does not translate into talent or a purpose in life.

I consider Jian the Charlie Rose of Canada and it is a shame that as of late some of his interviewees have seemed more like the Larry King or Bill O'Reilly crowd. Not saying that all Q guests should have the savvy or savoir-faire of a Henry Kissinger but they should at least be able to provide listeners with a basic comprehension of the "so what" of their work.

Super Dave, now Billy Bob?? You are a saint Jian. Keep up the good work!

What a knucklehead! I wouldn't buy their CD or see them in concert solely on this idiotic interview.

Jian you did great given the tough nature of the interviewee.

Billy Bob is so unbelievably rude! If he signs up for an interview, he better understand that people are going to ask him about a range of questions and not just what he wants them to specifically talk about. That would defeat the purpose of the interview! This guy needs a reality check. Jian is a God for handling it the way that he did. Good on you Jian! You're my hero!

Jhian, please please don't ever have dilly bar thorton on your show again, what an arrogant prima donna. Sadly this kind of arrogance is what give americans the bad name that they have. The guy was a complete twat.

I am sure he was on something, You are a gentleman an a true Canadian, very polite

Sorry Jian... that was one of the funniest/painful bits I've ever heard on radio... an amazingly stark testimony to the dangers of "live" radio! But, hey, you lived through it. We listeners have a great story to tell all our friends. And you have just been starrred in what will likely become a legendary radio interview! (As for Billy Bob... well, I can only hope that he will become wiser, nicer & happier along the rest of his life's journey.)

Wow, first of all, I now OFFICIALLY HATE Billy Bob and will not spend ONE CENT going to one of his shows. What an ass. Is he retarded or something, that he can't answer one single question? What the hell? Good job Jian, if I were you, I would have punched him in the face!

Long time listner and felt pressed to come here and post a comment, but I have to say its been covered here very well. Billy Bob's interview made me cringe but you salvaged it well.
But man... what a dick. I also orginally thought he was drunk, maybe it was just too early.

Love Jian. Billy Bob is an arrogant loser. Who if not high or drunk just sounds stupid.

Billy Bob should stay in bed at 6am if he can't be bothered to cart his drum set around for national broadcasts. In any case, the band is boring and mediocre and has no business playing Massey Hall or touring with Willie Nelson... except of course for the fact that Billy Bob is who is he is...

Billy Bob Thorton, who???

Sorry boxmasters your New original take on country fusion is BOring and NOT NEW! Go to your closest canadian music store and pick up a Sadies album and educated yourselves.. Which you know makes me think.. why aren't the sadies a regular guest your show?

I'm listening out west while I'm at work. I actually came to a full stop as I could not believe the rude, unprofessional and princess-like behavour from BBT. So you really want to be recognized as a musician only? Well then stop being such a jerk on a radio show that is good enough to give you airtime. What band member looking for press before a gig shows up for an interview, where they know they will be playing and basically whines "I don't wanna". I hope his band mates get together and vote him out of the group. They'd go further without him.
Jian, kudos to you. You did a brilliant job of not be controlled by this jerk.
And P.S. BBT thinks he's on the same level as Tom Petty?? HA!

Wow...that was an agonizing interview with Billy Bob - what was that about?

Wow. Congratulation must go to you, Jian. You conducted yourself in a very respectful manner while still defending your interview questions.

I've never really cared much for Billy Bob as an actor - I care less about him as a person after listening to your unfortunate experience with him. Perhaps Billy Bob's next career could be a stab at public relations - he seems to have quite a flair...

Hmmm...Canadians are "mashed potatoes" who don't throw things? It would be nice if someone corrects this perception at one of his shows.

What an asshole! If he was going for the Jim Morrison antagonist feel, it worked. Saying his band sounds like no one in the last 30 years, give me a break! how many different ways can you do hillbilly music?

Don't they call female musicians who behave this way "DIVA"s? I don't know what the male equivalent is but I think Billy Bob went way beyond Diva in this interview. Congrats to Jian for pulling through.

Wanting to be accepted as a musician in spite of success in another art form...that's admirable. Showing up to a gig without your drum kit...you might want to rethink that strategy.

Wow Jian! Just listened to the podcast - you did a wonderful job handling Billy the Boob's total jerk behaviour. What an ***hole!!! I'm actually going to the show with Willie Nelson and the Boxmasters tomorrow - I will be sure to boo him on your behalf! Got to show that donkey some of our Canadian gravy!!! lol Keep up the great work Jian - you withstood a trial by fire today!!! :)

No wonder his American audiences throw things at him. Maybe we are just to polite in Canada not to. I think he was pissed because he could not smoke in your building. Billy Bob is a true ass. Cudos to you Jian you should have told him where to go. When I really think about should one expect anything more from someone who calls himself
"Billy Bob". All I have to say to him is GO HOME!

Having listened to Jian interview Billy Bob Thornton one can only come away with the impression that he is a narcissistic, self centred spoiled brat AND he can't act either. Jian you deserve a huge pat on the back and a raise for having to put up with drivel like that. Don't bother coming back to Canada Billy Bob, no one cares about you!

I used to be a fan of Billy Bore but not anymore. I won't watch anything he's in and certainly won't buy his lame excuse for original music. I hope this gets out to everyone going to his shows in Canada and they boo him off the stage and right back across the border. I've performed on CBC Radio many times in my career and always considered it an honour and a privledge. Today I was insulted by an arrogant and disgusting excuse for aa human being who doesn't even deserve to have a rock to crawl back under. You know where the sticks need to go Babble Bob.

Wow! That interview had a pucker factor of 10. Jian I'm not your No. 1 fan but I have to admire you for not slapping the bugger in the back of the head and sending him packing.

Jian you are a star. You survived that interview with Billy Bob Thornton with good grace. Yes, in these days of economic hardship for many it might be a good idea to send your ticket money to the local food bank. Shame on you Billy Bob.

My kudos to Jian for maintaining his cool during that gruelling interview with Billy nob hed. I was trying to figure out if B was drunk or high. Why would he agree to an interview only to be such an a hole? I hope Jian gets a raise or at least lots of praise from CBC for his efforts.

Billy Bob seems to be an arrogant jerk among lots of other things that can't be printed.

Re Billy Bob... kudos to you Jian for hanging in there with that asshole. I doubt that Lisa Cohen hung around that long.

After re-thinking that interview for a while (I just can't get it out of my head), I've arrived at the conclusion that we just likely saw a case of "Billy Bob being Billy Bob." He's clearly got personality issues, and I suspect his bandmates are used to it, and that's why they tried to keep going the best they could. I feel sorry for his bandmates ... clearly career musicians who are getting some exposure on the heels of a .. well, heel.

Jian, you handled a difficult interview well, salvaged a decent product and showed caring and compassion for a man who's likely got many, many mental health issues. Narcissistic personality disorder comes to mind. I now feel sorry for him ... and I'm still not going to buy his album.

He is clearly an individual with a range of talents--including the astounding ability to alienate and offend an entire nation of “mashed potatoes”, sans gravy. Even listening to this interview was a distinctly uncomfortable experience. You maintained your composure very well.

Oh my gosh.. what appalling behavior. He comes across as an angry old stoner with a smokers cough. And yes...I think an interviewer might ask those relevant questions of Tom Petty, etc., and they might get an intelligent response to those questions.

i feel for the otherband members as they shall undoubtly be burdened with this rude musical hack until such time they can scrap the stench of bbt's attitude and presence from their membership and hopefully find success on their own as true muscians.

What an absolute, unmitigated, obnoxious, self-indulgent, passive-aggressive, and just plain stupid person Billy-Bob Thornton just proved himself to be! First, he goes all stoner on your music-centred question, sailing off on some idiotic tangent about monster magazines (someone call the rehab centre; the treatment didn't take). At that point, I personally would have given him an "uhh... yeah," and moved on to one of his bandmates.
Then he has the gall to get all self-righteous an insist the conversation stick to music. That exactly what you, Jian, were trying to do, only he was too STUPID to see it.
Stupid. Idiot. Moron. Will avoid this band's music solely based on what I just heard.

Sorry Jian... that was one of the funniest/painful bits I've ever heard on radio... an amazingly stark testimony to the dangers of "live" radio! But, hey, you lived through it. We listeners have a great story to tell all our friends. And you have just starred in what will likely become a legendary radio interview! (As for Billy Bob... well, I can only hope that he will become wiser, nicer & happier along the rest of his life's journey.)

Comments about the Billy Bob interview can also be sent to Tom Tardio @ RogersandCowan.com

This is the first time I've been moved to post anything on this website. I just wanted to add my kudos to you, Jian, for doing a great job with this interview. I'm speechless...

Latin term for Billy Bob Thorton: Doucheus Bagitus

What a f***king waste of my time.

SIT DOWN and MOVE OVER Billy Bob! You don't want to answer questions? Simple. Don't agree to an interview. FAIL.

Hey Jian

You were right to ask him about acting.. I mean thats the only reason he is getting attention doing music.. do you think if he was Billy Bob Smith he would even be interviewed by you? NO... What a dork this guy is... pumped up egomaniac... and LOSER

Angelina's ex-boyfriend is an exceptional headcase that takes himself way too seriously.

I guess I won't be seeing any more Billy Bob movies ... and I certainly won't be listening to or buying any of his music. What a complete jerk. Good for you for not backing away Jian.

I was appalled with the Billy Bob interveiw, hostile, rude and not doing much service to his band or the tour. Good job Jion,you managed this pissy jerk with straight up style.

It has all been said already but come on, can he be anymore of a rude SOB?? Jian I have been listening since you started Q, I have seen one of your tapings and I have to say this was your best performance. I don't know too many people would could have handled that jerk any better than you!

So yeah. He's an idiot. A stoned, has-been of an idiot. I pitty the guys he has to work with - they have some talent.

HillBilly Bob is draggin' on Joachim Phoenix's drugged out, clued out, done and been done again, "going crazy" shtick. Hill Billy Bob is entirely dispensable, uncreative and vindictive.

AND, there's no way of posting comment to the Boxwhatever they are site, so yeah, he obviously knows he's going to get his due.

Jian, you rock the heck out of interviewing. You should have kicked his boring, nasty hack of a backside out of your studio.. he doesn't deserve to walk on Canadian soil - heck, our soil's too good to even throw at that whackjob..

Jian, well-handled with BBT this morning.

I hope you 'apologized' for intruding on the STAR'S time this morning.

For somebody who says he doesn't want to play upon his fame, he certainly seems to have no problem expecting that he should still be treated as famous.

Oh well, better & more interesting people before him and after him.

Keep it up!

Should've asked him about his marriage to Angie and watched the sparks fly. Jesus.. What a PRICK!

going home, what a terrific title for a song by the not so great bbt & the lacklusters, cause that's where yaw'll belong. thornton you dont even deserve to be in the same province with mr Price or Willie Neslon. hell just an evening of the two of them telling stories about the old days is more interesting the your last fleeting 15 minutes of bulls--t.
i m sure yaw'll high fived each other when you left the studio, but the listening public is speaking, and blogging,and texting and listen.......is that your music career going down the drain.
angelina didnt want you and neither do we!

Jian, you did a great job finessing that situation with Billy Bob, who just came out sounding like an arrogant, pig-headed moron.

I also wanted to say that I am sure none of your listeners thought the interview reflected badly on you, but seeing the deluge of comments already submitted, that's obvious.

Heard Gian's interview with "Bully" Bob Thornton this morning. TV reality's show "Jackass" could use the audio to good effect. This guy must have major confidence issues to feel the need to puff out his chest in such a manner. Way to maintain your self-respect and patience in the middle of it, Gian.

Too bad the CBC doesn't play commercials and that there wouldn't have been anything to substitute the interview time with, because I would have thrown to commercial and refused to speak the name of the band, their concert dates, or any more of the mysterious unmentionable facts that BB decided to make up in his mind...

Jian, I couldn't believe what I was listening to! What an incredibly pompous arrogant ass Billy Bob is, I really feel sorry for his band mates to have to be embaressed by scuh an unprofessional individual such as this buffoon. I thought I would pick up the new release to "check it out", but at this point there is alot of other great music to explore. I will not ever purchase any of this imbiciles offerings or view any of his other work that shall remain nameless! Sorry to the Boxmasters. Jian, once again, I applaude you for grace under pressure, job well done!

Can't believe he had the audacity to diss canadians on cbc. I hope no one goes to his show. Self indulgent egomaniac!

Hey Jian. You can't win 'em all. I dig your show. That Billy-Knob didn't deserve to be on it. MAN-I hate arrogance. It just KILLS me that some of these 'stars' think there're such hot shit becuse they've made a ton of $$$ & got an 'award'. All of which is a result of the PUBLIC supporting them. I for one won't rent his half baked flicks anymore. What a A-HOLE.
'You don't CHANGE-you become more of who you REALLY ARE'
Don Henley

I love it when guests put Ghomeshi in his place. Ghomeshi is an idiot and the more it's highlighted the better.

Jian, Congrats for keeping your cool with such an obnoxious "guest". I have never heard a talk show host have to dig so deep for conversational fodder. You've got my vote for interviewer of the year. Sorry you had to deal with such a jerk, altho it was amusing.

I really thought I was listening to an old episode of Cheech and Chong but they were funny Billy Bob was not.
He gives red neck Hillbillys a bad name!!

Billy Bob seemed rather miffed that the "instruction" to the producer was not followed. He's not the first one to react badly when that happens. I recall Pete Townsend with Letterman one time and even Christopher Plummer getting a little hot undet the collar with Peter Gzowski for raising the Sound of Music. We don't know that full story of what was or was not said in advance. He did certainly act badly but maybe he was justified.

huh something interesting to note.. Billybobthorton doesn't really seem to have a problem commenting about his film career. here is a quote from a april6 2009 posting on his boxmasters webpage.
"He's my mom's favorite singer of all time so she's on my ass about getting a picture made with him. So I'll have to do that at some point during this run."

Being a dick on the radio to get people to check out your band only illustrates how uninteresting your band really is. I'm embarrased for your bandmates who you clearly treat as dipshit lackies that are victim to your lil emo fits. They know how to play so I hope they drop you and get a new frontman. Maybe then they can be an actual band and not some billybobthorton side show.

huh something interesting to note.. Billybobthorton doesn't really seem to have a problem commenting about his film career. here is a quote from a april6 2009 posting on his boxmasters webpage.
"He's my mom's favorite singer of all time so she's on my ass about getting a picture made with him. So I'll have to do that at some point during this run."

Being a dick on the radio to get people to check out your band only illustrates how uninteresting your band really is. I'm embarrased for your bandmates who you clearly treat as dipshit lackies that are victim to your lil emo fits. They know how to play so I hope they drop you and get a new frontman. Maybe then they can be an actual band and not some billybobthorton side show.

Billy Bob is the antithesis of the humble and forthright Gordon Lightfoot who was interviewed a week or so ago.

There are so many others deserving of air time.

That was weird. You could really sense the tension.

Thanks for figuring out what was going on in his head so we could figure out what was happening.

Dear CBC Radio,

Please give Jian Ghomeshi a medal for having to deal with the disaster that is Billy Bob Thorton. Or at the very least, spare Q from the economic slice and dice some of your other shows have had to suffer.

What a masterful job at handling a difficult situation, Jian. I was angry listening to it, and admire your calm, intelligent responses.

This arrogant "musician" did not deserve the CBC publicity.

The Boxcutters sounded lame and entirely forgettable.

Hi. I was just passing through and got interested in the background on your "showdown at the Q coral" - had to listen. In trying to analyze his behavior, I think he is either on drugs or this is showmanship, trying make PR. How you managed to negotiate through the bizarity of the interview was amazing - awesome job interviewing and very reasonable to me to have context thrown in. Truly hard to believe how Thornton has done so well in many facets of life. I never did like him - I always second guessed his accomplishments. And I certainly think much less of him now.

What a complete pr!ck.

In future, maybe you guys should have a backup segment on tap that you can go to when the interviewee goes south like this. Just cut it short. Bring in security and kick him out. Don't give him the satisfaction of feeling like he's getting any attention. Listening to this infantile jerk have his indulgent little hissy fit was painful and a real waste of time. Not only will I never buy any of this twit's music, I will avoid his movies more than I already do.

Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't hit him.

That was one of the most bizarre things I have ever heard. Listened via podcast and I found my self checking, repeatedly, that this wasn't an excerpt from your April 1st show that.

Kudos to you, Jian, and your team at Q for getting through what must have felt like the longest 18:40 of your life.

Jian,

Good work trying to wrangle that large and ingracious goofball into some semblance of an interview. Of course, I speak of Billy Bob Thornton. Frankly, I think you gave him more respect than he deserved. He was rude, arrogant and ignorant.

I might have had some interest in his music had he been interested in sharing more information for his potential fans. Now, I just don't care because I don't like jerks.

I would suggest that in the future you just pull the pin, send the oaf out the door and put on some one of Canada's Grammy winning Polka Music from the Polka King - Walter Ostanek...or any other hungry Canadian musician. Heck, White noise would have been more edifying than listening to that loser.

I don't think the Twerpmasters - oops, The Boxmasters - won many fans today.

Scott

Just a little defensive eh, princess. I might have respected him more if he had at least stopped the interview and walked out. Instead he just prolonged it. Nice job Jian in handling an uncomfortable situation.

I just kept thinking to myself, "What a dick!". Honestly, no one would be listening to his music if he wasn't already famous, so he can just get over it and rake in the money while he does anything he wants. If he's not happy with that, I would gladly take on the burden of his life and he can take mine. And Jian diplomatically referred to the Boxmasters release of 3-double CD's, a Christmas album, and whatever else, while you know the rest of us are thinking -how good can it be if there are actually that many?

But most of all-if this was an American radio show would he be as arrogant? I am from Texas but have lived in Canada for 9 years and as much as I love America, I can't help thinking that some artists just don't get the value of the audience here. Does Billy Bob think that there's nothing to lose if he craps all over this interview? Sheesh.

I am a long time listener, but I've never commented before. It's already been said many times but really Jian, well done. You met his purulent and utterly puerile passive aggressive "answers" to your honest questions (about his music) with patience and forbearance. I am actually a bit disappointed that you didn't call him on it sooner. If he didn't want people to know who he is (read: if he didn't want people to attend to him because of his reputation) he would surely use a pseudonym to insure his anonymity. Let the music speak for itself...indeed. One final thought, I cringed a bit when it seemed as though you were attempting to calm his fragile ego by going along with his obviously sarcastic anti-canadian remarks. We can be polite and self deprecating, etc. in the face of uneducated insolence, (and that's certainly a virtue, but I would've audibly applauded a respectful invitation to vacate the studio until such time as Mr. Thornton could learn to act like a good guest and respect his host. I encourage any who find themselves in the unfortunate position of holding tickets to Mr. Thornton's performances to recall the obvious disdain that he has for Canadian audiences, and act accordingly.

Shessh,.. Billy Bob clearly needs to spend some time with Danny Lanois and drink a Bud Lighten up.

Nice stick handling Jian

We love your program and we listen to you everyday in our office. However; today is an exception... Billie Bob is a rude, arrogant nasty person - too bad you are stuck with him this morning. We wish you could just stop this interview right now. Furthermore, we will never watch another movie he is in!!!!!!.

Just listened to the interview and wow, he is the most arrogant "actor" and ""musician" in Hollywood. I've listened to his music and it isn't even worth mentioning or deserve even one minute of CBC airtime and the only reason he is on tour with Willy and the boys is because of his "acting" because the rest is nothing to talk about. Jian you did a good job keeping your cool.

I hope Canadian fans give BB all the mashed potatoes he can handle, by the handfuls.

Keep the gravy for those who deserve it.

What a perfidious boor. He has no I in front of his Q!

Lyndel

If this case of ego run amuck was supposed to make me run out and buy a CD of this,at best, mediocre music, then it did not work. What a pathetic 'little' man BBT is!

Wow, what a silly and fragile little man.

Isn't the possession of actual talent a prerequisite to behaving like a rude and vapid little diva.

Just ignore him. He'll go away.

Billy Bob is spaced out of his mind.

And to answer your question ... being a celebrity is a boon when you're crossing over from one medium to another. Why else would anyone pay to listen to these scarcely talented individuals, if not for the fame BBT has received through his work in/on films? He's sadly mistaken if he believes otherwise. He should stick to smoking between the little white lines ... if he's able.

Jian, you are such a pro, you handled that beautifully. Billy- Bob was unbelievably arrogant & rude and I was incredibly impressed how you were able to keep the interview going. I am sure I would have walked out ! You rock Jian & Q is awesome. Billy- Bob, go back the States, we don't want you here!

So Mr. Woodcock (thought we forgot about that crap-heap of a movie Billy boy?)thinks he is comparable to Tom Petty?!?! Acting is not part of your "trajectory"?!?! Good luck dive bombing into oblivion sideburns.

I couldn't believe your interview with Billy Bob, Jian. I have never heard anything like it! I was hoping you would just stop the interview, but you held your head high and gave the band the (much undeserved) exposure and proved your (professional) skills. Not knowing what goes on behind the scenes at CBC, how did someone like BBT get to the point of the interview? Wouldn't there have been some signs prior there may be problems during it? No one knew before the interview that he showed up without his drums?! He was downright rude and arrogant. I came away with two immediate thoughts from the interview: BBT must have been high and no wonder Angelina Jolie left the weirdo!

Hey - cut Billy Bob some slack. Look at the unfairness of the situation: he was holding up his end of the deal not to talk about Jian's wall of shame (ie. Moxy Fruvous), and there goes Jian spouting off about his Hollywood career.Fair is fair. The Boxmasters may be dull, but at least they're not an affront to a nation's character and ears, like Fruvous was.

when he says "well my first love was a chick called Lisa Cone" he sounds just like Bevis and Butthead, listen to it again if you dont believe me, LMAO. Jian, this guy's an ass. I will now make sure I never listen to anything this clown plays. He's almost trying to be like Andy Coffman.
Hey Billy Flop Thorton, BEAT IT !!!!

I am normally a peaceful sort, but I am compelled to throw a beer bottle at his head through the radio.

j

Jian! You are an amazing handler.
Loved listening to this interview...

Jesus! What an ass, such a shame to see a grown man act like a unattractive teenage boy. How nice for you that he deigned to tear himself away from his mirror to speak to Jian. I do wish to say that I feel Jian handled himself well in the face of such galling and vanity and arrogance. I now find Mr. Thornton to be utterly distasteful and hold him in great disdain. Such a pity.

"I'm a musical historian!,.. that's right,... nothing like us in the past 30 years" ... "What?!?!? You mean I gotta smoke this outside???" What a jerk! I feel bad for Jian and for Willy Nelson. Willy has to be around this guy for the whole tour.

What a prima donna douchebag. Nobody would give half a _______ about this tired cliché rockabilly tripe were it not for its - and let's be clear about this - FORMER actor frontman. Woops, I mean drummer.

That was uncomfortable even for me, lounging at my desk drinking coffee... great job though, Gian! Thanks for not backing down from that jerk.

What a sad little man.

It is a shame that one who has attained more success and wealth than most, giving himself the opportunity to become a musician, would still be so unhappy with his life that he must inflict his insecurity on the rest of us and on you, Jian. You handled the situation as best you could. Your restraint is amazing.

Billy Bob don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

this is so painful. Billy bob thornton is an awful man. congrats billy bob, I will never listen to your music, or watch your movies ever again.

JIAN! you are the best, props to you for the way you handled this jerk.

I am taking time out from working to write this. Any interest I had in buying the Boxmasters music evaporated with the disgusting treatment and rudeness foisted upon Jian. No one deserves this treatment but Jian is the last person who deserves it. Shame on Thornton and shame on the band for allowing him to act this way. Jian's doing a fantastic job with an entirely awful guest.

Billy Bob needs the hook! Hard to interview someone with their head up their ass...

Jian,
You are a better man than most. You cut through BB's jibberish and salvaged the interview despite the best efforts to destroy it on the part of BB.
What a dickhead!
and keep up the great work Jian

Wow...
And what pedestal is he standing on? Despite perhaps best efforts, the music is actually mediochre. Thornton has an arrogance that deserves no place in times like this. Talent is being able to stick handle around that situation. The Talent on that show was Jian. Good job.

What a jerk is Billy Bob Thornton. He should get a life.

I am listening to this interview on Radio One right now and boy, does Billy Bob sound like an idiot. Perhaps this is an elaborate piece of performance art, in which BBT proves what a good actor he is by very convincingly pretending to be an unrepentant asshole. Hmm, probably not.

Congratulations Jian on the good driving. You handled that piece of WTFness very well.

What an a-whole. What arrogance. If I were among an audience of Canadians "just sitting there", I wouldn't disappoint him - I'd throw something alright: a chair at his head.

WHAT a painful interview. Sorta like the notorious Joaquin Phoenix interview. I know what bad I won't be seeing.

You should have pulled the plug on the interview in the first 30 seconds. What BBT will soon understand is that he should be asking us politely for our attention.....I will never buy any music from him, or see any movie he participates in. Taking fans for granted will get you nowhere. Now choke on your mashed potatoes and gravy asshole.

RE: Boxmasters interview: What an incredibly stupid, ignorant man this Thornton character is, with a pissy 'I'm a star' attitude. JERK.

Listening to this interview is really similar to watching the British Office. Ouch.

This is glorious. I cant stand Jian. Billy Bob is my new hero. This is the BEST interview I have ever heard.

Unbelievable. What an arrogant, self-absorbed a-hole Thornton is. Jian, kudos for an admirable job managing that trainwreck of an interview.

Billy Bob Thornton... What a tool! The band seems okay, aside from the jackass they have as a drummer -- which reminds me of a joke my dad (a guitar player -- and don't get me started on guitar players) used to tell, "Q: what do you call a guy who hangs out with musicians? A: a drummer."
Damn.

At first I was going to turn the radio off - a first for Jian's show. Then I felt weirdly protective and kept waiting for BBT to get slapped upside the head for being such a rude ass. Jian - you are the epitomy of hospitality.

Y'know the saying, "better to keep quiet and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"? Well... Billy Bob sure removed all doubt as to his foolishness. What an ass. Good work, Jian - way to keep it together. YOU are the true artist!

You deserve a raise Jian. Whatever they're paying you, ask for a raise today. Maybe Billy Bob's publicist can chip in.

And I can't believe you didn't launch into a Sling Blade voice and say "hmmmmm . . . sure do like them french fries and gravy" when the topic of gravy came up. You had your chance.

wow, stand in line to comment on this jerk!
He is so full of s... to think that he should stand out on his own because of his music and not his acting.
(I had to edit to get this through)

What an absolutely hysterical entertaining interview. More like that please! I love people making idiots of themselves. No, not you Jian.

What an immature prat. I always knew that I didn't like Billy Bob, but this interview just proved what a dick the guy really is.

What an absolutely hysterical entertaining interview. More like that please! I love people making idiots of themselves. No, not you Jian.

Wow. That was unbelievable. Jian, I don't know how you managed to stay so calm and collected through all that. What an absolute idiot Billy Bob Thornton is.

What a loser. "Cosmic cowboy music"? WTF... It is a shame that there are so many talented Canadian musicians that would be thrilled to have an opportunity to play on CBC. If any other band had done this it would be very unfavourable to their career, it is unfortunate that his money can keep this band going indefinitely.
BBT has a terrible attitude and provided a worse interview and I feel sorry for CBC for having to entertain that. If it had of been me I would have kicked him out and ended the interview. I don't care who he is - BBT was completely unprofessional and lame. I mean he doesn't bring his drums cause it's 6am? He probably has an entire road crew - he wouldn't even have had to haul or set up his drums. Canada doesn't need Billy Bob Thorton or his music.
What an idiot.

Couldn't you have simply [b]instructed[/b] your producers to escort this jerk to the door? You could have filled the time with a little Moxy Fruvous.

This jerk needs a good kick in the ass!

WOW!! Jian your patience was OUTSTANDING.
He is one irritating guest! Bravo to you!!
I would have said YOU are rude, ignorant of your audience and an unpleasant man and I really would like you to leave the booth!
But that is why I am not interviewer!
Bravo!!!
The man would test the patience of a saint!
I guess he does not realise his musical talent would not have got him anywhere without his acting career!
Ahh well it takes all kinds!
Love your show

Q Blog: Is Billy Bob right to be mad?

A:I'm sorry I don't understand the question.

That was the funniest interview I've ever heard on the CBC. Nice Jian.

Wow...is he on drugs? That man sounds incredibly stupid and rude...would never listen or buy their music based on what a moron he is.

what a jerk!!! And he wants to be taken seriously? wow..

Jian, thank you for being a class-act. I wanted to kick him in the balls repeatedly after 5 minutes of listening to him. I can only imagine how much self-control it took you not to do just that.

The interview with Bill Bob was, like, awesome, man. Could you please find more groggy guests, that, uh, that seemed to have just slipped out of a drug induced coma? Peace, man.

Wow! That was uncomfortable. I'm surprised how diplomatic Jian was; what arrogance! Musically, Billy Bob should stick to acting. I guess he is disappointed that people don't like the music on its own and only see the star power; perhaps that is because they are amateur and, as the interview just confirmed, obviously sensitive that they are just a lame side project of an arrogant actor who grossly overestimates his own skill and importance.

I pity the musicians that Billy travels with, I wanted to thrash him through the radiowaves, never mind spending time with him in the same room. Whatever annoyed him that morning, maybe the 6:00am interview, he should know that he did no service to his band mates. I will take no interest in purchasing or listening to their music simply on the distasteful vibe he gave off during the interview. It he didn't want to be interviewed why was he there?

506 comments by the time this aired on the West Coast. Mr. Thorton if you or your press folk are keeping track of this the record just bombed in Canada BIG TIME. You can count on CBC listeners to NOT check it out because of your poor behavior.

Jian props to you on the interview you are, as always, a fabulous interviewer. What would you ask Tom Petty?

Way to go! You really made your money today!

Jian, I had to chuckle at how you persisted in trying to get a response from that dick. It showed that you didn't cower but you were still professional about it. Had it been my show, I would have smacked him in the back of the head real hard...but then I probably wouldn't have a show after that. :-)

Yikes, what a painful interview. Billy-Bob is typically difficult and cryptic but that was brutal. Kudos to Jian for being so professional. He stood his ground and didn't lose his cool.

Wow!
Didn't realize Billybob was such a jerk. Tough interview... here's one "music historian" who will not be purchasing or recommending this music. It's always the most insecure 'artists' who have the biggest ego. As far as I can hear, Billybob hasn't accomplished anything close to what a real artist like Tom Petty has. Owning a record player doesn't make you a musician.

"Ahem, yeah, uuhhh...this is billy bob..uhhh..don't refer to me as an actor even though that's the only thing anyone knows about me...uuuhhh...don't put anything sharp near my head 'cause it might pop my gigantic ego...uuhhh... whaat? no i'm not going to answer any questions unless you refer to me as tom petty.."

OH MY GOD. Jian, all the kudos to you for dealing with an arrogant, defensive LUNATIC with no capacity for context nor humility. Only one question: How the hell did you hold back from laughing? I mean, HOW? Really? Did you hold back from laughing? I'd rather chew my arm off and beat myself to death with it than go to a concert by that lobotomized piece of work...

Great radio, but what a complete idiot and rude jerk. You were amazing Jian and very cool considering how you were treated. I would not walk across the street to hear that man play, or purchase his record.

Hey Billy Bob, don't give up your day job. You require a script to perform speaking parts. Do your band a favour and quit.

Poor Jian! You did great with that jerk - I was just waiting for you to cut to music (because I would asked him to leave), but you just kept going after him - way to go. A true professional. Has Harrison Ford now been bumped to the number two spot?

give jian a raise and a promotion! must be nice that he thinks of himself so highly he can talk to people like that, how about 'we are interviewing you in Canada - so be nice!'

I am so sorry you have to interview those drama queens.
I was wandering how and artist can justify such destructive arrogant behavior but when they played a guitar tune on teenager band level i had to laugh.
Cheers, don't worry, great show
Arvid Archer

OMG,self centred arrogance run wild. Poor Jian, poor fellow band mates, poor me for cringing behind the steering wheel while driving down the street. It was like a train wreck, couldn't turn it off. The funny thing is that tool BB Thornton is probably thinking "I showed him". Yup, you showed a whole country where unchecked ego gets you. Don't know you Jian, but this morning I love you!

give jian a raise and a promotion! must be nice that he thinks of himself so highly he can talk to people like that, how about 'we are interviewing you in Canada - so be nice!'

No wonder Canadian audiences are subdued at Billy Bob's concerts -- are there even any Canadians going to his concerts? Jian, you should have cut the interview short. We as Canadian shouldn't waste our time with ex-Mr. Jolie.

Wow.

You asked him about music and he talked about monster models.

Then he got upset and said he only wanted to talk about music.

I realize it was live, but that was a waste of our time and your time. Next time an 'artist' pulls this crap, boot his ass and move on.

Jian, kudos for not telling that numb-nut idiot to stuff it. I used to like Billy Bob. But he’s truly an A-hole…No humility. No decency. No class.

You have all said it so well and in so many ways - can't add anything else original. Canadian Public Radio rocks - as do you Jhian. Not to mention the fabulous and articulate listeners! Take note Billy Bob - you just can't keep up with we good old Canucks!

Geez Jian, I felt bad for you. Billy Bob behaved like a spoiled, egocentric actor or something. Ooops, sorry to mention the actor thing Billy Bob.

It was riveting to listening to, anyhow Jian just because I never knew where Thornton was going to go next.

The monster toy response made me think he must be on crack.

That was great fun! Well handled.

Can one say write "wanker" on this blog? If Canadians aren't throwing anyting at Billy Bob his music probably put thm to sleep or in a coma. Jian you were way too polite.

What an absolutely hysterical entertaining interview. More like that please! I love people making idiots of themselves. No, not you Jian.

I knew Jian was a good interviewer - but wow did he ever handle that Bill Bob sh*** well.

I can say that after listening to that interview Jian, you have displayed a remarkable level of tact, interpersonal skills and diplomacy. I applaud your people skills as they were certainly tested in that interview. I was struggling through the interview myself only to be extremely dissappointed when the music began. It sounds like these guys are trying to loose a fan base. Well its working. Anyway,for the record, "gravy rocks"

Tom

Hey I can understand Billy Bob not wanting to talk about his acting career. If you that bad whu would you wnat to or have anyone else referto it. It would be excruciatingly embarrasing.
ASS!!

Thank you Jian. I've always thought you were the best interviewer in the world and now I know it.

LOL!!!!!
I had too check the calendar, perhaps I'm in groundhog day and it is CBC playing silly April Fool's day jokes on us.It must have been a satire, did I miss something? No they were just a couple low class arrogant twitts showing their true colours. I thank them it shows me where not to spend my $ both on music and in the theatre.
I wholeheartedly agree with the other commpliments to Jian on his journalistic skills. You sir are the MAN

I have never commented before but just had to today.
Billy Bob is now forever in my mind the stereotypical American. Rude,arrogant trailer park dwelling hillbilly. Jian you have so much grace to deal with his ignorance so well. Q Rocks!

Jian, you poor man. You did a good job getting through this one. Billy Bob sounds like a prima donna...

Hey Jian,

You're a recording artist, published writer and former television host.

Is interviewing eccentric, dimwitted, hillbilly-divas you're first passion?

I missed the intro to the "interview" as I was in and out of the car, so I had no idea of who or what that was until I got home and was compelled to check the website.

Jian, you are far too gracious. Simply should have opened the trap door on Billy-Bob. Or, you could have tossed him some tater tots, a la Sling Blade.

I'd pay money to see Billy Bob take that package to Glengary Glen Ross.

Billy Bob is a total jack a$$, jerk off. If his purpose is to provoke violence from "mashed potato" Canadians, it worked. I am a single mom of two boys and normally quite civil and polite, but I felt like reaching through the radio to throttle the Prima Donna Princess. Who does he think he is? I would gladly go to his concert to break a chair over his head (as he says he likes to play where people throw shit at each other" I was initially open to listening to his music, despite his acting and movie "shit" but now I have absolutely no interest in his musical ability. Jian, your cool under this moronic abuse is a testament to Canadian restraint. I would have given him a bloody nose.

What an ass:

'don't talk about my acting' : ok....then how about telling us about your musical influences? 'I like trains'...

Good job keeping your cool G!~

Is this on Q TV - I have a feeling not, given his "adversity" to referencing his celebrity (!!) - it would be fun to watch!

Wonderful interview with Mr Thornton. Clearly, he is performing for his own amusement and not at all interested in marketing it to a greater audience. I have to ask, this being the case, would it not have been easier for all concerned to not do an interview? Kudos to you, Jian for remaining calm and gracious in the face of petulant, self-indulgent chest-thumping by this complete idiot in his effort to avoid the obvious; of course its because he's a movie star.

My gawd! What a jerk! I was a little offended that he said we (Canadians) are just mashed potatoes, no gravy... he can turn on around on his arrogant a$# and get the he$@ out of our country, I found he could care less that he was on live Canadian radio...No Class! p.s too early to bring the drums out, sod off!!!
Lost all respect (if I even had any) for the jerk... didn't even seem that thankful that you let them play on the show.... Totally enjoyed Patrick Watsons performance waaaaaaaay more yesterday...
If Billy (aka weewee baby) wasn't a celeb, no way he would have even had half of the recognition the band has...what a joke!

I am soooo tempted to send Silly Boob Moron a message through his facebook account but can't figure out how to splatter him with gravy.

Whatever Mr. Thronton is usually like in-person, today on the radio he was incapable of some basic interpersonal communication skills. If he did it for a joke: FAIL. If he's just a jerk: It shows! Whatever the case, I felt bad for Jian. AW-kwaaard!

Jian, I was very dissapointed that Billy Bob was so incredibly rude. We saw him at the Spectrum a few years back and I always thought that he cared about his fans and the public, but this was totally unacceptable. I feel bad that you had to suffer this fool for 20 minutes, but his arrogance will stop me making any effort to see him again.

HOLY CRAP! what a jackass. I have NEVER EVER EVER heard such an awful interview guest....and in the same breath-such a wonderful interviewer. If I were you Jian I would have b*tch slapped him, or just said get out. I cannot believe he had such a bad attitude and was so arrogant - he has absolutely nothing to be proud of EXCEPT his writing/acting - and even that was brief and short lived. You Jian are a consumate professional - and he is a goof. CBC, don't you dare ever allow him back for free undeserved publicity - even if the dumb yank begs...

by the way - if the band reads this -- noone even bothered to pay attention to you - kick him out & we might pay attention...

Billy Bob: childish twit. Kudos to Jian for soldiering on.

What a great piece of radio!
You dealt with it beautifully, albeit in perhaps a rather-too-Canadian way. I would have enjoyed listening to the clatter as you tossed the hillbilly out of your studio!
I would love to hear your assessment: too many movie stunts without a helmet? Terminal assholianism? Anyway, your torment was certainly our entertainment -many thanks!
Jim B.

I listened to this interview on my drive from Montreal to Toronto, short and to the point Biily Bob's a LOSER!!!!!!

What an idiot. You should have just ended the interview. But in a way it is good...I was going to buy tickets for my son to see the band. Not now.

Can't wait to see how many people pelt him with mashed potatoes when he steps on stage...?

If I had planned on buying their music that is all changed now. The rest of the band would be much better off with out Billy Bob. They sounded good without him. It was painful to listen to and though it should have been cut-off early on, professionally Jian, you did well with what you had to work with. What a brain-dead jerk!

Jian... you are one courageous man.... I suppose he didn't leave you much choice, but to soldier on. Nevertheless I am very impressed with your ability to not get engaged with his anger.He was hung over and/or drunk or just a very hostile arrogant man. What a waste of national airtime.And I am proud of Jian.

This is surely grace under fire. Jian was beautiful. He always goes out of his way to deliver the most endearing openingsfor his guests...they're always blown away...HOLY SHIT..this guest is an ASS. Jian truly revealed his class today. I'm always really impressed with him.

hahaha these comments are great. Honestly,what was Billy Bob thinking?? Idiot.

Wow. Jian, good on you for continuing with that interview. I have never commented before today, just like so many others.
I would have been tempted to cancel the interview. Does he not realize that the only reason he was probably interviewed is because of his prior "fame"?
His attitude will taint the music in my ears. The song at the beginning was good, but would I now, after listening to the interview, want to buy it? Highly unlikely.

This type of interview doesn't come along often. BBT has a reputation of being a tough interview and while I admit this one was particularly rough Jian had to know this could go down. It makes for good theatre and solidifies both Jian and BBT for who and what they are. Lets move on!

All I can say is wow...what an idiot! Billy Bob can stay in the USA cause we don't need a**holes like him here. I was listening to the broadcast and I kept thinking he must have been stoned or stupid or something...Ozzy makes more sense than he does.

We do not remember days, we remember moments...that interview was an arrogant Billy Bob not caring two bits about promoting his music in Canada, we were a waste of his time and energy and he wanted us to know it.

Go home Billy Bob, we don't need you or your music.

Billy Bob proved that he was a true baby-lala. A simple comment and introduction about his past and he tries to sabotage the interview. He did exactly what he said he didn't want to do, focus the attention on his previous career. His ego took this interview to a buffet of negativity to feed itself. Way to go Billy Bob. You're such an awesome music historian, such an encyclopedia of musical history, such a baby-lala ego-feeding wonderboy.

Wait a minute, did we not see Rick Mercer interview Billy Bob on "Talking to Americans"?
Billy Bob says he is a drummer,can he really count to 4 or does he count to 2 and start over?

As an American living in this wonderful country I can only shudder at the tragic consequences of letting the offspring of siblings represent my country of origin. Please do not let this 3rd rate pop actor sour your day. May your mashed potatoes be tasty however you like them.

Firstly, kudos to you, Gian, for your deft handling of Mr. Thornton's passive-aggressive bullying. You were calm, professional, even classy.

But let's all please remember that Billy Bob Thornton has a long history of "eccentric" behaviour which, couple with his confessed obsessive/compulsive disorder, may very well indicate other significant mental health issues. This doesn't excuse such poor behaviour, but it does behoove us to have some understanding, at least, if not sympathy.

I only got here clicking on cbc links. I knew Thornton had a music sideline, and it looked like an interesting headline 'Billy Bob gets hostile on Q'. But it was the first time I ever listened to anything from Q (the Hour seems to have more interesting guests & less pretense). So Q just increased its (listener/reader)ship in the style of Jerry Springer semi-famous personality - way to go. Maybe get some more CBC funding or a raise...why not do a special on Billy Bobs anger problem...

I have just listened to Jian interview BBT who is an insult to hillbillies. How his bandmates tolerate the ignorance of this man is beyond me and I would think they are only with him due to his "so called stardom" as the band sounded great without a drummer. Jian you did a great job and based on your questions directed at the idiot I don't think he "will understand" how most Canadians will choose not to buy his albums or pay to watch any movies he directs or so call "acts" in. But I am sure he could care less.

I guess the best you could say about ole Billy Bob is that he's not a 'morning person'!

Great job Jian in not losing your cool with that asshole!

After listening to Billy Bob Thornton today, I thought: one, he's such an ass! and two, what an entertaining bit of radio! I thought Jian handled it extremely well - congratulations!

Atfirst I thought he was on drugs and Jian was trying to cover up that fact. I realized that billy bob may have had a history of not being taken serious for his music as he is for his acting.But this is no reason to be rude. He is a guest in our country and if you want us to spend our money and time on you then you must be no be rude I think he is an amazing actor but he could not be serious to do an interview without bringing up his past This is what an interview is.I don't think he realized he was in canada where people are professional and nice.As a canadian Im proud of the job Jian did but I also hope billybob will swallow his pride and redeem himself by apoligizing I think maybe his band is pissed at him. It didn,t go amiss that Jian pointed out that billy bob was not a part of the music performed on the show I did enjoy the music I thought it was quite good. Too bad you insulted us by being rude to Jian who was choosen to ask questions on behalf of us canadians A host we love and respect

I have to agree with all of the above comments. Billy bob was a pompus ass on the show today. In googling the band I saw reviews of past concerts where they praised his crooning voice - but today he said he wasn't playing because he was only a drummer?? Also in the same concert they reviewed he allowed the audience to ask question about his acting career. I am not sure why he has such a chip on his shoulder but I think he will quickly become more of a hinderance to the band then an asset.

Ha, ha - sent an e-mail to the "Contact Us" page before I found this comments section. Like others, I was offended by Billy Bob Thornton's behaviour - it was inexcusable no matter what had been agreed to prior to the interview. Initially, I thought he was very stoned or drunk and only latterly realised that he was simply behaving very, very badly. In doing so, he managed to make the entire 20 minute piece about him - which is exactly what (supposedly) he sought to avoid. I wonder how his bandmates feel about that? Whatever the case, I won't be rushing out to buy the CD, even though I liked what I heard. Having said that, I REALLY enjoyed the instrumental, so the band, minus Billy Boob Thornton, could conceivably do very well without him.

I will say that I did feel that Jian emphasised Billy Bob's "other" career a bit much early in the piece, but that in no way excuses the direction Billy Bob choice to take the interview. Like Jian, I am left wondering about those Tom Petty references...?!

Anyway, great job - I would have wound up in handcuffs if I were behind the interviewer's microphone.

It's his reputation. He can ruin it any way he sees fit.

Billy Bob may be confused at the shows he plays where people "throw stuff at each other". Perhaps they are throwing stuff at the band? With a song like that and an attitude like his, it’s no wonder Canadians are reserved while watching, wondering how Willie Nelson could ever let this poor excuse of a musical act open for him.

Just adding my comments to the others - Jian, you were amazing with the BBT interview!! It was painful to listen to; you sure showed your abilities as an interviewer in trying to keep on the high road. What a twit he was!!!! Keep on with the great work!!

Well done Jian,
You represented Canadians perfectly. You stayed cool, collected and articulate when an adversarial douche bag tried to give you the strong arm. I applaud you!! Thanks, Michael

Thornton might not want to be known as an actor in musician's clothes, but he clearly his greatest talent is for projection.

A pretty accurate summary of most comments on this forum would be "Billy Bob bad, Mr. Q good". This probably reflects the dimensionality of the average Q consumer.

jian i enjoy your show BUT cbc had no right to interview BBT when he laid down such ridiculous restrictions. i felt angry and insulted that the interview was not terminated. either way BBT got what he wanted, publicity as oooh so bad!!

What a loser... I wouldn't want to talk about a movie career that has gone from Oscar's to Mr. Woodcock either. I think Billy Bob should take his band and head back to the U.S.A. Douche.

OMG he is so rude and almost mean, so smug and it is so stupid to think that people would not want to hear he is in movies, like come on buddy or Billy, you are an actor not a musician.

Mr Thornton must understand... and resent the fact that his celebrity is the only reason for the interview.

I didn't catch the intro so I had no context (that seems to be a leetle necessary...) for who was talking. I didn't catch who it was until just now. What a flaming idiot! Holy! Me, I was thinking mental health issue, addiction issue; and maybe that's not off course. But more than any thing else, what an arrogant fool!

This is definitely the weirdest interview I've sat through in a while....And the references to Tom Petty...well, Tom Petty has true musical genius; clearly if that piece of music was representative, Tom Petty is in another galaxy - this one for instance. What a fool!

And they (Americans) wonder why people dislike them.

That was painful to listen to for sure. Good job Jian! I feel sorry for the guys that have to deal with Billy Bob's 'ego' everyday!?

Jian, I heard the interview in my car, as I was heading to work in Montreal. I was truly appalled by your guest’s inappropriate attitude and his dire need to get attention by acting in such a rude pathetic manner. He should be ashamed of himself for presenting himself like a drunken maniac whose statements made no sense at all. His interview exposed the true nature of this vulgar, offensive and untalented loser. Apart from his inappropriate behavior he also managed to through few jabs at Canadians as well. To be honest, I have never valued this guy as a true artist, and I think media give him and several people like him a lot of undeserved credit. I think people like this are simply good marketing tools for big film and record companies to get people’s attention and sell their product. Nevertheless, in the midst of his vulgarity, you handled yourself in a civilized, noble and polite manner. I applaud your professionalism, and please keep up the great work, and keep loser like your guest far away from your studio. Jian, I heard the interview in my car, as I was heading to work in Montreal. I was truly appalled by your guest’s inappropriate attitude and his dire need to get attention by acting in such a rude pathetic manner. He should be ashamed of himself for presenting himself like a drunken maniac whose statements made no sense at all. His interview exposed the true nature of this vulgar, offensive and untalented loser. Apart from his inappropriate behavior he also managed to through few jabs at Canadians as well. To be honest, I have never valued this guy as a true artist, and I think media give him and several people like him a lot of undeserved credit. I think people like this are simply good marketing tools for big film and record companies to get people’s attention and sell their product. Nevertheless, in the midst of his vulgarity, you handled yourself in a civilized, noble and polite manner. I applaud your professionalism, and please keep up the great work, and keep loser like your guest far away from your studio.

I just heard the interview with Billy Bob Thorton on Q.
Wow, I used to have respect for this guy and his acting abilities. What a jerk!
Jian should have asked him about Angelina.

Wait a minute, did we not see Rick Mercer interview Billy Bob on "Talking to Americans"?
Billy Bob says he is a drummer,can he really count to 4 or does he count to 2 and start over?

Jian:

There has to be an award in there for you some where!! And Billy Bob Thorton... every booking agent in the world should listen to this interview before booking him to hear the quality of person they are getting. Not going to buy his music, view his films or see his concerts. Boycott Billy Bob!!
Hit'em where it hurts!!

they're casting for a re-make of "Deliverance" ... the banjo player part is taken -- a former Oscar winner apparently and, oh, a snare drum substituting for the banjo ...

Wow... Is this Billy Bob or Joachin Phoenix?

I think all listeners who go to the canadian shows should boycott the billy bob performance...or bring the rotten tomatoes.

Billy Bob proved beyond all doubt that he lacks an ounce of class. However, I wish Jian would try harder to take a genuine interest in his guests, rather than trying to show Canada how worldly & cultured he is. More questions, less comments Jian.

I think all listeners who go to the canadian shows should boycott the billy bob performance...or bring the rotten tomatoes.

Congratulations to you, Jian, for the cool, professional way you handled the obnoxious twithead, Thornton. His attitude is going to sink the band, taking down the rest of the guys, who must be totally embarrassed by Big Boob's ignorant petulance.

Wow. Happily tuned into Q, as I always do, to hear Jian opening an interview with an American band named the Boxcutters or something like that. This poor bunch of guys is led by some American ex-actor who is clearly somehow over-medicated, hung-over, deeply intellectually challenged and wholly inarticulate. Jian continues to attempt the interview.....I am gobsmacked. The interviewee is all that I thought, but so much more, immature, whiny,grumpy,rude, arrogant on a massive ego trip. He has no care for the people listening to him, attempting to do their job by interviewing him, or the people, his bandmates, that he purports to share this true passion for music with.
One doesn't often encounter a personality that could be described as having not a single redeeming feature, and yet, here was the voice of just such a creature coming out of my radio!!!! And yet, I misspeak! There was no voice as this pathetic excuse for a man refused to speak, answer questions, or basically play the game of human interaction. It was several minutes of the most uncomfortable and anger inducing radio I have ever heard. Jian, on air today you demonstrated all the things that I actually try to teach my kids so that they can grow up to be decent citizens of the world: rise above, take the higher road, say your piece with a smile on your face, stand your ground, try to keep your cool, try to see things through...you did them all!! I am adding your name to my running mental list of things and people that make me feel ever so proud to be Canadian!!!!
P.S. Please send my Jian Ghomeshi Fan Club T-shirt and secret decoder ring to the following address......

BB forgot more than his drums today.... I thought I'd missed something and was listening to a repeat of an April Fool's Day broadcast.
You more than earned your broadcasting 'stripes' today, Jian.

Jian, you did an amazing job handling that interview. It took tact and impeccable self-composure to handle that level of rudeness. You kept the interview going when I probably would have cut it off after the first use of the "s word". Congratulations, you did a great job.

Wow . . . there's 18 minutes of my life I'm never going to get back! I don't know how Jian remained so gracious throughout that interview, I felt truly annoyed with Billy Bob's arrogance by the end. I don't think Billy Bob did himself or his band any favors by being so ridiculous - not the way to win over fans.

Hey, Jian -- congrats! You're a real pro -- talk about trial by fire. You handled BBT with grace. TW

Jian, you did a great job handling that interview with Captain Poohead. He was probably just jealous cuz you have better hair.
Also, thank you to the other posters who introduced me to such terms and ideas as "shitastic", "the Joaquin Phoenix school of interviews" and the wrestling with a pig quote!

billy bob is a total loser. i've appreciated some of his performances but i'll be thinking twice before i spend money on his ass. is he pulling a joaquin pheonix? he's unbelievable ridiculous! jian, i feel for you man.

Wow . . . there's 18 minutes of my life I'm never going to get back! I don't know how Jian remained so gracious throughout that interview, I felt truly annoyed with Billy Bob's arrogance by the end. I don't think Billy Bob did himself or his band any favors by being so ridiculous - not the way to win over fans.

God - I like lot's of the bloggers, have never felt as compelled to write a little something - WHAT A PIG.
A). Bully Butt THornton, you are NOT, I repeat NOT Tom Petty,
B). you poor little sap - couldn't get the drumkit down, eh? Ahhhh isn't that so tough for a big old moviestar like you.
C). How embarrassing to be followed by the articulate and brilliant Mr. Shulz, which only highlights FURTHER, your complete ignorance and arogance.
D). Go home and don't bother coming back, take your first love and you poor band with you (I bet they live a charmed life with you at the helm!!!!!)
E). All the words I would like to use in describing my feelings about him are much worse than the very elevated and articulate "Shit" which Mr. Bigman had to throw out there several times - oooooo that's pretty shocking -eewwwww - how reactionary - ooooooo
F). Jian - you were brilliant - keep up the fantastic work and please don't even EVER think about having that prick back again.

Don't know if anyone mentioned it, but... They must be doing pretty poorly if they don't even have roadies!!! And someone mentioned he played drums on one song, but sang the rest. Did they forget his favorite mikestand so he couldn't sing???

I first thought he was stoned or drunk, but realized, he must be between fixes. Pretty nasty and loved that Jian kept him on to highlight what a jackass he was. Echo the sentiments of others regarding the fact his bandmates must be mortified. REALLY REALLY hope it's on QTV.

God - I like lot's of the bloggers, have never felt as compelled to write a little something - WHAT A PIG.
A). Bully Butt THornton, you are NOT, I repeat NOT Tom Petty,
B). you poor little sap - couldn't get the drumkit down, eh? Ahhhh isn't that so tough for a big old moviestar like you.
C). How embarrassing to be followed by the articulate and brilliant Mr. Shulz, which only highlights FURTHER, your complete ignorance and arogance.
D). Go home and don't bother coming back, take your first love and you poor band with you (I bet they live a charmed life with you at the helm!!!!!)
E). All the words I would like to use in describing my feelings about him are much worse than the very elevated and articulate "Shit" which Mr. Bigman had to throw out there several times - oooooo that's pretty shocking -eewwwww - how reactionary - ooooooo
F). Jian - you were brilliant - keep up the fantastic work and please don't even EVER think about having that prick back again.

I was driving home after a road trip through Northern Ontario and almost ran out of gas since I didn't want to miss a second of the BBT interview. Empty... its JUST on E.... I can make one more town.
There were a few things that struck me about the interview...
1) I think that he was really crusing for a fight. He had mentioned how he was used to bars that people would throw things.... we were more like mashed potatos.. Next time Step up and bring the Gravey and Poutine (right fist, left fist) and mash that spud, or was that dud? if you need help, get George to have your back.

2) I think the monster story was very revieling. I believe BBT did infact create the ultimate monster. his EGO!

3) We know who his first love is... but I'm thinking maybe the Octimom might be one of the latest?

4) his next career he should seriously consider would be a proctologist so that he can one day remove his own head from his ass.

Great job Jian.
oh by the way Tom Petty is the voice of Lucky on King of the Hill. He also did the postman but I would avoid asking him about that experience.

WHAT A LOSER!! BBT, go home.

If it walks like a spoilt actor, sounds like a spoilt actor, perhaps it is just is a spoilt actor! Perhaps we could have heard from his band mates...at least they managed to bring their instruments!
There are lots of cool bands that earn their living from music and there are those who just don't need the publicity.

jian, you rose above his arrogance with utmost grace

comparisons to T Petty.. well, bb is petty, that's for sure...

you handled it so well

bravo, jian!

Well Done Jian,
I almost didn't think it was real, it sounds like he is strung out. You did an amazing job handling a washed up, red-neck, strung out, so called-celebrity!
You made us Proud Jian!!

It's about time that a guest put Jian Ghomeshi in his place. Jian is an embarrassment to Canada, a relentless low-brow inebriated with the exuberance of his own verbosity. He can't even read the opening billboards properly. He finds himself much more fascinating than his guests. I find myself wanting to smack him, and I wish Billy Bob had.

How is it that Billy Bob wishes to have himself seen as a musician, yet doesn't even show up to a live radio gig with his drums?

I was dumbfounded by Billy Bob's lack of civil behaviour! I liked the song that Jian played from their cd. His bandmates deserve much better! He might not need the cash from cd sales, but they might. I'll buy their music after they ditch BB.

I'm confused ... if music is so important to Billy Bob - the new career that will eclipse his old - and he is such a consumate musician, where the hell were his drums?

Be a dick all you want if you have talent and want to showcase it, but why would he punctuate it with proof that he has none.

I pity his band.

way to go Jian. one of the downsides of your job, is to deal with yahoo's like Billy Boob. BB show's up to do a crappy interview and doesn't contribute to the musical part. what a tool! think maybe he's been drinking too much bad blood.

Jian,

Great job keeping your cool in the face of adversity. It's a pity that a celebrity's antics overshadowed what might have otherwise been a nice introduction to The Boxmasters' album.

That was really awkward...how much more awkward it must have been for you and the crew. What happened off the air as he left the studio?

Wow, I tho't that Jian's interview with Gene Simmons was the most heroic I'd heard anyone endure, but Billy Bob is in a class all his own (and on his own, I presume). Good job keeping cool Jian. Next time let the long suffering but eminently talented musicians play out the whole interview and let any prima donna bully sit it out in silence.

I feel your pain with that interview. I would have thrown the clown out. You know what happens to real rednecks when they discover the person they are sitting across from is not a fellow Caucasian. How rude was that? I also know that I will never ever spend a penny supporting anything this fellow does or has done. Wow

Jian,
I can not really add much more than what has been posted.
It is sad for a guy like BBT to think and believe he can treat people in an unprofessional manner. You were the professional in this interview and must say you handled it a lot better than I would.
He showed have been escorted out for being such a jerk. Congrats on a job well done.
Andre

Wow, astonishing from his first words... incoherent.
the interview was like a train wreck in slow motion. We got to sit through a moment in the dissolution of a career. I was embarrassed for his other musicians.

Likely you don't need another post. And really, I will not add anything original to this list of comments about your BB "interview," this morning but I swore that I would make the effort to write in because Jian, you rule.
As my skin crawled, blood boiled, shoulders climbed all I could think was: "How will Jian respond?" And honestly, you were gold. Thank you for representing what surely all of us love about Canada. Thank goodness we don't have a lot of shows where "...people throw things at each other." If being in Canada means living with mashed potatoes sans gravy cheers to a longer and thoughtfully ENLIGHTENED life.
Continued success to you -
Cari Din

Jian you are so smart!! It is the hard interviews that really show off your craft and talent. I have to say that the song they played actually sounded way better without the drums. Neat how things work out.

What a douche.. Seriously, did he fit in the studio, or his head had to be removed first?

Is he kidding? What an arrogant s.o.b I wouldn't give a plug nickle for his music what a bore!!!!!!!!!! You earned your money today.

This reminded me of Iggy Pop incomprehensible and belligerent interview on Gzowski's TV variety show from the early eighties.

No doubt it was a rough ride for the interview, but lets keep it in perspective.

Iggy Pop still puts out great music, and BB is best when he's a little unhinged in films (think Pushing Tin, Bad Santa, The Man who Wasn't There).

I haven't given his music a shot yet, but my guess is its probably a little flinty with a pinch of sulphur as well.

Just like Iggy's interview, this one doesn't make a lot of sense at face value, but it is still interesting to watch in the longer view of a celebrity's career.

Thanks Gian for hanging in to the end.

Wow I've heard a lot of arrogant wannabe celebs before but he takes the cake. I could understand if he was some HUGE star with many incredible movies under his belt and grammys ... But he has NOTHING.

In future I will ensure everyone I know is aware of how much of a DB Billy Bob Thorton is.

Why even have him on? LOL what drummer doesn't travel with drums?! then stay home!!

I lasted 3 minutes into the interview and had to switch to Radio 2 - I couldn't stand BB's passive aggressive ignorance/arrogance. By the looks of it, your whole listenership is behind you, Jian!

TO CHUCK CURRIE
You don't know what good or bad is. Jgian is one of the best interviewers on radio. You just sound jealous. What happened? you didn;t get the job in radio?

Congratulations on your handling of the Billy Bob Thornton interview. In the face of self indulgent, arrogant, pompous unprofessional sulking you showed real class. For those who thought the Ugly American was a thing of the past it was a real eye opener. One could feel real sympathy for the rest of the band who seemed to be genuine non self absorbed musicians. The one saving grace was that he didn’t have his drums so the only discordant noise was his voice. The thundering sound of a quiet society enjoying it’s day to day normalcy…priceless.

OMG what a d*ck! And he's NO Tom Petty....I'm sure the other band members are real happy to have an aging Diva with them. Cosmic cowboy my a$$!

Re: Billy Bob etc. I played in bar bands for 20 years and the standing joke about drummers went something like this: "What do you call someone who hangs around musicians all the time?" Answer: "A drummer."
But, Jian, why didn't you just ask the band, flat out, that if they didn't want to be there, they could just leave? Who in the hell are the Boxmasters anyway?

Jian--You are more gracious, kind host than I would have been in that situation. Perhaps the RCMP can place BB in a box and toss him out to sea. A real pity this idiot has to live in North America.

That interview was like a car wreck - it's awful, but you can't turn away.

Makes me wonder how Tom Petty would feel that Billy Bob finds their musical talents comparative. Not that we KNOW BBT's talent, since he refused to perform. Ten bucks says Tom Petty is WAY more gracious to interviewers and their audiences.

Way to go Jian, you showed how classy and diplomatic you can be. I SO wanted to hear some smart remark from you when he said audiences usually throw things - good luck with the wound on your tongue where you bit it to avoid saying something snarky and beneath you (but apparently not beneath the hillbilly).

Cosmic cowboy my butt. Canadian audiences sit on their hands because they are not there to see YOU, you egotistical goofus. Another ten bucks says after that interview they DO throw things.

Now we know why Willie doesn't socialize with BBT.

Brutal.

Kudos again to Jian - you are the quintessential interviewer. Made me proud to be Canadian.

I suspect that all of the assessments of BB are in whole or part correct. I would be really interested in hearing the internal dialogue going on in BB's head. There is no question he was having a schizophrenic moment due to the presence or abscence of chemicals. jmho

Gawd, what an ass!

What an idiot! Poor Jian!

Funny. Way to take on the "red M&Ms clause" head on Jian. I was going to say I pity the poor hard-working musicians that have to cart that big wanker around in what I'm sure is a separate bus (at least in his mind). But I guess they know the game. He did get them on the show in the first place...

Why would Billy Bob even come to Canada if he feels that the Canadian audience is boring? Too bad people will attend his show and put money in his pocket. Like he said, we don’t throw stuff at each other. Because throwing stuff definitely shows that you are having a ‘good time’. Yes Billy you are such a ‘bad ass’ and you totally go against the grain of other actors turned musicians. If he doesn’t want to talk about movies then maybe he should stop making them. Bad Santa wasn’t a far cry from his behavior/intelligence level, and Mr. Woodcock, well he must have studied the script hard for that one. Just be happy you didn’t come out of that gene pool. Oh Billy, you make such a pointless statement. You are instant mashed potatoes. Please don’t ever interview or perform in Canada again!

That interview was very difficult and awkward to listen to and I wanted to leave the room,or turn it off, but I figured if Jian has to do this on live radio for all of Canada , then I will sit and listen and support him.
I wouldn't want to be Jian's drycleaner and get the shirt he was wearing this morning!
Love you Jian!

Cheers to the interview! Billy Bob is an idiot to think someone will never mention his more prominent career in an interview of his band. I can appreciate he doesn't want to dwell on that, but to never even mention it?

Wake up, Billy Bob. You are getting an intervew BECAUSE you are an actor.

Jian, I'd like to add my name to those giving you credit for the class/style with which you handled BBT this morning. Maybe this is a lesson for your producers in particular, and the CBC in general, to focus on Canadian stuff more.

I knew I had heard the name before but I thought Bill Bob Thornton was that guy whose wife cut off his penis. (I'm not up on movies.) Good on you, Jian, you were marvelous.
Paula

I guess when you are as hugely successful as his band the "what's-their-names?", you can afford to alienate fans like that...

Jian, I have to echo those comments that applaud how well you handled the situation. Amazing job!

Please please please get Billy Bob back on the show with Super Dave!

I turned on CBC radio and immediately recognized Billy Bob Thorton and was interested to hear why he was being interviewed. Then I was extermely embarrassed on Jians behalf and had to turn the radio off I was so uncomfortable. Was Billy Bob really this obtuse and rude? I turned it back on as the interview escalated into absurdity. I often wonder how different well known people are compared to the characters they play and Billy Bob wasn't giving the best example that's for sure. Even if he is difficult to deal with, that does not mean he can't atleast appear somewhat gracious - he is an actor after all! And I'm not too impressed with his dig at Canada - if people are going to see him, maybe they should throw some mashed potatoes and gravy at him! He seems to want something thrown at him! As the band played without Billy (what a twit)I kept wondering what was going on in the studio between the 2 men? And if Jian was trying to come up with something to say that Billy might actually understand and answer. I know you probably won't have him back - but I do wonder if he felt sorry for speaking to Jian this way and would like the chance to prove that maybe he isn't always like this. It was a relief to hear Albert and kudos to you Jian for keeping control of yourself.

What a douche!!! Why is he even there? They should have turned off his mic and focused on the rest of the band.

If BBT was trying to pull a Andy Kaufman/Joaquin Phoenix he couldn't even stay in "character." If he truly was pissed, well, he's just a fool.

He might've -- maybe -- pulled it all off if the band had sounded great, but their performance was boring, and not very well played.

Jian, you did the best you could with a bad situation.

Does Billy Bob really think he would be on Q without his previous screen work? wow, what arrogance!

I have a lot of respect for Jian even before this, but he handled the childish behaviour of a completely self indulgent boy child quite well.
It's too bad that Billy Bob displayed the type of behaviour that Canadians absolutely abhor in people with high profiles. He has not endeared himself in any way to an audience. I don't even understand why he would attend an interview and sabotage it in this manner? He has not helped his band who seemed a lot more appreciative of the opportunity to talk about what they do.
Billy Bob is a drummer, without drums. One would think, being so passionate about music, that you might make the effort to bring your instruments to a live performance, or perhaps at least part of the drum kit. The performance sounded fine as it was without drums, maybe they can just get a drum machine and arrange daycare for the child.

Congratulations on getting through the interview Jian!
I have to say, that not only has Billy Bob shown his true character on your show, but he managed to insult anyone who ever supported his career. Who does he think spends money to see him in his movies? Who buys his cd's, all 3 of them so far?...Does he honestly think his career before this didn't help his band get ahead? There are so many talented people who don't have the leg up in the music business he had by using his 'other' career.
Also, he was incredibly insulting to Canadians! He made more than one rude dig starting with the gravy and the audiences he gets. If I had paid to see him here, after this interview I think I would walk up to the stage and leave the ripped up ticket on it and walk out. My pity to the band who were probably humiliated by him. I'd say don't welcome him in Canada, he obviously doesn't respect our country or audience. I'd never spend another penny to support him. Personally I thought the band sounded great without him. I vote they branch off without him. He is, if nothing else, very very replaceable!!

Good one Jian, you deserve a real pat on the back for holding back on that ignorant s.o.b. Right from the get-go he didn't understand the first question you asked him about how long they've been playing togather, what kind of dope was he on anyway. I hope people go to see him so as soon as he's introduced, they can all get up and walk out. I had thought about purchasing some of the band's music, thats not goingto happen now. I wouldn't walk across the street to see him. He's and A-hole and that just about sums him up. Again, you came off looking pretty dam good, keep it up.

Just wanted to comment on some comments here - let's not stoop to silly nationalisitc statements just because Billy Boor Thornton did so... just because he was a jerk it doesn't follow that all American are jerks. I'd hate to be judged by some of the behaviour of some of the Canadians that I've encountered abroad!

So... this guy made his fortune off of us, as an actor. Now we aren't allowed to talk to him about it? I play in an indy band. We're pretty good, not "good" enough to get signed or anything. We can't even get air time on our local radio station becuse they are owned by Sony Music or some such crap. This guy who may be in a pretty good band gets all the air time he wants, but only because of his acting. He should appreciate it and quit being such an ass.

I have a lot of respect for Jian even before this, but he handled the childish behaviour of a completely self indulgent boy child quite well.
It's too bad that Billy Bob displayed the type of behaviour that Canadians absolutely abhor in people with high profiles. He has not endeared himself in any way to an audience. I don't even understand why he would attend an interview and sabotage it in this manner? He has not helped his band who seemed a lot more appreciative of the opportunity to talk about what they do.
Billy Bob is a drummer, without drums. One would think, being so passionate about music, that you might make the effort to bring your instruments to a live performance, or perhaps at least part of the drum kit. The performance sounded fine as it was without drums, maybe they can just get a drum machine and arrange daycare for the child.

So... this guy made his fortune off of us, as an actor. Now we aren't allowed to talk to him about it? I play in an indy band. We're pretty good, not "good" enough to get signed or anything. We can't even get air time on our local radio station becuse they are owned by Sony Music or some such crap. This guy who may be in a pretty good band gets all the air time he wants, but only because of his acting. He should appreciate it and quit being such an ass.

I'm shocked that anyone would ever be that intentionally rude! How "reserved" of me...

The worst part was forcing his poor band to play instrumental.

Completely disgusting and unprofessional. Those guys are opening for Willie Nelson so they don't want to blow it, but damn...

I will never purchase, listen, or watch any form of live or recorded entertainment that Billy Bob Thornton is associated with, and encourage anyone who experienced his offensive remarks in this interview to do the same.

What a heroic performance! Now that the agony is over, you should be mighty proud of yourself, Jian.

I have never before contributed to a blog or wrote a letter to the editor, but I just felt compelled to. Everything has by now already been said about BBT's performance. However, if a generous 20 minute radio interview is aimed at showcasing someone's exceptional talent, then it is mission accomplished: you, sir, have just shown exceptional talent and grace.

What an arrogant arse! Billy Bob certainly takes himself very seriously - too bad no one in Canada ever will! I'm boycotting his band - not that I had much interest in them before anyway.

bob who?

I predict gravy sales are about to go through the roof. Hope Boxcutters like the taste, me thinks they will be greeted with it everywhere they perform on this side of the border.

Please go back to where ever you came from .... oh, but leave Willy behind.

listening to interviews like that always make me cringe. to get how far this has spread now i got the link of of the perez hilton website.

I'm a regular Q listener, but wasn't listening today. I picked this story up off of PerezHilton.com - "Billy Bob Thorton is an Ass on-Air". I just listened to it, and I can't believe his rude behaviour. What a child! I hope he never gets another Canadian interview - he surely does not deserve to waste another minute of our air time, which is much better spent with guests who can manage a 20 minute interview without throwing a hissy fit!

I urge everyone who's holding tickets to the Willie Nelson concert to bring along some rotten tomatoes or eggs for Billy Bob. He's certainly asked for it.

Jian,

Grace under pressure man. You really are the best interviewer on CBC, after Rex. I admire you respectful and honest approach while dealing with a less than respectful guest. Well done.
Jan

What a clueless idiot.

Good thing you didn't ask him about Angelina and drinking his blood...

Good job not mentioning that he is an actor Jian. "So just so I am clear... you don't want to be called and actor..." Very funny.

What an arrogant jerk. Jian, you did wonderfully and handled the interview with grace. I probably would have thrown my mic at him 2 minutes in! Bravo!

Great job Jian - many would have backed off (read chickened out) and muddled through. Way to shed light on the fact that he wasn't stoned, just obnoxious. I have lots of big girl words that I could use to describe BB, but "pr1(k" really is the most appropriate.

Sorry to keep posting BUT feel compelled to point out that BBT is a jerk but not necessarily stupid - I am sure that he understood ALL of Jian's questions; he was simply being a jerk to let everyone know how displeased he was about a couple of lines from Jian's introduction, specifically making reference to his acting career.

I take it back - he is pretty dense if he thinks that this was the best way to "play" the situation. Self-indulgent twit.

1) PR coup...well done, Billy Bob.

2) Talentless Nutcase

3) Jian, it was your choice not to stand up for yourself, but when he insulted Canadians as being boring or second-rate music fans, you should have pulled his plug.

I actually found the interview with Billy Bob very informative. I had wondered why his acting career in recent years fizzled down to playing unpleasant nasties like Coach Woodcock and Bad Santa. Now I know. He wasn't acting. No doubt this allowed him to focus his energy, talent and charm on his musical endeavours. Billy Bob - what a nob!!

First of all, I want to say that I really enjoy your show, Jian, it's the only radio show I listen to faithfully. You're an excellent interviewer. And you really proved your skill this morning in the way you handled that ***hole, Billy Bob. You didn't back down, you maintained your integrity, and you even got him to answer a couple of questions -- even though by that point I didn't give a damn what he had to say. Kudos to you, Jian!

1) PR coup...well done, Billy Bob.

2) Talentless Nutcase

3) Jian, it was your choice not to stand up for yourself, but when he insulted Canadians as being boring or second-rate music fans, you should have pulled his plug.

It is gratifying to see such an incredible volume of responses, all in agreement that Billy Bob is a fool. I am amazed at your fortitude and willingness to continue the interview in spite of BB's desire to be elsewhere.

Jian,you did an excellent job interviewing this rude, ignorant gore of a clown, Thorton. Why is it you can have excellent musicians such as George Harrison or Eric Clapton be interviewed and come across as humble every day type guys.

I've just listened to the podcast of the interview with Billy Bob Thorton this morning. Jian, you did a great job handling this unfortunate interview. All Billy Bob did was prove himself to be unprofessional and arrogant. You were straight forward, and honest, and he simply was not. Honestly, doens't he get that he isn't winning any fans acting this way?

Just listened to 'the interview'. Style and Grace, Jian. I was so proud of you for keeping your composure while the interviewee was being such a ... douche. I think the only point his highness made was that he was a stereotypical asshole.

Well done Jian! Classy and you held your ground. You handled that brilliantly given the guff (I would love to use another word) that was thrown at you.

I would think that BB wants it both ways. Spotlight on the band but don't talk about his acting career. Well Jian didn't ask him about his past, he only mentioned that in the intro for context. All of your questions were about the music. Embarrassing, sad responses from BB. I actually liked the song that was played but I will not buy anything from them now.

To respond to your original query, if I was in a talented band trying to break-through I'd be deeply offended by the implication that the Boxmasters don't have an advantage with Thornton's celebrity. A performer with any humility would acknowledge and be thankful for the leg-up. It's like a white guy denying any historic advantage. Nice sense of entitlement there, BBT. Jian, I wish you took him to task. I bet you were wishing the same thing as soon as the interview was over.

What a jerk. He sounds like he's trying to steal Joaquin Phoenix's crown for megastar gone mad.

Jian - did you know there is a perezhilton.com posting of Billy Bob's performance today and a link to your podcast? Did someone from your team send it? Hmmm? Good on them if they did. Laughed my ass off when I listened to the interview live this morning...

Jian, that was a great piece of journalism. Indeed, I suspect it will become a striking example of interviewing prowess for years to come. Kudos. I couldn't leave the radio this morning, I was viscerally affected - that's the kind of grit that makes radio interviewing rewarding for the listener, hell for you, heaven for us. I saw Billy Bob perform at the Phoneix many many years ago. He had some pretty impressive musicians performing with him, then and I susepct that is true in this case too. I am impressed with the aplomb and reserve that the other two band members deomstrated. However, I wonder if there will be lower audience attendance for Willy Nelson tonight at Massey and at any other Canadian venues. My tickets are staying at home tonight for the opening act after hearing that interview.

"I grew up as pretty much a music historian."

Actually, "Billy Bob" it seems that you didn't grow up. You came across as part wingnut and part cry baby. And you did your band (whom I thought played quite enjoyable music) a serious disservice by your poor behaviour: they just lost any fans they might have gained in Canada because of you. I'm sure they are wondering now if the publicity they gain from your presence is worth the loss of reputation they have just suffered. They sounded like serious musicians, and proved that your pettiness is not due to your hillbilly roots. Not that it matters, of course: you just proved that there is such a thing as bad publicity.

Jian, your eloquence and grace was ever so apparent in this interview. You truly showed your gift here. Billy Bob showed nothing but his lack of respect for his fellow musicians and actors and highlighted his obvious envy of TRUE musicians like Tom Petty and Willie Nelson.

Billy Bob is totally a self indulgent rude ass!!!
He is an embarrassment.
The interviewer did an excellent job and it sucks he had to even deal with this NOBODY who thinks he above everyone else. No excuse for people who are just plain rude.

Listened to the interview on my way to school, and kudos to you Jian for handling the interview in a professional manner despite the obvious childish behavior of displayed by Thorton.

Jian - you are definitely WAY to diplomatic and kind as an interviewer. I am a regular listener to your program, and absolutely love your show, but listening to that ass-***e Billy-Bob what-ever-his-name-is-and-who-cares-less-anyway was an exercise in incredible futility on your part....yes, we are polite as Canadians, and I guess that is something that he has never even thought about, let alone considered trying to be on a radio interview. I wanted to reach out and touch him (or was it reach out and strangle him?). I commend you for your interviewing style, and ability to put up with that unbelievable ya-hoo....I think he must be the reason why sisters don't marry brothers...sheesh what an idiot. Anyway, keep up the great work, and please don't put up with that kind of crap in the future! Perhaps we will all get our wish, and he will be hit by a bus..and put us all out of our misery. Cheers, and tally-ho!

I too am a drummer in a four piece band. Last night we played for three hours in a little bar and walked out of there with $50 each. Grow up billy bob. Real musicians have day jobs.

Rick Clayton
Nova Scotia

I'd just like to know how the remake of 'The Bad News Bears' has influenced his songwriting.
Billy?

I lost all respect for that man as anything - be it acting or as a musician. Will now make a point of avoiding his work. If you don't want to discuss your history, life, love of music etc, and not bother to be a part of the musical end of the interview. WHY do interviews at all? And definately don't be a band front man! What an ass! Good on ya Jian for sticking it out with that jerk. Must be the politeness of us Canadians!

What an Assh#!e.....what else is there to say?

Sheesh, my fourth comment on this, my fourth comment on this blog ever.

For the 10pm replay tonight, why not play a grateful, humble, Canadian band who's thankful for publicity other mediums have brought them? I'm talking about Anvil. Your interview with them about the success of their documentary is far more entertaining and informative than William Robert's inane drivel.

I am equally in the same jaw dropping cringe mode as most other Q listeners. I was driving to Wakefield QC and just had to pull over given how sick I felt about the rudeness and arrogance of Billy Bob Thorton. ( I also thought he was totally drugged up at the beginning)

Jian, you handled this so well in terms of interpersonal communication skills. (you actually have skill unlike BBT). You maintained your dignity and ours as Canadians and stuck to the issues. Part of me wonders how his band mates feel about this unless they are used to the his evident ego and insecurity.

I honestly thought Billy Bob Thornton was on drugs for the first part of the show. How embarrassing (for his band). But later I realized that he was just an ungrateful, arrogant baby. This interview certainly didn't do anything for his career. Although it might have given the Q some extra attention.

WOW 702 comments and by word of mouth everyone should spread the word to boycott all things Billy Bob Thorton. How dare he insult our country and attack Jian. You did a great job, Jian and you were the adult. We don't throw things at each other and we are mashed potatoes without the gravy? I hope this gets exposed internationally and he apologizes to Jian. He showed his true colours and lost any respect I had for him as an actor. I hope the boxmasters kick him out. You are no Tom Petty Billy Bob, you shouldn't even be used in the same sentence

A real cosmic cowboy - *barf*

What a jerk. He sounds like he's trying to steal Joaquin Phoenix's crown for megastar gone mad.

What a wastecase! When he said the concerts he usually plays in the States people are screaming and throwing things... After that interview I would hope that the next concert he plays in Canada, we oblige and start throwing things....

Well its now official Billy Bob is a loser! I wont buy the album or even download it for free. I love the interviewer he is truly talented. We here at a local newspaper were listening in our offices and could not believe the attitude! Its no secret he is an actor and a poor one at that. No fans here in Canada Billy Bob, pick that straw out of your mouth and head back to the banjo concert!

I had read an article about the new Boxmaster's release and was going to buy it. After listening to Billy Bo's incredible douchebaggery (is that a word?), there's no way in hell I'd support him or his band.
Jian, you were so gracious, so much more than BBT deserved and he still acted like a complete tool.

Hey Billy Bob!
Why do a press tour if you're planning on acting like a jerk and trying to pull rank on a journalist on air. Oh, and by the way, the interview is supposed to help you sell albums. Not drive people away ranting that you're a jerk.

Well that was a production stopper. I rarely shut down work in my furniture shop to just take in the broadcast. At first I thought he was just loaded but by the end I realized he's just a jerk...and perhaps a loaded one! If you had on your rhino skin you wore it well and did your level best to diffuse an ugly situation that seemed to want to go uglier. I was astounded at how arrogant and rude the guy is and if I ever might have been inclined to take in his show.......I'll gladly take a pass now. You handled it real well, Jiam and my hat is off to you. Onward to much better things. Life is too short for crap like that and I hope he's never allowed in a CBC studio again!

My advice to the band - find another drummer!

The guy is named "Billy Bob". What more could you expect? What a low-life jerk!

Wow, was Billy Bob being obnoxiously rude or was he on something? Kudos go out to the interviewer for having not only to put up with such behaviour (even his band members seemed somewhat uncomfortable with Billy Bob's behaviour) but in handling his unacceptable behaviour in a professional manner.

I wish I were a fly on the wall and listened to what was said after the interview with closed mikes.... Unfortunately, diva slash actoress Billy Bobette with his terrible twos kind of attitude made a fool of himself. For Jian, I pay my respect for it must have been very hard to keep your cool in front of such Assness...What's the name of the band again? Never mind, don't care to remember cosmic cowboy music anyway...

BB's arrogance highlights what is wrong with the Hollywood mentality, while claiming not to want to discuss his film background his very behaviour smacks of Hollywood. I too am all for artists who attempt to explore other talents they may possess. But a little humility would be welcome. His remarks about Candadian audiences summed up his ignorance.

Please, next time turn the mic off and put on a record. He doesn't rate your good Canadian manners.

Jian, congratulations on your professionalism, wit and grace in dealing with billyjerkbob. You are a pro and he is a self-indulgent ass. The band actually has a good sound - as long as he doesn't open his mouth.

Jian! You are an INCREDIBLY sexy beast! The way you handled that interview with Billy Bob was sensitive and classy! More than he deserved.

turn up the willy - turn down the billy!

I was really looking forward to hearing the interview with Billy Bob Thorton today. I was disappointed when he showed his true colours and his arrogants. I found his comments not only insulting and berating to the host but to the Canadian audience attending his show. This just to shows you that you really don’t know who a celebrity really is until he’s put into a positions of conflict with a host when topics that “you’re not allowed to even mention” are brought up. I use the interview with Gene Simmons as an example of a celebrity of class when Jian interviewed him. There was a little conflict, but Gene took the questions as the professional that he is.

I will now go out of my way to not purchase any of his music of support and movies that he has any part of.

Peter Anderson in Montreal,QC

the crowds in Canada aren't reserved, billy bob, they're asleep...your band put them to sleep...like the audience watching one of your movies. Good stuff Jian

Much credit to you, Jian, for taking the high road on this one. Cool and professional all the way through. I can only imagine what was going on in your mind! I wonder too, like other commenters, how his band members felt about BBT throwing them under the bus.

people here dont throw things..? well billy, where does the line start and will you be supplying the rocks?

BB nailed you, Jian, for your CBC mindset. Rigid, uptight, narrow in your views into which you seek to unwittingly box an artist. Of course it was disarming for you.

I'm reminded of Tom Snyder's famous 1980 TV interview with Johnny Rotten (see it on YouTube). You, Jian, Snydered BBT. Just as Tom got stung not knowing how to jump paradigms, so did you and so did most of the listening audience by the look of the comments here so far.

Never mind respecting Billy Bob's point of view, all anyone here seems to care aboot is the guy's manners! How utterly, trivially Canadian is that, and how aboot backbiting, judgemental, intolerant and mean spirited too, eh buddy?

I have more respect for BBT than ever.

Maybe if Billy Bob stopped taking himself so seriously, we'd believe he's a musician and not just another Hollywood Dick, which is what this interview, ironically, accomplished.
Hillbilly, indeed.

I too have never posted a blog before, this is my second posting on this one. The more I think on it the more outraged I become at the totally unprofesional manner in which BB mishandled his part of the interview. He came off as a petulant, spoilt jerk. Perhaps he was recovering from some of Willy Nelson's home remedies, or perhaps he needs more of it.

What a masterful job at handling a difficult situation, Jian. I was angry listening to it, and admire your calm, intelligent responses.

This arrogant "musician" did not deserve the CBC publicity.

I wish that I had bought tickets for the Willie Nelson concert tonight so that I could throw something at Billy Bob onstage -
some gravy, maybe.
Nice job today, Jian.

perfect demonstration that any publicity is good publicity.

I get a huge laugh when people who have made an active choice to "be famous" try to dictate the terms of our surrender to their fame. I think it was Greta Garbo who once said "I want to be alone". If celebrities just want to be left alone, don't go on promotional tours. If it's really all "just about the art" or "just about the music", then give your records away for free and don't charge admission to your concerts! Then your art will be out there for all to appreciate. Until that happens, Joaquin-Bob Thornton, you're just another business producing just another product... and consumers dictate the terms in that marketplace buddy! If Thornton wasn't a member of the Boxcutters (or whoever they were), their standard-issue folkstrumental gitar-pickin' wouldn't have raised a drunken chin off the bar at their neighbourhood pub.

What a LOOSER. No need to say more, everyone else already did.
Great Job Jian!

This just made my day!

I liked the music but was really put off by BBT. Such a diva to make the whole interview focus on him & not the band. It was like listening to a sulky teenager: what a pillock.

What an incredible horse's ass. It's been hard at time to watch his movies as many of his characters have been down right unlikeable. Little did I know he was so like that in real person too. I'll gladly make a bunch of noise at this concert. It'll sound like "BBBBBOOOOOO!!!!". Ego with no reason.

Another celebrity who thinks he's owed something. If we don't go to see his films or listen to his "music", he's finished. And that the world is full of people leagues more talented than this fool, he needs us more than we need him.

Best Worst interview ever.
I love Jian. Nice job keeping the crazy train on the track.

If they care at all about their music careers, the Boxmasters should box up BBT's ass and send him home. Quick. Here they have a chance at some real exposure on a national radio station and he plays to perfection the role of the spoiled Hollywood prick. Jian was clearly trying to give the band a chance to discuss their music and BBT accuses the host of making the interview about his cinematic resume (which he wasn't). Then he gripes about the smoking rules at CBC head office? Then bristles when Jian asks why he didn't bring his drums in? Other bands haul their drum kits into the studio for morning appearances, why can't you Billy Bob? The band would have been better off if BBT appeared on the show as his character in Sling Blade. He was as dumb as BBT, but at least he was a bit endearing.

I heard a saying yesterday that seems appropriate in the context. "Never argue with a fool. He'll always bring you down to his own level, and then win on experience" Congratulations Jian, for not letting him bring you down to his level - so you did end up the winner.

I had the misfortune to live in the south for a short time - and I have to say that it wouldn't surprise me if racism was actually at the root of it. Keep up the good work Jian - Love your show.

"Bully-Bob" Thornton needs to realize that the ONLY reason anybody even gives his band's music a chance is because of his acting background. He was incredibly rude I frankly would have been happy if you politely ended the interview and told him to get stuffed. I'd take you talking about anything to fill air time rather than allow that jerk to behave like that in your studio. By the way, I thought their music was nothing special.

Man, it really takes a pro to interview an arrogant ass like BBT. I'm embarrased for his band to have to put up with the likes. Great job Jian!

Bravo for not losing your cool! I would have lost it on this guy. Here you are giving these guys free promotion when he has ground rules. I'm sorry but if anyone comes on your show with conditions like that just cancel them. I can see why he doesn't want to talk about his acting career when he is there to promote his music. Fair enough. But not to be able to even metion anything he has done in the past is too much. Just to let you know, I will not be buying any of their cds, going to any of their concerts, and if anyone else is going, I challenge them to turn around and not even look at them. For the same reasons on how rude he is, i do not own any Oasis cds. Furthermore, Canada is a much better place to be then the US. I have been there plenty of times to know that our gravy is better then theirs. I hope you never have to go through that again.

You came off a tad smarmy in the introduction. I thought Billy Bob's resulting attitude was hilarious, and well played.

All that said, his band still sucks.

Man Jian, you handled that like a prince. He didn't deserve your grace and kindness, but you never lowered to the madness around you. You tried to give him every out to look like a half decent person, rather than a half wit.
They just lost pretty much every potential Canadian fan that they might ever have had in 15 minutes.

WOW! I heard the first third of this interview on my way somewhere in the car, and I was approaching my destination just as our friend Billy was going on about some ridiculously irrelevant magazine. I have to say I was GLAD to turn off the radio. It's like a car wreck--you don't want to look but you...just...have...to...

I thought he was on drugs. That was the only answer.

But I came home and tried to listen to the rest. I couldn't. I just COULDN'T! It was so awful! How frustrating that a person could be so self-involved and pretentious as to insist that we ignore the very thing that got him attention!

Jian, I have such respect for you now. I mean, I already liked you when I found out you were a member of Moxy Fruvous (wait--should I mention that?), which took my admiration to a new level. But now...whole new respect.

Today my sister was talking about the pointlessness of obstetricians in delivery rooms. She said, "They don't do anything I couldn't do myself." I realized then that radio hosts are like doctors in this way: usually when I listen to the radio, I think, "I could do that. Why are they so special?" Until they get stuck trying to squeeze out a 20 minute interview with a hostile princess. And that's when I realize I couldn't do that, and I'm glad Jian can.

Handled like a hero. Jian, you're my radio doctor. I'm glad you were able to get through that so skillfully...and I'm really sorry you had to.

Man oh man.

Jian, I would have cut to commercial and left. you are a true professional. He on the other hand is not.

Unreal. This guy is incredibly disrespectful and rude. What I find interesting is that the "acting" was only referred to very briefly in the intro, but it was BBT who brought it into the actual interview as a topic. If you don't want to talk about it... then maybe just don't. Seems simple enough. But he couldn't control his childish peevishness and had to bring it up. Also, Billy? What, exactly, do monster magazines have to do with anything? Props to you, Jian. I now know what herding cats sounds like.

should've just directed all your questions to JD and Mike and ignored the self-proclaimed "music historian" altogether. guess he prefers mediocrity in all his professional endeavors.

What an absolute idiot. If BBT thinks we live in a vacuum and that his acting is irrelevant he's a moron - the music is terrible and if it weren't for his actor status (and that's all he'll ever have) he wouldn't have an album to promote.

I think comparing himself to Tom Petty (even indirectly) shows where this guy's head is at, and it isn't reality.

Never thought I'd hear anyone on the radio as arrogant and pompous as Jian, but Billy Bob gave it a college try. He still runs second to the man who gave us, "My people, the Persians..." Suck it up, pretty boy.

Lets just have a reality check here - someone needs to tell Billy Bob that if it weren't for his "acting career" nobody would even know who he or his box-people are. Isn't the point of publicity to get your name, your talent and your message out to the public? Well he certainly accomplished that today by the way that he "acted" on Q. If anything, this widely listened to interview today just proved that us "gravy loving Canadians" are respectful and can keep calm in the midst of a storm. Good job Jian.

Imagine, today is one of the few day's i've not had Q on my radio! Sounds like I missed quite the spectacle! Jian, you owe Billy Bob a big thank you. Not only did he help you to hone your already fine skills as an interviewer, but the infamous Perez Hilton picked up on the story and has provided a link to your website. Hi-five to diva Billy and his ego.

Billy Bob should do one or all of the following:

1. Go on tour with Joaquin Phoenix (but not really meet him or know him).

2. Quit his band and make "Bad Santa 2" (seems like he was in character during this interview).

3. Not hold any interviews at 6am after he has been up all night drinking.

What an egomaniac! Feel sorry for his band mates!

Wow, Billy Bob. After that arrogant & insulting display, good luck with the rest of your Canadian tour dates! People might start throwing things at your shows after all. Feel very sorry for your band though.

No one picks on my Jian that way! I almost want to buy a ticket to the show, just to throw stuff at this fool. Wow I think he thought no on was listening but it seems we all listen to you Jian.
I could not beieve this moron from the first question he came of as brainless. If I was in his band I would be leaving him at the next stop. I am sure there are lots of real drummers that could put some life into this band better than Bob.
It did make for good radio though. Thank you Jian for being so entertaining every morning.

Wow! What a complete total jerk! Is he an idiot? I think Billy Bob was seriously stoned throughout the entire interview. He should seriously apologize to Mr. Ghomeshi.

Jian, you did a great job at standing your ground and remaining calm and professional at the same time. After Billy Boy's comment about informing your producers "not to mention acting" I would have been tempted to say, "OK,fine, so let's talk about Angelina..."
Clearly his band mates were feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed as well. What an ass!

wow, what an idiot.
poor band.
way to stay cool, jian.

Congrats Jian. You did us all proud. You are totally skilled and a gracious interviewer.

Is Billy Bob a genius? He got free publicity. Gave us the interview of the year. And increased awareness of his existence so well that we are all calling friends getting them to listen to the podcast.

CBC producers scored a coup by airing this interview. Listenership has skyrocketted today.

This interview is one of the reasons why CBC is irreplacable.

He's an idiot! Bravo Jian!

Down with Billy Bob. Up with Jian.

Could he be any more full of himself? Great job keeping your cool though! Some of us wouldn't have been so calm. ;)

I was driving to work when I heard your incredible interview with that jerk, BBT. It was painful to listen to. I felt so bad for you, Jian. I'm amazed at how professionally you handled it. You must have the patience of a saint. I, on the other hand, do not. I was furious when I heard his arrogant, pompous remarks. I wanted to find a way of tracking down a phone number where I could call him and give him the biggest blast of shit he's ever heard! I'm STILL extremely agitated but I'm taking deep breaths and looking forward to beer after work. I think your interview would serve as a marvelous test at an anger management program!

wow, what an idiot.
poor band.
way to stay cool, jian.
just stay away from that brilliant rapper, joachim phoenix!

Jian Ghomeshi HUGE PROPS for dealing with EGO-IDIOT

BBT reminds of the Character he played in BAD SANTA

SAD

What a rude ass! I commend Jian for his professionalism and patience and putting up with all the crap coming out of this guys mouth.

Time for Q to get out of the celebrity sweepstakes. There's musicians and artists much more deserving of CBC support.

He should go out more often with Joaquin Phoenix! Sorry Bob, but you don't show that kind of rudeness here in Canada, eh! Jian's the best!

Again
Jian, You're a pro, and it's too bad that you get stuck with this garbage.

Wow, that was awkward, it sounded like Jian was going to start crying...I don't understand why people are mean to each other in the first place, the whole thing all seemed so pointless, it reminded me of high school, with that said, maybe Jian will learn his lesson and cool it with sounding so smug and condescending all the time...

I'm just curious if Billy Bob is on meds, if not he should be.

Good work with a bad subject, Jian. Mr. Thornton needs to fire his handler who agreed to an interview with the CBC -- something clearly not in keeping his star status. I'd rather hear an interview with a throat singer from Nunavut any day.

Billy Bob has got to be the biggest jerk ever! This interview was trying to get Canadians to listen to his music...now Canadians are just going to hold a grudge against him for being such an ass! I feel bad for anyone that has to interview Billy Bob in the future!

I've added the incident to Billy's Wiki page. Feel free to check it out.

I'd like to add to all the support you've received today Jian. Until today I was a big fan of Billy Bob's. During the interview, I just felt the discomfort that you and the band felt. He did a piss-poor job of promoting himself and the band. I'm sure the audience at his next show won't be so conservative and he'll see stuff getting thrown...

I'll never watch another movie with Billy Bob Thorton in it. I refuse to support such any arrogant waste of skin.

I've heard the term "character assassination", but "character suicide" is a new one on me. Well played Jian, your hands are clean!

Wow, what a jerk. You really have to sit through the whole thing to get to the full extent of his arrogance.

Q: Do you remember what you were listening to, musically, when you were a kid?

A: They had a contest where you can build your own model ... [Billy Bob goes on for 55 seconds with a non-sequitur story about building a model as a kid].

Jian is quite rightly puzzled and asks him what that has to do with music, and BB just replies that the model contest came out of a monster magazine.

Jian tries to steer the conversation back to music by trying to ask what he was listening to as a kid, by trying to say something to the effect of, "Gee since you are obviously passionate about music ... what were you listening to as a kid?" It's after he mentions that he is passionate about music that BB freaks out.

BB was clearly not answering any of the questions, was clearly defensive about the fact that his band was only 2 years old, and then he proceeds to piss all over Jian for trying his best to get a conversation started.

And when Jian calls a truce, BB continues to act defensively and won't let the matter go. He then goes on to refer derisively to Canadian audiences as "reserved." Apparently, we are reserved because we don't "throw things at each other." As much fun as it would be to get hit in the head with a beer bottle during a concert, I'm glad we're "reserved."

The petulant baby then refuses to play a song, awkwardly forcing his band to play an instrumental set.

What an arrogant jerk! If I was in his his band I'd pitch to turf BB and call the band "The Boxcars Sans Billy Bob"

To play devils advocate, music is obviously his passion and there would be a tendency for interviewers to bombard him with questions about himself not related to music. It would seem that he's trying to underscore that he is only one member, who is a musician, in a band. And that any questions to him should not be any different then to any of the other members. Now I'm not saying they were.
On the other hand, my favorite band stopped doing interviews 20 years ago because they hated being asked the same stupid questions a million times. Go NOFX!

billy bob is a douchebag

To play devils advocate, music is obviously his passion and there would be a tendency for interviewers to bombard him with questions about himself not related to music. It would seem that he's trying to underscore that he is only one member, who is a musician, in a band. And that any questions to him should not be any different then to any of the other members. Now I'm not saying they were.
On the other hand, my favorite band stopped doing interviews 20 years ago because they hated being asked the same stupid questions a million times. Go NOFX!
And either way, it was pretty entertaining radio!

Yikes. What a dick.
Jian, you should have pulled out the brass knuckles. It was deserved. But your calm and focus did the job too, and frankly, I really appreciate that you didn't let BBT off the hook about the intro and what producers were "instructed" to do. Do listeners need context? Absolutely. The irony is that you didn't ask about acting. Diva BBT brought it up, made a fuss, and then the interview was about his acting, producing, directing, blah blah, pissy attitude, blah.
Oh, and what gall to compare himself to Tom Petty AND bemoan Canada's so-called absence of "gravy."

I wish the interview had switched up and focused on the actual musicians after the first nonsense answer from Billy Bob. But since it didn't and I had to cringe through it, I hope that I am listening when frustration turns to desperation, publicity dries up and Billy Bob returns to Q with his hat in his hand, willing to talk to anybody about anything, so long as there are people listening.

the band's live performance was not very good. i heard some bad notes and it was a boring song. so yeah, agree w/ the guy who said no one would give these guys a second look if not for BBT being famous.

Hello CBC, April fools day is over! You had me going at the beginning of the month with all that talk about cooking up a raccoon and such but come on, today was carrying it a bit far don't you think? I mean really, setting us up days before to believe that Billy Bob had a band. That's pathetic! And then to stick an imposter in front of a mike and carry on like that. Shame on you Q people for doing that to poor Billy Bob. I hope he's a forgiving man for your sake. I'm no village idiot like that guy in the Bible and I know when I've been had and I've been had. I have been had haven't I?

Billy, go home plant some tomatoes. Then harvest them and throw them at yourself. Jian stay here with the Canadians!

I can only say that Mr. Billy Bob Thornton = ignorant jerk!

nothing else...

Thank you,
Lautaro

close to 800 comments! haven't heard it yet. can only imagine. this is the headline piece on tmz.com . They called him jerkwad. great job jian.

I don’t usually blog but after that interview I felt I had to.

I listen to your show on a regular basis but unfortunately I missed today’s. I find you to be a very good interviewer who asks relevant questions and I find your show very entertaining. That being said I have 2 questions:

1- Was your producer instructed?
2- And if so why would you/your producer agree to such an interview.

I think what a lot of people are missing in what Billy Bob said is that as a band, I believe, he would like it to be judged on its own merits and that his previous accolades be left at the door. Now with that being said…

I think the man was completely tactless. There were so many better ways of handling the situation. BUT if you go to www.cbc.ca what’s the first thing you see? Billy Bob! Any press is good press. I think you’ve been played…

Well done, Gian! Grace under pressure...
I can only hope that whatever fans do attend the Willie Nelson concert this evening cart along a good supply of mashed potatoes. Alternatively, the reserved Canadian thing would be to politely wait until the opening act has left the stage before taking a seat.

Hey Jian.
After listening to your interview, I would like to applaud your integrity and professionalism.
Good for you for not compromising your job informing and providing context your viewers just to satisfy his obviously huge, but delicate ego.
It seems more and more frequently I am disgusted at people's audacity and egos.
Today however, Billy Bob really took the cake.
Anyway, if you ever have the misfortune of dealing with that arrogant, stuck-up diva, please tell him that's he's lost another fan, for good.

What a complete and utter jerk!!!!
Who does he think he is?

It is apparent that Billy Bob has little regard for his audience, whether they be radio listeners or patrons at his concert. One can only assume this contempt extends to his movie audiences as well. It begs the question, what is this man doing in the entertainment business? Jian did an admirable job at trying to conduct a fair and sensitive interview. My hats off to you for your patience and tolerance.

Jian - now your interview is posted on both laineygossip.com and tmz.com. Billy Bob has succeeded in making his "acting" the point.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing, jian trying to do an interview and billy bob behaving like a total jerk. Wasn't the purpose for this band coming on Q... to promote themselves? I felt sorry for the other musicians. But I will never listen to his music.

You handled it FABULOUSLY! But I was hoping you'd REALLY piss him off and ask his thoughts on Brangelina...

what an ass! musical historian..that was a really funny comment. Jian handled it well...how can BBob deny his "celebrity" status got him this far...if not than why does the boxmasters website have a link to "Friends" such as billybobapalooza...or News with reviews that have him and necessarily his bandmates as the focus. Talk about the centre of the universe.

Good. Gravy.
I think it's very possible that Billy Bob may have a split personality disorder. Way to go, Jian. There's a reason why you're my fave! Keep up the good work!

I just listened to the interview and read some of the comments. I'm reminded of a Joe Strummer interview in Toronto where he shut it down when asked a question about The Clash. I admire Billy Bob for having the guts to stay true to himself especially when Jian Gomeshi kept coming at him in condescending and passive aggressive tones. I'm not a fan of Gomeshi and when I hear or see him I generally turn the set off. And the commenters on here are typical Torontonians/Canadians in that they're too eager to dump on Billy Bob, or anyone for that matter who doesn't exhibit the cool, polite tones of the affluent. Also, I thought the digression into the Famous Movie Monster models was excellent. I was hooked on those monster models from an early age around 1970 so I knew a bit about what Billy Bob was saying. In closing, I can't stand it when someone patronizes me and sometimes it takes a little direct aggression, or hostility, to clear the air.

painful to sit thru. only wish you had the nerve to say to this prima donna "seeing that you don,t wish to be here or to participate in this interview we,ll end it here and fill in the remaining time with some Tom Petty tunes"