91 Year Old Willie Nelson Makes Return to Stage After Prolonged Illness
Thank goodness.
We’d be lying if we didn’t say it’s been a tense couple weeks of nail biting and refreshing news feeds for many fans of Willie Nelson and country music. The 91-year-old was forced to cancel multiple shows on his current Outlaw Festival tour due to an unspecified illness, and even though the cancellations came with assurances that he was expected to make a speedy recovery, at 91, all illnesses feel touch and go.
It also didn’t help that on a couple of occasions, official missives set a future return date for Willie, only to be pushed back once again. Willie Nelson missed seven stops total on the Outlaw Festival, with disappointed, but understanding fans getting fill-in performances by Willie’s son and heir apparent to Nelson’s legacy, Lukas Nelson.
But all is right in the world on the night of July 4th, unless you’re a dog with a strong aversion to fireworks. On Tuesday (7-2) when announcing that Willie would miss yet another Outlaw Festival stop in Mansfield, MA, they assured that Willie would make the stage for his annual 4th of July Picnic in Camden, New Jersey. Lo and behold, this time the promises held, and Willie took the stage to a standing ovation.
It’s still worth emphasizing that Will Nelson is 91 years old. Most humans don’t live that long, let alone go traipsing across the country on tour, while also releasing albums at a two-per-year clip like Willie has been doing. His latest album The Border was just released on May 31st.
Don’t take for granted what a marvel it is to see Willie, and if you care about such things, don’t pass the opportunity up. Some have been seeing Willie every year for the last decade plus, worrying it might be the last time, and then he defies odds once again.
From Camden, NJ to around the United States and world, Willie Nelson fans can breath a sigh of relief, at least for now. All is right with the world, and Willie is still around and singing.
July 5, 2024 @ 2:01 am
A marvel and a legend in his own lifetime. Long May he keep performing.
July 5, 2024 @ 2:59 pm
Love, love, love Willie! I’m not a country fan, but he and Dolly are the only exceptions.
July 5, 2024 @ 7:02 am
Glad you’re back,Willie !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you’re soon back in the studio,cowboy !!!!!!!!!!!!
July 5, 2024 @ 7:57 am
Good to See You Back Willie. Sure Do Hope You Feel Better.Just Take It Easy . Love You Willie. We Need Yoù!
July 5, 2024 @ 8:27 am
Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi filled in for him in Atlanta. They just happened to be attending the concert with no idea they would be playing.
July 5, 2024 @ 11:11 am
My son and I attended the Charlotte show. Willie was obviously missed but Lukas stood in and performed an incredible representation of a Willie set. And Waylon Payne is the secret weapon of the Family Band nowadays.
July 5, 2024 @ 11:40 am
Going to the show on July 7th in Hershey PA. So glad Willie has recovered.
July 5, 2024 @ 1:52 pm
I was there… 7th row! There was so much love for this man, this legend. When he faltered Lukas and the crowd were there to help. You could see the care and love from Lukas and Waylan. I don’t think there was a dry eye during the duet of Just Breathe. We got rousing rendition of Still Not Dead, which was met with cheers. Seeing Willie live is ALWAYS a special experience. But sharing this day with my 14yo son, who idolizes this man…. This is fist time seeing Willie live will forever be etched in my soul.
July 5, 2024 @ 3:17 pm
I’ve loved Willie since the 70’s when I lived in Austin. Have seen him live dozens of times. Now I live in Florida (ugg) and still cherish him as the national treasure he is.
July 5, 2024 @ 5:53 pm
I went to college at The University of Texas, and while there I attended the first of his 4th of July picnics at a ranch in Dripping Springs in 1973…I graduated in August 1974.
God bless you greatly, Willie
July 5, 2024 @ 6:03 pm
I’m a forever fan and hope to see him soon in Idaho
Take good care of yourself Willie, you are loved by many.
July 5, 2024 @ 6:05 pm
God Bless you Willie in this crazy world and times we live in we need you more than ever i wear my Willie for President hat proudly ever where i go you are bigger than life and thank God you are still with us you changed the way i looked at music and life in 1978 at your 4th of July Picnic in Kansas City with you Waylon Jennings Jesse Colter Jerry Jeff Walker and the Grateful Dead and Hippies And Rednecks all had a great time and got along i have always tried to look at things that way ever since long may you live and keep doing what you love making music with your friends Much love and God Bless .
July 6, 2024 @ 6:58 am
Saw Willie in Cary N.C. loved every moment of show.
July 6, 2024 @ 7:04 am
St. Louis is routing for you to be feeling better now which means you can tour again. ????
July 6, 2024 @ 8:55 pm
I was at one of the shows he had to cancel, last weekend in Syracuse, NY. It was disappointing, especially since there might not be another opportunity, but the guy has a bad case of being in his 90s. Lesser artists would have hung it up long before now. He’s an absolute marvel for continuing to perform. I’m glad he’s better and I envy the fans who will get to see him on this tour.
July 6, 2024 @ 8:58 pm
Willie and Waylon will always be my heroes. Covered their music in many bands I have played in. Great memories!!!!!!
July 14, 2024 @ 7:22 pm
Wish I still lived in NJ, would love to go see him.