The Traveling Wilburys were an English–American supergroup consisting of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. Originating from an idea discussed by Harrison and Lynne during the sessions for Harrison's 1987 album Cloud Nine, the band formed in April 1988 after the five members united to record a bonus track for Harrison's next European single.
The music video for "End of the Line" was directed by Willy Smax. It was filmed in Los Angeles shortly after Orbison's death in December 1988, and features Dylan's participation. To honour the loss of Orbison, a shot of a guitar sitting in a rocking chair next to a photo of him was used when his vocals are heard.