The Red Headed Stranger (image from www.smnash.com)

Willie Nelson Updates

Willie Nelson’s appearance at the Outlaw Music Festival on Saturday, May 26, at the PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, North Carolina was abruptly canceled after Willie was unwilling or unable to perform. According to concertgoers, Willie Nelson walked out from the stage twice, but never sang or played. During his second appearance on stage, he threw his hat out into the crowd (see video below).

The 85-year-old country music legend should have been the headlining set as part of the Outlaw Music Festival Tour date at the PNC Music Pavilion.

Willie Nelson’s scheduled set was at roughly 9:40 p.m. local time. By 10:25, he still had not begun his performance. The crowd waited in the dark for a while. They waited as to whether the performance would happen or not. Eventually, an announcer told the crowd the show can’t resume.

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 as  part of Blackbird Presents and LiveNation promotions. 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. The Wild Feathers and Mitchell Lee are also on the list of performers.

Willie Nelson has postponed, cancelled, or has 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.

We hope and pray for The Red Headed Stranger’s fast recovery. Stay tuned here ate Country Daily for more updates about our country music hero’s condition.

Meanwhile, here’s a fan captured video of Willie’s most recent concert appearance.