Billy Bob In Hot Water With Canadian Fans

After A Phoenix-Letterman-Type Radio Interview, The Actor/Singer Tries To Makes Amends

(AP)  A day after Billy Bob Thornton said Canadian audiences were like mashed potatoes without gravy, the actor professed his love for the Great White North.

Thornton talked quickly to reporters before going into Massey Hall on Thursday night for a performance with his band, the Boxmasters. The group was opening for Willie Nelson.

"I love Canada, absolutely," said the 53-year-old actor, clad in a sleek black suit and puffing on a cigarette.

The proclamation was a sharp contrast to comments Thornton made Wednesday when he was an uncooperative guest on CBC's "Q" radio program.

During that appearance, the Oscar-winning star of "Sling Blade" sparred back and forth with host Jian Ghomeshi and found time to insult Canadian crowds.

"Canadian audiences seem to be very reserved," he told Ghomeshi. "We tend to play places where people throw things at each other. Here, they just sort of sit there. And it doesn't matter what you say to 'em. ... It's mashed potatoes but no gravy."

On Thursday, Thornton was asked why he made the comment if he loves Canada.

"I was talking about the guy who was interviewing me," he said. "I don't know his name."

The actor's belligerent appearance on the show has already become a veritable viral sensation.

More than 600,000 viewers had watched the clip on YouTube by 8 p.m. Thursday, while a CBC spokesperson said the network had received roughly 3,700 blog responses and emails regarding the appearance.

Meanwhile, media around the world delighted in the story.

"If you can't wait for the next season of `Curb Your Enthusiasm' to start, this video clip should briefly satisfy your hunger for achingly, all-too-real situation comedy," wrote a New York Times blogger.

Entertainment Weekly's website ran the headline, "Billy Bob Thornton: What's his problem?" and the L.A. Times was similarly damning with its own headline, "Billy Bob Thornton, crazier than Joaquin Phoenix - is that possible?"

Indeed, Thornton seemed to have at least temporarily swiped Phoenix's mantle as the most erratic actor-turned-musician.

Phoenix, who abandoned acting to pursue a career in rap music, made headlines when he sulked his way through an interview on "Late Show With David Letterman" earlier this year. Wearing a heavy beard and dark sunglasses, the uncommunicative "Walk the Line" star prompted Letterman to crack: "Joaquin, I'm sorry you couldn't be here tonight."

While Phoenix was aloof in that interview, Thornton managed to be both obtuse and openly antagonistic with Ghomeshi.

Thornton, who was interviewed alongside his Boxmasters bandmates, took issue with Ghomeshi's introduction, which included references to the star's career as a Hollywood actor, director and screenwriter.

For much of the interview, Thornton refused to answer any of Ghomeshi's questions directly, instead mumbling "I don't know what you're talking about," or some variation thereof in response to most questions.

The issue came to a head when Ghomeshi mentioned Thornton's passion for music.

"Would you say that to Tom Petty?" Thornton questioned.

Thornton said Ghomeshi's producers had been instructed ahead of time not to talk about his film career at all.

When the radio host suggested that Thornton's past was relevant to provide context for listeners, Thornton fired back: "There's plenty of context without all that."

Thornton mainly seemed sensitive to any comment that implied that his band - which he described as "cosmic cowboy music" - was not his full-time passion.

When pressed for details on his musical influences, Thornton elliptically provided a non sequitur about a magazine he subscribed to called Famous Monsters of Filmland and a model-building contest he once entered.

[joel3315]

Hey, give the guy a break! It's obvious he is on some kind of medication. He probably should not have done the interview, and the bandmembers are jerks for not covering for him. He would've done it for one of them. You can see the looks on their faces. They knew this would happen.

I've been a pro musician for over 30 years, and when you touring, you don't have time to be sick. If you get medicine, you have to roll with it the best way you can. Lorretta Lynn had several 'less-than-lucid' moments in her career, but she had reliable people to get her through it, instead of just sitting there looking like a deer caught in the headlights.

I had to do a whole show with a national act while I was on Demerol. Th stage manager lead me onto the stage, plugged my bass guitar in for me, and placed a large newspaper on my spot. They did not hook me up a microphone. I was told to stay 'on the paper', and if I had difficulties, just let the fidder (standing next to me) know. They had a stand-by bassman in case I couldn't make it through the show. Anytime I stepped off the paper, the fiddler and/or 2nd guitartist would ease me back onto it, and they joked to the audience about my condition. The audience thought it was part of the actt.

That's how musicians look out for each other. The Boxmasters should be ashamed. They let him down.

[2catnight]

BBT is a jerk and Angelina was stupid to have married him...she married HIM but won't marry Brad? Slingblade is the only thing Thornton has done that got much attention. Wikipedia says he has a phobia of antique furniture and flatware...what an idiot!

[chuckstats]

Boy, do I agree with brianbwb-2009 at 6:08 PM's post. Bob Billy Thornton out of our life and bring on the people who deserve what we can give them...respect.

[noirviolette]

In my opinion B.B.T. is a all around no talent FREAK.

[jonesjep]

Who cares about either one? Canada is as essential to global politics as Billy Bob is to the world of music.

[citizenusa-2009]

I know someone who has worked in "Billy Bob" . He's always referred to him as a phony and a wannabe. I disagreed...until I heard the pathetic stint on the radio. He truly is full of himself and sees himself as the ultimate "artist". That and $1.25 will get him a cup of coffee. Bye Bye Billy Bob. You are toast!

[jxknowles]

When I met Tom Petty, I asked him about his very funny acting roles on Garry Shandling, The Simpsons and King of the Hill as well as his dramatic role in The Postman. Tom graciously told me how much he enjoyed doing other projects. Yes, we did discuss his music career also. Tom does not talk down to people. Tom is approachable and likeable.

Billy Bob, you are a really good actor, but a mediocre musician. Now learn some humility. You are no better than anyone else.

[TheRealJiveTurkey]

Billy Bob who ??? Honestly, I have dropped out of following films for the last 10 yrs so have no clue who this guy is... but I do listen to and follow all kinds of music, and this guy has never come up once.
And you don't need to live close the US - CAN border to get CBC radio.. all programs are on the 'net for podcasts/live streaming....

[indigoahma]

Billly Bob insulted more the Canadians. I urge all to check out the interview. By the way the show and host are among the best around, Q rules
I live in a border town lucky to get Cbc radio

[oldsoftee]

To paraphrase Lloyd Bensen responding to Dan Quayle: "I know Tom Petty, and Mr. Thornton, you're no Tom Petty."