Introduction
When Willie Nelson marked his 90th birthday at the Hollywood Bowl, it felt more like a grand send-off than a celebration of new beginnings. Yet here he is, two years later at 92, more active than ever—though to Willie, retirement and doing what he loves might look much the same.
Back on the Road with Bob Dylan
This summer, Nelson joins Bob Dylan for the second leg of the Outlaw Music Festival, kicking off June 20 in Clarkston, Michigan. Asked whether he’d ever welcome a biopic like Dylan’s A Complete Unknown, Willie laughed, “I’ve heard some talk about it. But I’m not through with it yet.” He shared that over the phone from his home on Oahu, Hawaii, adding, “Bob’s a good friend, and I’ll be glad to let him headline.”
A Year Packed with Milestones
Between festival dates, Willie will observe the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid this September—a cause he co-founded with Neil Young and John Mellencamp. This spring, he released his 77th studio album, and he even expanded his cannabis line with a new THC tonic called Willie’s Remedy.
Honoring Friends Through Song
Nelson has always delighted in interpreting his friends’ songs. In 1979, he devoted an entire record to Kris Kristofferson’s work, Willie Nelson Sings Kristofferson. Now, Willie pays tribute to Rodney Crowell with Oh What a Beautiful World, an album of Crowell compositions. “There isn’t a single song of his I don’t love,” Willie says.
Coincidentally, this release arrives on the 50th anniversary of Red Headed Stranger, the 1975 album that catapulted Nelson from esteemed songwriter to country icon. Willie hints that album number 78 is already in the works, though he politely declines to preview its style or theme.
The Ever-Evolving Family Band
Of the original members of Willie’s Family band, only harmonica virtuoso Mickey Raphael remains. Over the years, bassist Bee Spears, guitarist Jody Payne, drummer Paul English and Willie’s dear sister Bobbie Nelson have all passed on. Yet Willie’s touring ensemble remains “family” in spirit, featuring sons Lukas and Micah Nelson, drummer Billy English (Paul’s brother) and guitarist Waylon Payne (Jody’s son).
Every show unfolds without a written set list—Willie prefers to “play off the top of my head” and gauge the mood of the crowd. Yet faithful favorites like “Whiskey River” (always the opener) and “Bloody Mary Morning” share the stage with newer discoveries such as Tom Waits’ “Last Leaf.” “I’m the last leaf on the tree,” Willie muses, quoting the song that headlines his 2024 album. “The autumn took the rest, but it won’t take me.”
He also showcases songs by his son Micah’s project Particle Boy—most memorably “Everything Is B—-t,” which Willie insists is “all gospel,” laughed out loud as the audience cheers.
Farm Aid Celebrates 40 Years
This September, Farm Aid returns for its 40th annual benefit—an institution Nelson founded in 1985 to support family farmers. Inspired by one-off concerts like Live Aid, Farm Aid now travels each year to a different “farm town.” This year’s lineup lands in Minneapolis. When asked which edition stands out, Willie reflects, “They’ve all been good for different reasons. The first one was great, the last one was great.”