In what can only be described as a disappointing turn for fans, country music icon Willie Nelson has canceled his performance slated yesterday at the Outlaw Music Festival in Alpharetta due to illness. With the curtain about to rise on this year's series of concerts, Nelson's bowing out is a significant letdown. WABE reports the 91-year-old singer's health hiccup necessitates a four-day respite as per doctors' recommendations.
The Ameris Bank Ampitheatre, which is hosting tonight's festival kickoff, will miss its star, but assures that the show will go on. Fans may take solace in the fact that Nelson's son Lukas will carry a torch for his father, performing Willie Nelson's hits with his band. Alongside Lukas, the event features acts such as Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and Celisse. The absence will extend beyond Alpharetta, as Nelson is also expected to skip Saturday and Sunday's performances in Charlotte and Raleigh respectively.
Nelson's management conveyed optimism about his recovery in a statement shared to his Instagram, "is expected to make a quick recovery." Despite his age, the "Always on My Mind" singer has been active in the music scene, recently featuring on Beyoncé’s album "Cowboy Carter" and teaming up with Orville Peck for a unique rendition of "Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other". Nelson's still got it – when he's up to it, that is.
While the Outlaw Music Festival, which first hit the stage in 201 phase, soldiers on without its co-founder for the moment, fans are holding out hope for Nelson's swift return to the lineup. As the festival tour is set to run through September, there's plenty of time for a comeback. And let's face it – nothing quite compares to the authenticity Nelson brings to his music, a fact not lost on those who revere his classics like "On the Road Again" and his duet with Waylon Jennings, "Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to be Cowboys".
