Billy Bob in radio outburst

Billy Bob Thornton left a US radio host baffled when he demanded the DJ treat him "like Tom Petty" - and not refer to his Hollywood career.

Angelina Jolie's ex-husband made the bizarre request on America's CBC Radio, during an appearance with his country/pop band The Boxmasters.

The Oscar winner lost his temper with presenter Jian Ghomeshi when questioned about his passion for singing and how he finds time for music in between his acting jobs.

Thornton snapped: "Would you say that to Tom Petty?" and went on to blast his host for broaching subject matter the star had allegedly warned show producers was off-limits.

A confused Ghomeshi asked: "Are you reacting to the fact that I referred to you as an actor?" to which Thornton replied, "Yeah, I am."