Willie Nelson Walks Off Stage at Charlotte’s Outlaw Music Fest, Show Canceled
Elvis Costello and Brandi Carlile also canceled appearances at same event.
Willie Nelson’s appearance at the Outlaw Music Festival on Saturday (5-26) at the PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, North Carolina was abruptly cancelled after Willie was unwilling or unable to perform. According to concertgoers, Willie Nelson walked out on stage twice, but never sang or played. During his second appearance on stage, he threw his hat out into the crowd (see video below).
Willie Nelson’s set was supposed to start at roughly 9:40 p.m. local time. By 10:25, he still had not begun his performance. The crowd was left in the dark for a while as to whether the performance would happen or not, but eventually an announcer told the crowd the show had been officially canceled. At about 11:10 Eastern time, Live Nation Carolina declared, “Due to illness, Willie Nelson was unable to play tonight at the Outlaw Music Festival at PNC Music Pavilion Charlotte. Fans are asked to please hold on to their tickets until the new date is announced.”
The Outlaw Music Festival is a multi-city festival promoted by Blackbird Presents and LiveNation. It features different performers at each stop, with Willie Nelson headlining each night. The Charlotte, North Carolina date was also scheduled to feature Sturgill Simpson, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Brandi Carlile, and Old Crow Medicine Show. Elvis Costello and Brandi Carlile had also both canceled their performances before Saturday’s show for personal reasons. The Wild Feathers and Mitchell Lee were added to the bill.
“85 yr young Willie Nelson has just walked on and off the stage in Charlotte twice,” said one concertgoer. “The 2nd time angrily throwing his hat into the crowd. I don’t think he is coming back. I wish I had caught the hat.”
Willie Nelson has postponed, cancelled, or been unable to take the stage on numerous occasions over the past few years due to illness. However Saturday night’s episode seemed especially dramatic. So far there is no word on Willie Nelson’s condition, if something else may have caused the cancellation, or when the performance may be rescheduled. More details when they become available.
May 26, 2018 @ 8:43 pm
I was there. If he was sick, he would have told us early on. He was upset about something. Total disrespect for his fans on this long day at PNC Music Pavillion. What a shame.
May 26, 2018 @ 8:52 pm
Was it related to his time slot or something?
May 26, 2018 @ 10:50 pm
he was not well. the couple next to me, their daughter was engaged to someone in one of the other bands. They got a text from him that Willie was back stage out of breath and probably wasnt going to come on. This was 20 minutes before the official announcement. Nothing unprofessional about trying twice at 85 y/o to do your job but just not having the strength in the end.
May 27, 2018 @ 6:55 am
Hey Mike, you consider that maybe Willie really wanted to come out and play for his fans and after trying two times and was still unable to due to not feeling well and being 85 years old this upset him? I would say that a man at his age who has been playing for decades and continues to go on the road and play close to 200 dates for his fans deserves some benefit of the doubt. Willie is an American legend and in my opinion the greatest living American musical performer. I don’t see the lack of respect at all, you should be glad that he hasn’t retired and tours at all.
May 27, 2018 @ 9:56 am
Willie is a complete gentleman and is dedicated to and loves his fans. If he could have, he would have.
May 27, 2018 @ 12:38 pm
He definitely was not happy when he picked up that guitar, turned it over and looked at it. Something was very wrong. He owes his fans an honest answer though.
May 27, 2018 @ 5:28 pm
Maybe try not jumping the gun next time Mike. And shame on you for disrespecting the great Willie Nelson.
June 14, 2018 @ 10:49 pm
Wth??? Disrespect??? Plz this man is an icon,hes part of American history! You dont know what is going on in his life. You dont know of his health or diseases he may have. Besides the fact that he is human and deserves some privacy, respect, understanding and compassion.
February 18, 2022 @ 9:57 am
Y’all crazy as hell, willies fed up!!!! Probably had to deal with one of the new alien hybrids that are springing up everywhere, they havent quite adapted to being human and living on earth , also could have had whiskey eyes or ashtray breath, poor guy, soldier on willie, pick up that rifle and keep movin…..
July 5, 2022 @ 2:05 pm
Willie has emphacima. I SAW him on jimmy fallon and could hardly sing a note and he was constanly out of breath even when jimmy interviewed him. Well what do we expect from someone who constantly smoked cigs and pot… toooo bad
September 27, 2021 @ 12:53 pm
Willie has given more of himself to more people for more years than pretty much any other living artist. He doesn’t owe anyone shit.
May 26, 2018 @ 8:46 pm
Elvis Costello and Brandi Carlile were both dropped from the lineup at the last minute. Rough night.
May 27, 2018 @ 4:53 am
Dropped or cancelled?
May 26, 2018 @ 8:49 pm
Oh, man. We’re going to the Outlaw show in Little Rock. I hope whatever it is gets sorted out .
May 26, 2018 @ 8:56 pm
sturgill rocked,
Willy Nelson is a giant vagina ! ..disappointing to say the least..
May 26, 2018 @ 10:38 pm
Are you kidding me???
May 26, 2018 @ 11:02 pm
i don’t know who you are, or who you THINK you are, but your statement is unforgivable. f@!* off. Willie is a national treasure, buddy. you can’t even spell his name properly (unless that was just another “clever” form of disrespect, anyway.
May 27, 2018 @ 5:28 am
…you are never going to forgive me…darn..that makes me sad…
May 26, 2018 @ 11:19 pm
Harry Paratests you’re delusional!! Willie is 85 years old and Probably plays 200+ shows a year, still. Until you know the problem stfu!!
May 27, 2018 @ 2:28 am
Harry you POS, I hope to be able to do half the shi* that this man can do when I get his age. I could think of a few other colorful names for you but it doesn’t matter, you get my point and so does everyone else. Willie works way to hard and shouldn’t have to.
May 27, 2018 @ 2:48 am
Willie is a sick man he has always given his all to his fans. You’re the vagina.
May 27, 2018 @ 5:35 am
Harry doesn’t make a hair on willie’s ass.
May 27, 2018 @ 6:59 am
Willie is 85, I’d like to see you releasing albums and playing 175 dates a year at his age. You’re probably the same sort of low life sack of shit that talks through concerts. You don’t deserve Willie, if you don’t have any respect then don’t go his shows. I wouldn’t piss on you if you were on fire.
May 27, 2018 @ 10:08 am
Don’t feed the trolls, people.
May 27, 2018 @ 3:41 pm
Your a idiot with no respect for your elders!!!
May 27, 2018 @ 5:30 pm
Harry you can fuck just about all the way off.
May 28, 2018 @ 8:47 pm
So vagina is what you cal people/events you don’t approve of? Paging Dr. Freud. Somebody has mommy issues.
May 29, 2018 @ 2:31 am
Boys, can we not use vagina as an insult? It’s a little cringy. And when we get right down to it, inaccurate. Penises and testicles are far and away weaker and more fragile than vaginas. 😉
March 27, 2022 @ 1:31 pm
To hell with you. Maybe he was sick or something like that. You douchbag.
May 26, 2018 @ 9:05 pm
Time for Willie to hang em up!
May 27, 2018 @ 9:28 pm
Still better at 85 than all the trash bro country douchebags combined.
May 26, 2018 @ 9:11 pm
Y’all need to chill, he’s 85. Y’all are acting like old people don’t ever get grumpy.
May 26, 2018 @ 9:16 pm
I think it is very plausible Willie Nelson was pissed, and Willie Nelson was sick. He very well may have been pissed about being sick. He’s a workaholic who’s let it be known he wants to die on stage. Luckily, that didn’t happen Saturday.
May 26, 2018 @ 9:20 pm
If he wants to die on stage, he has to stay on stage.
May 26, 2018 @ 11:07 pm
I’m with Trigger on this one for sure.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:03 am
Damn right Trigger! He was probably pissed because he was too sick to play. Anyone here badmouthing Willie Nelson should be ashamed of yourselves. You’re all wasting his oxygen.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:22 am
I get the wanting to “die on stage” thing. Lemmy used to say the same thing but if you see videos of his few shows it makes you sad. A couple times he barely made it through 2 or 3 songs. Sometimes as a professional you have to call it a day when you take into consideration some people might be driving hours and paying crazy ticket prices for a show that’s “iffy” at best. Either that or have enough big names in place on the bill so that people still get value if Willie isn’t well enough to play. No one wants to literally see him die on stage.
May 28, 2018 @ 4:02 am
Trigger,
For him to die on stage, he’ll probably need to play while he’s sick.
May 26, 2018 @ 9:21 pm
That’s why he is an Outlaw !!!!
May 27, 2018 @ 6:00 pm
Embarrassing ones self repeatedly by canceling shows ahead of time or pulling shit like this isn’t “outlaw”. It’s embarrassing and a sure time that he needs to retire.
May 26, 2018 @ 9:30 pm
I have tickets for 3 Outlaw Fest this year (June, September). I’ve been pretty lucky to date …. seen him 7 times the past 3 years.
May 26, 2018 @ 9:31 pm
Was this a curfew venue?
May 26, 2018 @ 9:35 pm
The rest of his band clearly walked out on stage to play a show. The venue may have a curfew, but this was Willie’s call.
May 26, 2018 @ 9:39 pm
Maybe he was upset he was only going to get to play a few songs before curfew shut him down, then thought screw it, I’ll reschedule it.
I remember going to a Toby Keith show in 07 and a storm hit and blew out the power. They brought in a generator and had to wait for the mayor to give permission to break curfew.
May 26, 2018 @ 9:44 pm
Looked it up and this venue has a “strict 11 pm curfew,” apparently Luke Bryan got a fine for breaking it ….
“It’s a fact: PNC Music Pavilion has to adhere to a strict 11 p.m. curfew; and it’s a fact: Bryan’s concert on Thursday night ended at 11:57. So, this too is likely a fact: The tour had to foot the fine for breaking curfew.”
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article99469097.html
But something made Willie start that late. He’s been known to late starts.
May 26, 2018 @ 10:34 pm
Although it may have been Willie’s call , with the curfew in place as well, it swemed as thoigh they messed his tech gear up. They were checking it for over 45 min. Willie came out ready to play, but they seemed to have issues with the sound, i think they messed up his gear. On top of him being in poor health lately, id be pissed too. Once 1030 came and they were still checking his gear, there wasnt much point. He couldnt give us the show he knew we wanted at that point.
May 27, 2018 @ 5:56 am
That’s why especially if I’m traveling to a city I avoid curfew venues.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:09 am
Huh, so the curfew is the deal and he was only going to get to play 30 minutes then maybe he was doing right by his fans. Now the show gets rescheduled and they get a on full Willie show. Perhaps he was looking out for people and refused to give them just a piece of a show. I’ll say I saw him the night before in Raleigh and of the 3 Willie shows I’ve seen it was the best. He played a ton of lead guitar…it was amazing. Oh and again for anyone on here bad mouthing Willie, shut up.
May 27, 2018 @ 10:15 am
i think they have 11pm noise ordinace in place
May 26, 2018 @ 9:52 pm
Curfew is like Martial Law. Is the Mayor a dictator?
May 26, 2018 @ 10:07 pm
Apparently due to Mark and Mya leaving show early.
May 26, 2018 @ 10:24 pm
Look I don’t care how much money he has or what his age is, it was total disrespect and disappointment what he did tonight in Charlotte, I have always been a huge fan of his but what he did tonight to everyone let me down. Yea he’s 85 so if his hearts not in it anymore then it’s time to hang it up he’s had a good run. But to just leave people sitting there yelling his name and then cancel last minute was a crappie move to make. I would hope he is going to be a man about it and apologize himself but very doubtful. And not only that we mainly came to see Brandi Carlile but the music Festival failed to mention cancellations and changes along with Elvis Costello. Worst service and concert put on ever.
May 26, 2018 @ 10:46 pm
I’ve seen Willie do some very late starts before in my time, but I have never seen Elvis pull out of a show. I’ve probably seen him a dozen times and he is always professional. All really disappointing.
May 27, 2018 @ 3:18 am
Have you ever seen Willie turn into Elvis?
May 27, 2018 @ 1:56 am
Elvis Costello has to have a medical procedure, and Brandi Carlile’s wife had a family emergency overseas. Both of those cancellations were posted earlier this week. As far as Willie goes, at least give the man a chance to explain before everyone starts bashing him. He’s 85, and he’s given us a great deal
of music.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:16 am
That’s weird because I knew that Elvis Costello and Brandy Carlisle weren’t going to be there last minute. How dare you doubt if Willie’s heart is in it or not….that man has more heart than you’ll ever have. A true fan would be concerned about Willie and not that they had 1 bad concert experience. I saw him in Raleigh the night before and I will assure you that man has more heart than you possibly imagine. People get sick at the last minute. Plus he would have played 30 min before the curfew due to venue fucking up his equipment and getting a late start. Now you short sighted twit you get a whole new concert where he’ll play a full set. I tell you what if you’re too but hurt to go let me know I’ll take your tickets.
May 27, 2018 @ 2:20 pm
Well I hope that makes you feel like a better person putting people down and calling names didn’t realize we weren’t grown ups here. And I have a right to my opinion just like everyone else has a right to theirs. And If you would read correctly I said if that’s If. I don’t know anything about him and his heart just like you don’t know about me. But I was there I’m only saying for sake of the fans the least he could have done was spike since he came out there twice. So I’m not saying he wasn’t feeling well only Willie knows why he did what he did no one else except for those maybe closest to him. So on that note have a wonderful day ????
May 26, 2018 @ 10:59 pm
Someone should have give explanation why things got cancelled like that I mean tickets are not cheap and even even if they are honored later who says you can make that show i respect Willie as a. Artist he really should respect his fans again .
May 26, 2018 @ 11:44 pm
It’s not just the cost of the show tickets. For some it’s also airline, hotel, and rental cars. Yes every ticket has a disclaimer, but treating fans like shit gets old. How difficult is it for someone to stand up there and explain? It’s about the only industry that regularly gets away with treating its customers poorly. Bad things happen. People get sick. But common courtesy should stand.
May 27, 2018 @ 12:07 am
Agree totally. Most of these dates are in cities that people are traveling to. Little Rock was the easiest for us, and we’re only driving. You can’t have two acts to pull out the day before and have an illness and not explain what happened. I wouldn’t do this on a way smaller scale so people of this stature should never do it.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:26 am
That’s not what happened. Elvis Costello and Brandy Carlisle not being there were both announced at least a week in advance. Elvis had a medical procedure, Brandy had a family situation arise. I hope they’re both doing well and these barriers and struggles are quickly overcome and they can return to the road and their normal lives. Willie is old, he’s often in bad health, he was only going to get to play 30 minutes due to the venue fucking up the sound. Now all those people get new tickets to a complete show. People act like musicians are robots but they are people with lives and problems and things come up. When you go home from work sick or call in do explain it to you all your co-workers and customers? Willie and Merle had to cancel a show on me and I wasn’t able to go to the rescheduled date so I got my money back. That’s how this will work, either tickets or refund.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:21 am
uh, the venue did explain, it’s in the article if you read that they announced the show will be rescheduled due to Willie being sick.
May 27, 2018 @ 8:33 am
Don’t travel to curfew venues! I learned that many years ago.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:18 am
Maybe you shouldn’t jump to conclusions. I mean come on, this happened less than 12 hours ago, maybe give him a little time. You know because maybe he is sick, as far as you know they took him to the hospital. Who knows? How had would you feel then?
May 26, 2018 @ 11:16 pm
If your are a Willie fan Respect him. And his choices…. He has given his all ..always… Not your property…just a talented man…. Enjoy him while you can…HIS PRIVACY is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS
RESPECT HIM…
May 26, 2018 @ 11:46 pm
Bull shit.
May 27, 2018 @ 6:41 am
way to go lisa im with ya very disrespectful to fans but after your money is spent hotel car rental. airfare and on and on just to walk off. should write a song please hang it up Willie
May 27, 2018 @ 7:34 am
FUCK YOU CHARLIE. Musicians are people too. Willie is 85, plays almost 200 dates a year and the fact that he was starting late appears to be the venues issue with fucking up the sound. He was only going to get to play 30 minutes anyways, not there will be a whole new show for people who had tickets. You should write a song called “i’m a Disrespectful Little Bitch”.
May 27, 2018 @ 4:10 pm
That’s not all anyone was saying, there were a number of nasty posts towards Willie. Give shit, get shit…you don’t like what I have to say, too bad.
May 26, 2018 @ 11:27 pm
I think all you haters need to get up off Willie, he’s a national treasure. IMO he’s bigger that Yellow Stone and the Grand Canyon combined. If you’re wittle fellwings are hurt or you’re offended GFY!!! Willie was, is and always will be the man, the last of the greats!!!
May 26, 2018 @ 11:30 pm
Leave Willie an trigger be he’s 85. He owes u nothing at 85 you owe him for still trying period
May 27, 2018 @ 12:08 am
People paid for a show so yeah he does. I adore Willie and I’ve seen him a ton but he know better than this.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:37 am
THE SHOW IS GOING TO BE RESCHEDULED! You know what if he find out he’s in the hospital, maybe something’s really wrong. Maybe you won’t get the chance to ever see him again. How you going to feel then you selfish greedy fucks? My tickets, my hotel….if it had been me my first thoughts would have been “I hope Willie is ok” not about my wallet, of course like Willie I have bigger concerns.
May 27, 2018 @ 2:41 pm
All anyone is saying is that an explanation should have been given by someone. Don’t call anyone greedy. We all hope Willie is okay, but he has cancelled a lot of shows in recent years, so maybe he isn’t well enough to tour. Maybe you can stop talking to people you don’t know like this.
May 27, 2018 @ 2:18 am
Willie is all about respect and treating others as you expect to be treated. He has a team of seasoned industry professionals. His team responding to any situation of this nature should be as familiar as lighting a joint first thing in the morning.
May 27, 2018 @ 1:03 am
Who knows what the problem was, grow up people, you get all worked up over stupid shit! Seriously!
May 27, 2018 @ 2:27 am
I had tickets for Elvis and he died; I was too upset to be mad! Be thankful we still have Willie today .I hope you would feel something besides greed if we had lost him.
May 27, 2018 @ 2:30 am
Last name is spelled wrong should be Strout
May 27, 2018 @ 2:32 am
Willie is a treasure and all his fans will wish him well but that isn’t the issue here it’s about fans being left in the dark as to the reason.Someone from the concert venue or concert organisation should have come on and explained.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:29 am
THEY DID. They said he was sick, for everyone to keep their tickets and a rescheduled show will be announced.
May 27, 2018 @ 3:12 am
Whenever a concert is free, then I won’t complain, but these artists owe us, the fans, not the other way around..We made them who they are..So quit spewing your bullshit about what WE owe them…Willie is one of my favorites, but his life on stage is not private, when he asks me to pay…
May 27, 2018 @ 7:40 am
You owe him respect. If you’re concerned about your money maybe don’t pay to go see 85 year olds. Sometimes Willie has to reschedule shows. I know that when I buy tickets and accept it because he’s an old man now and shit happens.
May 27, 2018 @ 9:28 am
Thas one of the stupidest things Ive read for a while. Humans are still humans paid or not ahole. You suck
May 27, 2018 @ 11:25 am
Johnny THESE ARTISTS OWE US N O T H I N G!! They GIVE is their talents.
May 27, 2018 @ 1:27 pm
They give us talents? Hmmm every concert ticket I’ve ever had has been bought. Not given to me. Same for albums… I don’t know what happened with Willie and I wasn’t there, but to say they give their talents when people are paying for everything is completely wrong.
May 27, 2018 @ 4:12 pm
You’d never been to a free concert?
May 27, 2018 @ 4:39 pm
Never one that required a ticket. Notice where I said every concert ticket I had has been bought?
May 27, 2018 @ 4:08 am
He’s like Bob Dylan and the counting crows. Tremendous artists, but terrible in concert.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:28 am
I saw in the night before Emerson and it was fucking fantastic.
May 27, 2018 @ 11:48 am
are you serious idiot
May 27, 2018 @ 6:01 pm
I disagree with you on Willie, but Dylan and Counting Crows were the worst headliners I’ve ever paid to see. We’ve got tickets for the show in 4 weeks and I hope he’s able to play.
May 27, 2018 @ 4:11 am
It most likely was someone elses call besides Willie’s to cancell. Get the facts before laying blame.
May 27, 2018 @ 4:52 am
Hope he doesn’t have Dementia or Alzheimer’s, he has abused his body a long time , wish him nothing but the best .
May 27, 2018 @ 5:25 am
This reminds me why I don’t want to be on Facebook. Willie is trying, and was and still is a star.
May 27, 2018 @ 6:00 am
I was there also. He didn’t seem sick to me.
He definitely seemed upset about something.
His band was left in the dark literally. They stood there in the dark twice wondering if Willie would come back out on stage.
There is apparently some problem with management, promotors or the other acts who cancelled at the last minute in my opinion.
May 27, 2018 @ 6:06 am
I had the pleasure to see him just this past Wednesday in Louisville and was lucky to have front row seats. He came on stage and was so out of breath the first several songs. My husband and I both felt that he had fear in his eyes. You could tell it was hard for him to perform. The only time he smiled was when he had the crowd sing along with him. Even though he was struggling, it was the best show I have ever seen and I can’t imagine how disappointing it would be not to see him perform. But I also can’t help but think he would have sung if he could. I had never seen him before and can’t even put into words how grateful I am that I got to see his show. He is a true national treasure.
May 27, 2018 @ 6:17 am
Disappointed but understandable. Willie knows if he feels up to it. Gotta take care if yourself to keep your health. Was surprised he had such a late start! I’m only 66 and his start was past my bedtime. Yeah he was pissed. Can’t says as I don’t blame him! If there was a problem, it would have been nice to have an announcement earlier than 10:30 though. That would have been easier to take. Respect runs both ways. And I respect him, his accomplishments, his talent, and the way he leads his life. Rock on Willie, hope to see you again. Get well my friend!
May 27, 2018 @ 6:18 am
Soooo disappointed in Willie. Took my dad to the concert to see his favorite artist of all time. Then he comes out twice looking ready to play, tells me he’s not ill so must be mad at something. Let’s us sit around for 45 minutes for nothing. Get over yourself Willie, you let thousands down and you owe us a real explanation and another concert. Are you the rebel or the rip off artist?
May 27, 2018 @ 7:46 am
Chuck, that fact that you just implied that Willie might be a rip off artist lets me know a few things right off.
1. You’re no Willie fan, please stay away from his concerts you’re wasting his oxygen
2. If you would actually pay attention, you would know that the concert is going to be rescheduled
3. Are you a doctor? Can you tell if an 85 year old man is sick from…well how far away were you? 50 yards?
4. Have you considered other possibilities like equipment and sound problems? I worked in the industry for 10 years and that’s a common thing.
5. Get over yourself Chuck, oh and fuck you. You don’t deserve Willie.
May 27, 2018 @ 10:16 am
My dad has been a huge Willie fan for 50 years. So yea Sean it sucks that he didn’t play, total letdown for my dad.
May 27, 2018 @ 1:14 pm
If your dad is 50, he’s had 50 years worth of chances to see Willie live.
May 27, 2018 @ 5:54 pm
You are acting like rescheduling the show just automatically makes everything ok. People took off work for this. People drove hours for this and got hotel rooms. People who bust their asses for the money they spent who might not can afford to take the time from work again. Just being someone doesn’t automatically earn you respect.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:29 pm
You know what shit happens. Since none of us know why, I’m going to take Willie at his word and he was sick. People get sick, sometimes they can’t meet their obligations. When Merle was sick and he and Willie had to cancel the show I took my refund and never thought to blame Merle. I’ts disappointing but to say that old man who’s given so much of his life to entertaining people owes ya’ll something other than a refund or another show is damn rediculous. If y’all don’t want your tickets for that rescheduled show let me know. I’ll buy them.
May 28, 2018 @ 4:47 am
When an artist charges people money to come see them on stage, no matter who that artist is, then hell yes they owe the people something.
May 28, 2018 @ 8:21 am
If a couple hundred bucks is that important and is going break the bank then those people should likely prioritize their needs over their wants and not go at all. If he reschedules or refunds the money then that’s the end of it. Im not sure what else you expect. Honestly anyone demanding an explanation sounds like an entitled brat. Like I said anyone who doesn’t wangle those reschedule tickets, I’ll buy them full price and if Willie cancels or can’t finish the show I’ll be fine with it, it’s then risk of going to see an 85 year old living legend, if you’re not willing to take the risk stay at home, I’ll be watching Willie.
May 28, 2018 @ 9:04 am
If the 85 year old living legend is going to be cancelling and rescheduling shows, then he should be giving free concerts. Or maybe it’s time to give it up if you cant do it anymore.
May 28, 2018 @ 9:18 am
If you don’t want to pay to see Willie and take the risk don’t come to his shows. I doubt you’ll be missed, more room for real fans who have compassion for an elderly performer still living his dream. As far as him no longer touring, he states he intends to tour till he dies and I’ll keep on showing up.
May 28, 2018 @ 9:32 am
I saw him perform last year at a Merle Haggard tribute, and I’m glad to have gotten the chance to see him, because you are right that he is great, but seeing him sing a few songs wasn’t enough for me to know that it wasn’t worth my money to go to an actual show of his.
May 28, 2018 @ 9:49 am
I saw him Friday, he played a nice long set and for what he lacked in vocal strength ( there were sing a longs for sure) he made up for it by playing a lot of great guitar. It was the best of the 3 shows I’ve seen. For 40 bucks it was Morse than worth it especially with Sturgill. I’d go again right now.
May 27, 2018 @ 6:35 am
I would have been happy if Willie had come out and done 3 or 4 songs (if he was physically up to it). I’m more disappointed that I paid to see Brandi Carlisle and Elvis Costello yet arrived at the venue to see they weren’t even in the lineup.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:48 am
Beth it was announced over a week earlier that Elvis was having a medical procedure and Brandy had a family emergency. So it wasn’t sprung on people. I didn’t have tickets to the show and I knew they were not going to be there last week.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:09 am
We were fortunate to see Willie Friday night in Raleigh. He and his band put on a great show. He played his guitar the whole time and sang well. We were second row and I could tell his breathing appeared difficult. I felt very fortunate to see him perform live for the first time. I almost cried when he waved goodbye and walked off stage at the end.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:50 am
I saw him the night before in Raleigh. Both my husband and I were commenting how he looked exhausted from the moment he came onstage and we were shocked that he could play a full set.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:55 am
Anyone on here badmouthing Willie Nelson, the Redheaded Stranger, in my opinion the greatest living American musical performer doesn’t deserve to see him. If you’re all so but hurt and disappointed don’t go see him. That just leaves more room and tickets for true Willie fans. Willie, whatever the reason you weren’t able to play on Saturday, I know you;ll make it right because that’s the kind of man you are. I hope you’re ok and feeling well and I look forward to the next opportunity I get to see you, you’re the greatest. Many people are out here rooting for you, your continued ability to record and perform, and if not’s in the cards I and your true fans will always hold the greatest respect for your accomplishments and decades of joy you’ve brought us. You’re truly a unique and wonderful human. Cheers brother, I love you.
May 27, 2018 @ 8:16 am
You do know calling someone a Vagina is a true compliment. If you want to say something disrespectful call them a dick.
May 27, 2018 @ 5:56 pm
You’re a dick
May 27, 2018 @ 6:24 pm
Sorry I was trying to be sarcastic but I thought about it after I wrote it and it was pretty dumb. Please disregard my comment above.
May 28, 2018 @ 4:30 am
Susan,
I read your comment, and after contemplating it for about 45 seconds, I realized you’re right. I love vagina, so why would I insult someone by calling them something that I love? It just doesn’t make any sense.
May 27, 2018 @ 8:17 am
I have tickets to see Willie in Little Rock on June 29th. I just pray that his health improves. Will I be disappointed if its cancelled or he can’t perform. of course I will. But having an 89 year old mother I know that health issues come first!!! I love Willie and I think he’s the greatest singer and songwriter of all time. Plus the fact that he’s a good old down to earth guy. I’ll always love you Willie and keep on token.
May 27, 2018 @ 8:41 am
I have personally seen Willie Nelson six or seven times in three different states in my fifty years on the planet…the first being when I was 18. I regret I didn’t see him more. One thing I noticed the last two shows in Portland is that he sounds better now than when I was a kid. These last shows were the best I have seen him. I think the guy is trying to live his life the best way he can and the only way he knows….performing for his fans. His shows are at good venues with good opening acts…his voice is still there…and he plays both old and new favorites and plays normally no less than two hours. I’m not sure how to express it, but there is an integrity to the mans shows and his work ethic that should not be dismissed. He isn’t out there playing for the money and trying to build an audience…He is trying to deliver to the fans a good experience…sometimes things don’t go as planned.
I have no idea what happened last night…but I know where I will be on July 31….At Edgefield in Troutdale OR….I grew up with this man’s music and will see him each chance I get….If something goes haywire…so be it….
May 27, 2018 @ 9:11 am
NOBODY OWES YOU ANYTHING!!! classic American entitlement syndrome. It’s like when people bitch and complain because they took little Timmy to see LeBron James or whomever and he didn’t play that game. This shit happens, understand the risks involved when paying for these things. Willie is 85, he’s been playing for decades, if you’re just now going to see him, that’s more of a YOU problem.
May 27, 2018 @ 9:30 am
You know folks, at 65, i’ve learned just a couple of things. Life and shit happens to everybody. That includes Willie. Whatever the reason, cut the guy some slack. You missed a show. You didn’t die.
May 27, 2018 @ 1:55 pm
I’m just wondering how many times has willie done this? How about giving the man a break.
May 27, 2018 @ 3:37 pm
Last summer in Salt Lake. He played about 7 songs then just walked offstage. Didn’t reschedule the show and no refunds either. $110 down the drain.
May 27, 2018 @ 9:51 am
The concept of outlaw country is so skewed, I was there to see Willie. The rest were not outlaw country by any means. Sturgill did not even play anything from his country record, suddenly he’s trying to be Clapton or Greg allman with less than guitar skills… it was jam band at best, mumbling at its worst.
May 27, 2018 @ 2:42 pm
I agree. I thought Sturgill was great but he is basically a jam band. I took a friend who had never heard him before, and he said “he was great but I couldn’t understand a word he said”. High Top Mountain is full of 3 minute songs. Last night, Sturgill said he had about 25 minutes left, and he played 2 songs.
May 27, 2018 @ 5:37 pm
Sturg can do whatever he wants, but I wish he’d stick to making High Top Mountain and Turtles kind of music.
May 27, 2018 @ 8:07 pm
I got news for you. You’d be hard-pressed to understand a word that just about any artist signs in an arena concert. If you’re a fan of the artist or are familiar with their music, your mind fills in the gaps.
May 27, 2018 @ 8:08 pm
I love Sturgill and he can do whatever he wants, but he can be pretty muffled live. It’s gotten to the point where I will gladly buy his next album, but I’m in no hurry to see him live. I’ll spend my concert dollars on someone like Isbell or Jinks, who sound quite good live.
May 27, 2018 @ 10:44 am
I just saw Willie live last weekend in Birmingham. He started a lot earler in the evening after Alison Krauss (who sounds spectacular) around 845p and played a full set. You can’t do a 4 act fest at a curfew venue wth sets starting beyond 7p and set changes. As mentioned with the later Raleigh and Louisville shows this week, there were times when Willie seemed short on breath on occasion but he compensates for that by getting the audience to sing some choruses or plays more guitar. There is not much stage banter. I saw him last year after his issues in Colorado and it was the same. Both were enjoyable shows but it is noticable that his respiratory limits has caused him to work around those challenges in regards to high notes and singing, but that is honestly to be expected when you have been a lifetime smoker and you’re in your 80s playing 200 plus gigs per year. I can relate to the people in Charlotte being upset but if Willie knew he couldn’t get his full show in before the curfew and if he wasn’t feeling well, he probably was frustrated and would prefer to make up the gig to give people a proper show.
May 27, 2018 @ 10:59 am
I saw Willie the night before in Raleigh and he was definitely off. Seemed short of breath and relied on the audience to finish many of the verses that he started.
At first we thought it was just the sound having issues, but in fact after awhile it was clear Willie wasn’t 100%. He gave it his all though and my kids had a blast getting to see a living legend!
May 27, 2018 @ 11:09 am
God bless you Willie Nelson may he help heal you love willlie
May 27, 2018 @ 12:57 pm
Hope and pray you feel better soon Willie
May 27, 2018 @ 1:10 pm
A number of the comments here are embarrassing and reflect poorly on the individuals posting them. This isn’t a 20-something artists being drunk on stage and slurring his words and generally being a mess (though, that can be a tragedy in its own way), this is an 85 year old man who has for the last year, battled illness on and off. Most 85 year olds eat dinner at 4 PM and spend their days playing shuffleboard.
Note to Willie’s critics, if you are angry about him not playing or Elvis Costello/Brandi Carlisle not playing, don’t go to concerts. This is the inherent risk you run when going to these festivals, illness pops up, family emergencies happen, etc. I get it sucks to spend your hard earned dollars and not be able to see artists, but again, this is the risk you run when you attend any live show. Ideally the promoters would offer some sort of reimbursement since so many of the headliners were unable to perform, but we all know concert promoters can be an unsavory group all to eager to run off with people’s money if they can.
May 27, 2018 @ 5:35 pm
Willie doesn’t owe anything to anyone. Those criticizing and badmouthing him need to get a grip on reality.
May 28, 2018 @ 4:34 am
Actually man, he literally (not figuratively) does owe people something. When you trade a good or service for money, and someone pays you the money, you owe them the good or service.
May 28, 2018 @ 12:26 pm
He was clearly too sick to play.
May 29, 2018 @ 5:40 am
They can go to a Mo Shitney, Bricks and Don’t, or Bitchland concert if they don’t like it.
Same for you, you continual contrarian hipster.
May 29, 2018 @ 7:34 am
Do you need a hanky?
May 29, 2018 @ 1:29 pm
Yes.
May 27, 2018 @ 7:43 pm
Just as well he left the stage. Saw him last Tuesday night in Champaign, Illinois and he was horrible – he couldn’t even play the guitar right. It was so embarrassing. I’ve never seen so many people leave a show after four or five songs. There must’ve been over 200 people that got up and walked out. Allison Krauss and Union Station opened the show and were FANTASTIC and very professional. Willie Nelson is an American icon. I don’t want to see him end like this. Hang up your hat and go out with style, Willie.
May 29, 2018 @ 5:34 am
I think that’s easier said than done when it’s all you’ve known for your entire life.
May 29, 2018 @ 9:50 am
Raleigh was a similar experience Friday night. The first two or three songs he was really struggling to breathe and his guitar playing was terrible. I really didn’t know if I could last the whole set and it was a big adrenaline dump coming after Sturgill’s set. Went to use the restroom during his set and couldn’t believe how many people were leaving already. Some of them were families but it was maybe10:30 on a Friday night. Not like the kids had school the next day. He did seem to find a groove later in the set. He starting singing more and didn’t just speak the lyrics as much as he did in the first half of the set.
I’m also surprised by how empty the venue was the entire show. I’m talking rows and rows of empty seats in the reserved area even with what looked like a large amount of people upgrading from the lawn. Did they put this festival in too large of venues? It was at the largest amphitheater in Raleigh, more than double the seats of the smaller amphitheater Willie and Sturgill (individually) played last year and that Isbell is playing this year.
May 29, 2018 @ 10:10 am
These Outlaw Fest dates appear to have been undersold. I bring it back to the concern I showed last year with how Blackbird is curating their events.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/the-curious-curation-of-country-musics-recent-tribute-concerts/
“But to put it bluntly, the ability of Blackbird Presents to curate talent for events is pretty terrible, and appears to be done without any true understanding of the layout of the current country music landscape. Forget the nuances that separate different tastes and sensibilities of certain scenes under the greater country music umbrella that not everyone can be attune to … But some of the invites for these Blackbird Presents events seem so incredibly blind to the realities present in country music fandom, it’s remarkable.”
The show in Washington DC on Sunday was supposed to be at a 25,000-capacity amphitheater originally. They moved it to a theater with a 6,000 capacity. There’s probably a deeper story here to be told, but I’m not sure that changes what happened on Saturday night. Bad curation and cancellations due to physical ailments are two separate things.
May 27, 2018 @ 8:04 pm
I’ve seen Willie in the ’80s and ’90s with his own “Family” show and with the Highwaymen. I’ll stick with those memories. I have no urge to go see him now, where the “suspense” is in wondering if the show will be cancelled or if he’ll walk off the stage.
Basta!
May 27, 2018 @ 8:13 pm
I feel like Willie and Ric Flair have a lot in common. Ric famously said he wanted to die in the ring and the end of his wrestling career was pretty sad. The man had just physically lost it and you always worried the next bump in the ring would kill him. Willie, like Ric, is a living legend, but it has reached a point where stories like this draw almost a similar feeling. That feeling being that Willie is potentially prioritizing playing live shows, over his health (perhaps) at this point.
May 28, 2018 @ 6:19 am
The fans deserved an answer.
He had a mic in front of him.
All he had to do was to tell the fans what was going on.
May 28, 2018 @ 12:27 pm
Give it a rest.
May 28, 2018 @ 9:18 am
He did great last night in DC. No mention of Friday’s events, just a solid 12 song set.
May 28, 2018 @ 1:07 pm
Don’t care who you are. If you get paid for a job you do it. I just had to teach my 16 year old that lesson.
May 29, 2018 @ 5:32 am
Look at you lecturing an American icon. If he was too sick to play, then what the hell was he supposed to do? I’m sure you’ll be on the road touring when you’re 85 as well.
May 29, 2018 @ 7:16 am
I don’t waste my money. I won’t have to do half ass work to get paid when I’m 85.
May 29, 2018 @ 7:53 am
Folks, let’s try to not make this personal, okay? Otherwise comments will be edited or deleted. Seems like a very strange topics for folks to fight over.
May 28, 2018 @ 1:14 pm
Why did Brandi Carlisle and Elvis Costello get pulled? Seems like Willie canceling would have been more palatable if you had gotten to see Brandi/Elvis/Sturgill, but having all three bail, or whatever, would have been hard to take.
May 28, 2018 @ 1:45 pm
Never mind. See the answer farther up. So you got Sturgill and a rain check. I’ve had worse nights.
May 28, 2018 @ 5:08 pm
Talking shit about Willie Nelson?
Seriously?
May 28, 2018 @ 5:09 pm
SERIOUSLY?
May 28, 2018 @ 5:10 pm
SERIOUSLY, PEOPLE?
May 28, 2018 @ 5:23 pm
I saw Willie last night at the Anthem in DC. He played a wonderful set. Sturgill, who opened, was boring. In fairness, I’ve never quite understood the hoopla around Sturgill, so maybe others enjoyed his set more than I did.
May 28, 2018 @ 7:32 pm
Willie is an Icon. I have seen him hundreds of times over the last 50 yrs. I have almost every album he has ever made, starting w vinyl. His music has seen me through plenty of hard times in my life. My husband specified his music be played at his funeral. I even love the
corny movies he made like Honeysuckle Rose. I suggest all you whiny babies on here find some other concert to
Attend. You are not fit to speak his name.
May 29, 2018 @ 12:00 am
Willie .. what ever happened.. I hope it all works out.. Love you Willie, this was my 1st show and hey I got to see a glimpse of The LAST OF THE BREED..You are the man Willie!!! Im holding my ticket.. see ya soon..Peace out Willie..
May 29, 2018 @ 5:45 am
That’s the appropriate response Ann, thank you.
May 29, 2018 @ 5:43 am
Been reading through these comments getting more pissed off by the second with the disrespect for Willie Hugh Nelson.
You sad fucks can kiss my ass.
May 29, 2018 @ 1:46 pm
The amount of fan worship in there is staggering and sad.
Newsflash, he might be an icon but he isn’t perfect and he can be criticized.
February 13, 2022 @ 7:35 am
What an idiot, takes one to know one, Willie is and always will be someone you wish you were, you moron. Oh i get it now u have nobody to talk to and this is the only way to get a response poor, poor soul
February 18, 2022 @ 1:46 pm
Interesting. He was a dual-headline with ZZTop last summer at Bonner Springs, KS at the Azure theater. He didn’t really give much of a performance, leaving most of the heavy-lifting to his son. No crowd interaction. No encore. While disappointed, I realized he is 85 and has had health problems. But I was pumped up after reading his new book and he mentioned how much he loves to play for people and that’s what keeps him going. However, on this night, it didn’t seem that way. ZZTop was awesome though and made me feel I got most of my money’s worth.
June 4, 2022 @ 5:33 pm
If Willie did not play for his fans, he was feeling bad.
July 16, 2022 @ 7:02 pm
COPD after smoking too much weed.