Willie Nelson, 91, Cleared To Go On The Road Again After Longer-Than-Expected Recuperation – Updated
Willie Nelson in 2023 Kevin Kane/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
UPDATED: Willie Nelson will soon be on the road again after an extended break on doctor’s orders. Originally, on June 21, the country music legend was advised to “rest for the next four days.” That was then extended to this week, before it was announced that the Presidential Medal of Freedom winner would, appropriately, be available to rejoin the running Outlaw Tour on July 4.
Nelson, 91, has had health issues interfere with touring in recent years, but the news that the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer is well enough to rejoin his compatriots is welcome news.
In 2018, Nelson left the stage during his first song in San Diego due to breathing problems. Days later, he canceled an entire month of dates due to what was termed a severe flu.
This time, Nelson is expected to make a quick recovery and join the festival next week, according to the statement. In his place will be son Lukas Nelson and the Nelson Family Band. It promises they and a few guests “will perform a special set to include Willie’s classics and other songs.”
Also performing will be Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss and Celisse — not a bad lineup in itself.
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— Willie Nelson (@WillieNelson) June 21, 2024
The 2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour features not just Willie Nelson & Family, Dylan, Plant and Krauss, but John Mellencamp with Brittney Spencer and Southern Avenue.
A doc about Nelson and his family played at last year’s Sundance Film Festival.