Willie Nelson Leaves Stage in San Diego Due to Breathing Issues, Cancels Additional Shows
Willie Nelson had to abruptly cancel a show near San Diego Saturday evening (1-6) when he was too ill to perform, and has since canceled multiple shows to head back to Texas and recuperate.
Nelson was barely able to start his opening song “Whiskey River” when playing for at the Harrah’s Resort SoCal just north of San Diego before he began coughing and experiencing difficulty breathing according to attendees, eventually leaving the stage. After it was apparent the show could not go on, the performance was canceled.
Subsequent shows have also been canceled due to the illness. Monday night’s (1-8) show at the McCallum Theater in Palm Springs, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday shows at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, and a Sunday performance at the Edgewater Hotel Casino in Laughlin, Nevada have all been canceled.
Willie Nelson’s publicist says the country legend is suffering from “a bad cold or the flu,” but would not elaborate further.
2018 is starting off similar to Willie Nelson’s 2017, when he was also suffering from respiratory issues, and had to cancel multiple shows. This prompted much concern from fans, wondering if the 84-year-old was suffering from declining health. However later in 2017 Willie Nelson bounced back strong, turning in multiple solid performances that put concerns to rest.
Willie Nelson is not the only country legend currently suffering health setbacks. It was revealed on Monday (1-9) that Loretta Lynn fell and fractured her hip last week. “I was with Loretta yesterday. She is in good spirits and is doing as well as can be expected with this type of injury,” sister Crystal Gayle told followers on Instagram.
January 9, 2018 @ 8:53 am
Willie and Loretta are legends in an age where the word is thrown around lightly.
Get better soon, Willie.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Loretta.
January 9, 2018 @ 9:01 am
🙁
January 9, 2018 @ 9:01 am
I think Willie will bounce back from this episode. I just wish he’s cut back his touring. We saw him 3x last year and he was the best the night he had off 5 days prior to the show – played the longest too – 70 minutes.
Loretta hasn’t looked good since the stroke.
January 9, 2018 @ 10:28 am
Get well soon, Willie! He really does have a grueling schedule for his age, or for anyone really.
January 9, 2018 @ 11:45 am
I disagree hoptown tiger 94.IMO, Loretta looked great @ the hall of fame induction for Alan Jackson.Again JMO,I respect yours too.
January 9, 2018 @ 11:53 am
I might add,Loretta has cracked bones many times.I have seen her many times since the late 1980’s in concert where she performed with her arm in a sling,cast, and one concert where she performed on crutches with a broken foot.But, like the trooper she is,went on and gave us fans the great concert we came to see.She sang so beautiful and never complained about pain.She’s bounced back before,and with God’s help and grace,she will do it again.So will Willie.
January 9, 2018 @ 12:08 pm
Willy Just retire for crying out loud! You deserve it! We have albums and videos of you we can enjoy. Of course it’s great to see you, but time marches on and we don’t want to see you sick!!
January 9, 2018 @ 1:18 pm
Stop smoking weed, Willie
January 10, 2018 @ 9:42 am
Doctors told hime years to go to stop burning; he just vapes now. But, damage done.
January 9, 2018 @ 1:34 pm
He doesn’t have much longer.
January 9, 2018 @ 4:44 pm
Go rain on somebody else’s parade. He will probably outlive all of us. Moron.????
January 10, 2018 @ 4:04 am
Well said!
January 9, 2018 @ 5:18 pm
I have a feeling Willie intends to die on the road with marijuana smoke coursing through his lungs and his guitar Trigger by his side.
January 9, 2018 @ 6:50 pm
I can only wish the best for the last truly authentic Outlaw still standing. Like Johnny Cash, Willie is an international ambassador for country music and at the same time transcends mundane genre characterizations. Whatever happens, here’s to a few more helpings of “On The Road Again”, etc., etc., before he’s through.
January 9, 2018 @ 9:30 pm
Time is an asshole.