Willie Nelson Cancels Weekend Concerts Due to Illness
Beloved country music legend Willie Nelson, 91, had to cancel his concert appearances this past weekend due to illness. Fans were eagerly awaiting the start of the Outlaw Music Festival Tour on Friday, June 21, but just hours before the show, Nelson shared on social media that he couldn’t perform on “doctor’s orders.”
“Willie Nelson is not feeling well and has been advised by his doctor to rest for the next four days,” read the statement on his official X account. Despite this setback, the message assured fans that Nelson is expected to make a quick recovery and rejoin the tour next week.
In Nelson’s absence, his son Lukas Nelson and the Family Band stepped up to perform a special set, including some of Willie’s classics and other songs. The rest of the lineup, featuring big names like Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and Celisse, went ahead as planned.
A representative for Nelson also released a reassuring statement: “Willie will be fine. I live in Los Angeles and will fly next week to see the performances on the east coast. I can’t wait.” While a specific return date wasn’t provided, Nelson’s next scheduled show is on June 26 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
The 2024 Outlaw Music Festival was announced back in February, generating significant excitement. On the tour’s website, Nelson wrote, “This year’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour promises to be the biggest and best yet with this lineup of legendary artists. I am thrilled to get back on the road again with my family and friends, playing the music we love for the fans we love.”
Last year, around his 90th birthday in April, Nelson expressed his joy about being on tour to AARP. “Working is really good for me, no matter what kind of show it is,” he said. When asked about retiring, he joked, “I retire after every tour.” He added, “But I’m always ready to go back again. I like the bus. I have everything I need on the bus. I never have to go into a hotel room anywhere. It’s not that bad.”
Fans are eagerly awaiting Willie Nelson’s return to the stage, hoping to see the country icon back in action soon.