willie nelson outlaw tour set times

The 2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour Legendary Lineup Unveiled

WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY, BOB DYLAN, ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS, JOHN MELLENCAMP AND MORE JOIN FORCES FOR A HISTORIC CONCERT TOUR

Superstar billy strings to join tour for one special show outside seattle, washington at the gorge with brittney spencer, celisse, southern avenue, tickets on sale friday march 1 at 10 a.m. local time  via outlawmusicfestival.com & ticketmaster.com.

Willie Nelson, Mark Rothbaum, Keith Wortman, Blackbird Presents, and Live Nation are thrilled to announce the 2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour featuring an unprecedented lineup including headliners Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, and John Mellencamp with Brittney Spencer, Celisse, and Southern Avenue . Billy Strings will also join the tour for one special show outside Seattle, Washington at The Gorge. Please refer to the market lineups for artists performing in various cities.

Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, March 1, at 10 a.m. local time via http://OutlawMusicFestival.com. VIP packages will be available, including great seats and exclusive festival merchandise. Citi is the official card of the Outlaw Music Festival Tour. Citi cardmembers can access presale tickets from Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, February 29, at 10 p.m. local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details, visit www.citientertainment.com.

“This year’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour promises to be the biggest and best yet with this lineup of legendary artists. I am thrilled to get back on the road again with my family and friends playing the music we love for the fans we love,” says Willie Nelson.

The inaugural Outlaw Music Festival made its debut in 2016 in Scranton, Pa. The sold-out show was so well received that Blackbird, Rothbaum, and Nelson have developed it into one of North America’s biggest annual touring franchises. Musicians such as Chris Stapleton, Neil Young, Luke Combs,

Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Eric Church, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson,

The Avett Brothers and many more have been a part of the Outlaw Tour , sharing unforgettable music memories and unique vendor villages with local food, drinks, and shopping in Live Nation amphitheaters across the country.

2024 OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR DATES & LINEUPS:

Friday, June 21, 2024

Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, GA

Willie Nelson & Family

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Saturday, June 22, 2024

PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte, NC

Sunday, June 23, 2024

Coastal Credit Union Music Park, Raleigh, NC

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA

Friday, June 28, 2024

Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse, NY

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY

Sunday, June 30, 2024

PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY

Sunday, July 7, 2024

Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey, PA

Monday, July 29, 2024

North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, CA

John Mellencamp

Brittney Spencer

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Toyota Amphitheatre, Wheatland, CA

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, Boise, ID

Friday, August 9, 2024

ONE Spokane Stadium, Spokane, WA

Saturday, August 10, 2024

Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA

Billy Strings

Friday, September 6, 2024

Somerset Amphitheater, Somerset, WI

Southern Avenue

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, St. Louis, MO

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Saturday, September 14, 2024

The Pavilion at Star Lake, Burgettstown, PA

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Darien Lake Amphitheater, Buffalo, NY

Friday, September 20, 2024

Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, Gilford, NH

For complete tour details, please visit:

http://outlawmusicfestival.com

#outlawmusicfestival

About Blackbird Presents

Blackbird Presents is the premier independent creator and producer of large scale concerts, tours, festivals and premium music-driven filmed entertainment. Blackbird’s projects feature the biggest music stars in the world produced for a portfolio of world-class studio, network, streaming, and promoter partners.

http://blackbirdpresents.com

About Live Nation Entertainment:

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com

Press Contacts:

Essential Broadcast Media

Ebie McFarland: [email protected]

Blackbird Presents

Rob Rauffer: [email protected]

Live Nation

Monique Sowinski: [email protected]

Valeska Thomas: [email protected]

Ike Richman: [email protected]

Read more about

• Classic-Era Fleetwood Mac Songs
• Pearl Jam Album Review
• Mellencamp Tells Fans to Behave
• Rock Hall Fan Vote Ends
• Black Crowes Don't Know Music

Willie Nelson Shines at Outlaw Festival in New York: Set List

Willie Nelson  appeared in New York City this afternoon on his Outlaw Music Festival tour , along with guests Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros., the String Cheese Incident, Los Lobos and Waylon Payne.

Nelson, donning his signature red bandana and a t-shirt with the word “MAUI” on the front, swiftly moved through a set that included classics like “On the Road Again,” “Always on My Mind” and “Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.”

You can view a complete set list below.

“How y’all doing?” the singer-songwriter, who  turned 90  earlier this year, said at the start. In addition to Nelson’s usually Family Band, special guest Norah Jones appeared on keys and vocals.

Nelson was joined by members of Los Lobos and String Cheese Incident, plus Weir for the set’s last couple of songs: a mashup of “Will the Cricle Be Unbroken” and “I’ll Fly Away,” followed by the closing number, “It’s Hard to Be Humble.” Before leaving the stage, Nelson waved and threw an armful of red bandanas into the crowd.

The Outlaw Music Festival began in 2016 and has been running annually ever since. Over the years, guests have included  Neil Young , Bob Dylan , Van Morrison , ZZ Top , Bonnie Raitt , Sheryl Crow and many more.

READ MORE:  35 Important Moments in Country-Rock History

A Brief History of the Outlaw Festival Tour

This year's tour has featured a rotating cast of guests, like Robert Plant and Alison Krauss , Margo Price , John Fogerty , Gov't Mule and Tedeschi Trucks Band , among others.

"I can't wait to be on the road with the amazing group of artists joining us on this year's Outlaw Music Festival Tour," Nelson said in a previous statement . "It is always a great day of music and fun with family, friends and the incredible fans, and even more special this year in celebration of my 90th birthday."

The tour will last until Oct. 15, with the final show set to take place in Pelham, Alabama. Nelson is also slated to release a new book, Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs , on Oct. 31.

Willie Nelson, 9/17/23, Forest Hills, NY, Set List 1. "Whiskey River" (Johnny Bush cover) 2. "Stay a Little Longer" (Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys cover) 3. "Still Is Still Moving to Me" 4. "Down Yonder" (L. Wolfe Gilbert cover) 5. "Bloody Mary Morning" 6. "I Never Cared for You" 7. "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (Kris Kristofferson cover) (Waylon Payne and Norah Jones on vocals) 8. "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" 9. "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground" 10. "On the Road Again" 11. "Always On My Mind" 12. "Good Hearted Woman" (Waylon Jennings cover) 13. "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die" 14. "Georgia (On My Mind)" (Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra cover) 15. "I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train" (Billy Joe Shaver cover) 16. "I Gotta Get Drunk" 17. "Write Your Own Songs" (Willie Nelson & Kris Kristofferson cover) 18. "Move It on Over" (Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys cover) 19. "Me and Bobby McGee" (Kris Kristofferson cover) 20. "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" (William MacEwan cover) 21. "It's Hard to Be Humble" (Mac Davis cover) 22. "I Saw the Light" (Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys cover) (Family Band Instrumental)

2023 Rock Tour Preview

More from ultimate classic rock.

• Latest News

No Doubt, The Ink Spots, And Amy Winehouse: Currently Trending Songs

‘cirrus’: when vibraphonist bobby hutcherson hit a stratospheric post-bop high, ‘chariots of fire’: vangelis’ chart-topping film score, ‘thirds’: another tasty serving from the james gang, ‘mccartney’: the lo-fi brilliance of paul’s self-titled debut album, when eric clapton and mick taylor went back to the bluesbreakers, ‘the big bill broonzy story’: a captivating tale of the blues, kate hudson announces new album, ‘glorious,’ shares ‘gonna find out’, ‘bob marley: one love’ to return to theaters for 4/20, library of congress selects records from abba, blondie, and more for national recording registry, the commodores and the pointer sisters announce co-headlining tour, craft latino celebrates 60th anniversary of fania records with year-long celebration, seminal jimmy buffett albums to be reissued on vinyl, the beatles’ ‘let it be’ film to launch on disney+, willie nelson announces lineup for 2023 outlaw music festival.

This year, the country legend will share the stage with John Fogerty, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Margo Price, The Avett Brothers and more.

Published on

Willie Nelson has detailed his 2023 Outlaw Music Festival Tour. Over the course of 32 shows taking place between June and October, the legendary outlaw country trailblazer will share the stage with Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, The Avett Brothers, Bob Weir, John Fogerty , Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, and Margo Price.

The 2023 Outlaw Music Festival Tour also features Gov’t Mule, Marcus King, Trampled By Turtles, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Kathleen Edwards, Flatland Cavalry, Kurt Vile And The Violators, Brittney Spencer, Whiskey Myers, and Particle Kid performing in select cities. Check out the full itinerary below.

Tickets for a newly announced run of Outlaw shows in September and October go on sale Friday, April 28 via Ticketmaster. A Live-Nation pre-sale will occur one day earlier on Thursday, April 27 using access code VINYL.

Best Loretta Lynn Songs: 20 Essential Country Tunes

Best vince gill songs: 20 country essentials, chris stapleton and morgan wallen score acm awards nominations.

Prior to launching the Outlaw Music Festival Tour, Nelson will celebrate his 90th birthday with a pair of all-star concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring Kacey Musgraves , The Chicks, Neil Young, Snoop Dogg, and more. In July, he’ll host the 50th anniversary of his annual Fourth of July Picnic in Austin.

Outlaw Music Festival Tour 2023 Dates:

06/23 – Somerset, WI @ Somerset Amphitheater Willie Nelson & Family Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Trampled By Turtles Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway Particle Kid

06/24 – East Troy, WI @ Alpine Valley Music Theatre Willie Nelson & Family Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Trampled By Turtles Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway Particle Kid

06/25 – St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Willie Nelson & Family Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Trampled By Turtles Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway Particle Kid

06/29 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP Willie Nelson & Family Margo Price Flatland Cavalry Particle Kid

06/30 – Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion

Willie Nelson & Family Whiskey Myers Flatland Cavalry Brittney Spencer Particle Kid

07/02 – The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Willie Nelson & Family Whiskey Myers Brittney Spencer Particle Kid More To Be Announced

07/28 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion Willie Nelson & Family Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Kurt Vile and The Violators Kathleen Edwards Particle Kid

07/29 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Willie Nelson & Family Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Gov’t Mule Kathleen Edwards Particle Kid

07/30 – Darien, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater Willie Nelson & Family Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Gov’t Mule Kathleen Edwards Particle Kid

08/02 – Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion Willie Nelson & Family The Avett Brothers Kathleen Edwards Flatland Cavalry Particle Kid

08/04 – Hershey, PA @ Hersheypark Stadium Willie Nelson & Family The Avett Brothers Marcus King Flatland Cavalry Kathleen Edwards Particle Kid

08/05 – Philadelphia, PA @ TD Pavilion at The Mann Willie Nelson & Family The Avett Brothers Marcus King Kathleen Edwards Flatland Cavalry Particle Kid

08/06 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center Willie Nelson & Family The Avett Brothers Marcus King Kathleen Edwards Flatland Cavalry Particle Kid

08/11 – Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center Willie Nelson & Family John Fogerty Kathleen Edwards Flatland Cavalry Particle Kid

08/12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ The Pavilion at Star Lake Willie Nelson & Family John Fogerty Flatland Cavalry Kathleen Edwards Particle Kid

08/13 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center Willie Nelson & Family John Fogerty Gov’t Mule Kathleen Edwards Particle Kid

09/08 – Raleigh, NC @ Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek Willie Nelson & Family Tedeschi Trucks Band The String Cheese Incident Los Lobos Particle Kid

09/09 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion Willie Nelson & Family Tedeschi Trucks Band The String Cheese Incident Particle Kid More TBA

09/10 – Franklin, TN @ FirstBank Amphitheater Willie Nelson & Family Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack Particle Kid More TBA

09/12 – Simpsonville, SC @ CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park Willie Nelson & Family Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack Particle Kid

09/13 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center Willie Nelson & Family Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack The String Cheese Incident Los Lobos Particle Kid

09/16 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center Willie Nelson & Family Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack The String Cheese Incident Los Lobos Particle Kid

09/17 – Forest Hills, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium Willie Nelson & Family Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack The String Cheese Incident Los Lobos Particle Kid

09/18 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater Willie Nelson & Family Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack Particle Kid

09/22 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre Willie Nelson & Family Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack The String Cheese Incident Particle Kid

10/06 – West Palm Beach, FL @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre Willie Nelson & Family The Avett Brothers Gov’t Mule Elizabeth Cook Particle Kid

10/07 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre Willie Nelson & Family The Avett Brothers Gov’t Mule Elizabeth Cook Particle Kid

10/08 – Orange Beach, AL @ The Wharf Amphitheater Willie Nelson & Family The Avett Brothers Gov’t Mule Elizabeth Cook Particle Kid

10/11 – Huntsville, AL @ The Orion Amphitheater Willie Nelson & Family The Avett Brothers Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Particle Kid

10/13 – Brandon, MS @ The Brandon Amphitheater Willie Nelson & Family The Avett Brothers Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Elizabeth Cook Particle Kid

10/14 – Southaven, MS @ BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove Willie Nelson & Family The Avett Brothers Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Elizabeth Cook Particle Kid

10/15 – Pelham, AL @ Oak Mountain Amphitheatre Willie Nelson & Family The Avett Brothers Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Elizabeth Cook Particle Kid

Listen to the best of Willie Nelson on Apple Music and Spotify .

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Willie Nelson’s 2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour Announced

Willie Nelson , Mark Rothbaum, Keith Wortman, Blackbird Presents  and Live Nation are thrilled to announce the  2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour  featuring an unprecedented lineup including headliners  Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss and John Mellencamp  with  Brittney Spencer, Celisse  and  Southern Avenue .  Billy Strings  will also join the tour for one special show outside Seattle, Washington at The Gorge. Please refer to the market lineups for artists performing in various cities.

Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, March 1, at 10 a.m. local time via http://OutlawMusicFestival.com . VIP packages will be available, including great seats and exclusive festival merchandise. Citi is the official card of the Outlaw Music Festival Tour . Citi cardmembers can access presale tickets from Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, Feb. 29, at 10 p.m. local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details, visit www.citientertainment.com .

“This year’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour promises to be the biggest and best yet with this lineup of legendary artists. I am thrilled to get back on the road again with my family and friends playing the music we love for the fans we love,” says Willie Nelson .

The inaugural  Outlaw Music Festival  made its debut in 2016 in Scranton, Pa. The sold-out show was so well received that Blackbird, Rothbaum and Nelson have developed it into one of North America’s biggest annual touring franchises. Musicians such as Chris Stapleton , Neil Young, Luke Combs , Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Eric Church , Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers and many more have been a part of the  Outlaw Tour , sharing unforgettable music memories and unique vendor villages with local food, drinks and shopping in Live Nation amphitheaters across the country.

2024 OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR  DATES & LINEUPS:

Friday, June 21, 2024 Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, GA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Saturday, June 22, 2024 PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte, NC Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Sunday, June 23, 2024 Coastal Credit Union Music Park, Raleigh, NC Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Friday, June 28, 2024 Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse, NY Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Saturday, June 29, 2024 Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Sunday, June 30, 2024 PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Tuesday, July 2, 2024 Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Saturday, July 6, 2024 Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Sunday, July 7, 2024 Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey, PA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Monday, July 29, 2024 North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, CA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Brittney Spencer

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Brittney Spencer

Saturday, August 3, 2024 Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Brittney Spencer

Sunday, August 4, 2024 Toyota Amphitheatre, Wheatland, CA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Brittney Spencer

Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, Boise, ID Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Brittney Spencer

Friday, August 9, 2024 ONE Spokane Stadium, Spokane, WA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Brittney Spencer

Saturday, August 10, 2024 Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Billy Strings Brittney Spencer

Friday, September 6, 2024 Somerset Amphitheater, Somerset, WI Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Saturday, September 7, 2024 Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Sunday, September 8, 2024 Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, St. Louis, MO Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Thursday, September 12, 2024 Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Saturday, September 14, 2024 The Pavilion at Star Lake, Burgettstown, PA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Sunday, September 15, 2024 Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 Darien Lake Amphitheater, Buffalo, NY Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

For complete tour details, please visit: http://outlawmusicfestival.com #outlawmusicfestival

Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson Unite for Epic ‘Outlaw’ Summer Tour

By Andy Greene

Andy Greene

Willie Nelson is hitting the road this summer on his annual Outlaw Music Festival Tour, and Bob Dylan is joining for all 26 shows. They’ll be accompanied on the first leg by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, and John Mellencamp on the second. Billy Strings, Brittney Spencer, Celisse, and Southern Avenue will also be playing with them at various stops along the way. It kicks off June 21 in Alpharetta, Georgia.

“This year’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour promises to be the biggest and best yet with this lineup of legendary artists,” Nelson said in a statement. “I am thrilled to get back on the road again with my family and friends playing the music we love for the fans we love.”

Dylan joined up with the Outlaw Festival for a couple of shows in 2017, but this is the first time he’s participated in the entire tour. His friendship with Nelson, however, goes back several decades. They co-wrote the song “Heartland” together in 1993.

In the summer of 2004, Nelson and Dylan played minor league baseball parks together all across America. In 2009, they brought John Mellencamp along for the ride when they repeated the concept. Dylan rarely shares the stage with other performers, but he frequently brought Nelson in 2004 for duets on “I Shall Be Released,” “Heartland,” and “Milk Cow Blues.” They first played together in 1976 when Nelson came out during a Rolling Thunder Revue stop in Houston for “Gotta Travel On.”

Editor’s picks

The 250 greatest guitarists of all time, the 500 greatest albums of all time, the 50 worst decisions in movie history, every awful thing trump has promised to do in a second term.

James and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy did have the chance to play with Dylan a few times though. They were brought out near the end of his set for the traditional folk song “Twelve Gates to the City,” and the Band’s “The Weight.” “His bass player, Tony [Garnier], did all the communicating with us as far as who was going to sing what verse,” James said. “They’d change keys literally a minute before we went on, like, ‘Bob wants to do it in E flat.’ It was really cool, and something I’ll be able to tell the grandkids about.”

If we’re lucky this summer, we might get to see Dylan, Nelson, Robert Plant, and Alison Krauss team up for a few songs. Plant played “Girl From the North Country” at many shows in the early 2000s. This could be his chance to perform it with the guy that wrote it.

Friday, June 21, 2024 Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, GA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Willie Nelson Thinks Queer Message in Orville Peck Video Is 'More Important Than Ever'

Hear bob dylan cover hank williams' 'on the banks of the old pontchartrain' for the first time, dolly parton, linda martell, willie nelson's spotify numbers skyrocket thanks to beyoncé.

Sunday, June 23, 2024 Coastal Credit Union Music Park, Raleigh, NC Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Friday, June 28, 2024 Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse, NY Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Saturday, June 29, 2024 Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Sunday, June 30, 2024 PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Tuesday, July 2, 2024 Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Saturday, July 6, 2024 Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Sunday, July 7, 2024 Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey, PA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

Monday, July 29, 2024 North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, CA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Brittney Spencer

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Brittney Spencer

Saturday, August 3, 2024 Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Brittney Spencer

Sunday, August 4, 2024 Toyota Amphitheatre, Wheatland, CA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Brittney Spencer

Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, Boise, ID Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Brittney Spencer

Saturday, August 10, 2024 Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Billy Strings Brittney Spencer

Friday, September 6, 2024 Somerset Amphitheater, Somerset, WI Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Saturday, September 7, 2024 Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Sunday, September 8, 2024 Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, St. Louis, MO Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Thursday, September 12, 2024 Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Trump Forced to See Mean Memes About Him Shared by Prospective Jurors

Jordan klepper questions maga supporters outside donald trump's trial on 'the daily show', cher's son argues she's 'unfit to serve' as his conservator, supreme court justices may do trump and jan. 6 rioters a solid.

Sunday, September 15, 2024 Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 Darien Lake Amphitheater, Buffalo, NY Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

Fontaines D.C. Set a Panic Attack to Disco-Rock on 'Starburster'

• A Star Is Burst
• By Kory Grow

Kate Hudson Announces Album 'Glorious:' 'Realer' Than 'Anything I've Done in My Life'

• Kate's Music Era
• By Tomás Mier

Pearl Jam Share One Last 'Dark Matter' Preview With New Single 'Wreckage'

• Classic Pearl Jam
• By Larisha Paul

Kim Petras, Arca, Tokischa to Headline Brooklyn's LadyLand 2024

• NYC Pride, Get Ready

Barbra Streisand to Release ‘Love Will Survive,’ Her First-Ever Song for a TV Series

• 'Power of Love'
• By Althea Legaspi

Most Popular

Ryan gosling and kate mckinnon's 'close encounter' sketch sends 'snl' cold open into hysterics, o.j. simpson's lawyer reverses opinion on payments to goldman family (exclusive), michael douglas is the latest actor to make controversial remarks about intimacy coordinators, masters 2024 prize money pegged at $20m, up $2m from prior year, you might also like, leslie moonves fined $15,000 for obtaining secret intel on lapd sex assault investigation, sabrina elba goes backless in coral fendi dress with idris elba for ‘knuckles’ premiere, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, sundance without park city festival exploring options for 2027 and beyond, diamond sports rsns may emerge from bankruptcy in 62 days.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

Verify it's you

Please log in.

Outlaw Music Festival Tour 2021 Set Times

Times are subject to change.

Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheatre Sunday, August 22, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:30 – 10:30 Chris Stapleton 7:45 – 9:00 Ryan Bingham 6:10-7:15 Yola 5:00-5:40 Doors Open 3:30

Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion Friday, September 10, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:45 – 10:45 Sturgill Simpson 8:10 – 9:25 Gov’t Mule 6:30 – 7:45 Margo Price 5:15 – 6:00 Doors Open 4:00

Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann Saturday, September 11, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:45 – 10:45 Sturgill Simpson 8:10 – 9:25 Gov’t Mule 6:30 – 7:45 Margo Price 5:15 – 6:00 Doors Open 4:00

Saratoga, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center Sunday, September 12, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:45 – 10:45 Sturgill Simpson 8:10 – 9:25 Gov’t Mule 6:30 – 7:45 Margo Price 5:15 – 6:00 Doors Open 4:00

Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheatre Friday, September 17, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:50-10:50 Sturgill Simpson 8:15-9:30 Tyler Childers 6:55-7:55 Gov’t Mule 5:15-6:25 Margo Price 4:00-4:45 Doors Open 3:00

Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek Saturday, September 18, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:45 – 10:45 Sturgill Simpson 8:10 – 9:25 Gov’t Mule 6:30 – 7:45 Margo Price 5:15 – 6:00 Doors Open 4:00

Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion Sunday, September 19, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:45 – 10:45 Sturgill Simpson 8:10 – 9:25 Gov’t Mule 6:30 – 7:45 Margo Price 5:15 – 6:00 Doors Open 4:00

Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Wednesday, September 22, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:45 – 10:45 Sturgill Simpson 8:10 – 9:25 Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats 6:35 – 7:50 Kathleen Edwards 5:20 – 6:05 Doors Open 4:30

Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion Friday, September 24, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:50 – 10:50 Sturgill Simpson 8:20 – 9:30 Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats 6:50 – 8:00 Gov’t Mule 5:10 – 6:20 Kathleen Edwards 4:00 – 4:40 Doors Open 3:00

Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion Friday, October 15, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:50 – 10:50 The Avett Brothers 8:15 – 9:30 Gov’t Mule 6:40 – 7:50 Lucinda Williams 5:15 – 6:15 Ida Mae 4:25 – 4:55 Doors Open 3:30

Irvine, CA – Five Point Amphitheatre Saturday, October 16, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:50 – 10:50 The Avett Brothers 8:15 – 9:30 Gov’t Mule 6:40 – 7:50 Lucinda Williams 5:15 – 6:15 Ida Mae 4:25 – 4:55 Doors Open 3:30

San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre Sunday, October 17, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:30 – 10:30 The Avett Brothers 7:45 – 9:00 Ida Mae 7:00 – 7:30 Doors Open 5:30

Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre Saturday, October 23, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:50 – 10:50 The Avett Brothers 8:15 – 9:30 Gov’t Mule 6:40 – 7:50 Lucinda Williams 5:15 – 6:15 Ida Mae 4:25 – 4:55 Doors Open 3:30

Wheatland, CA – Toyota, Amphitheatre Sunday, October 24, 2021 Willie Nelson & Family 9:50 – 10:50 The Avett Brothers 8:15 – 9:30 Gov’t Mule 6:40 – 7:50 Lucinda Williams 5:15 – 6:15 Ida Mae 4:25 – 4:55 Doors Open 3:30

Artists - A-H

• & Young
• .38 Special
• Aaron Lewis
• Aaron Neville

Artists - I-P

• Iron Butterfly
• Iron Maiden
• Izzy Stradlin

Artists - Q-Z

• Queens of the Stone Age
• Queensrÿche
• Classic Rock

• Keyboardist Jim Beard, Known for His...
• 12 Rock Legends Who Openly Dislike...
• 10 Rock Stars Who Can’t Stand...

• Legendary Motorhead Frontman, Lemmy, To Be...
• Happy 76th Birthday Tony Iommi: How...
• Metallica Secures Best Metal Performance at...

• Unveiling Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Top 10...
• Album Review: “Two Steps From The...
• The Facts In The Early Life...

Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson Announce 2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour: Lineup and Schedule Revealed

via H C H Lehenga House / YouTube

The highly-anticipated lineup and dates for the 2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour have been unveiled by country legend Willie Nelson. Alongside the 90-year-old icon and recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Bob Dylan will be performing at every show during the 25-date run. Adding to the excitement, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss will also be making select appearances, alternating with performances by John Mellencamp.

Since its debut in 2016, Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour has become synonymous with top-tier talent, featuring renowned artists like Sheryl Crow, Van Morrison, Chris Stapleton, Neil Young, and ZZ Top. This year’s lineup, however, promises to be the biggest and best yet, according to Nelson.

“I am thrilled to get back on the road again with my family and friends playing the music we love for the fans we love,” expressed Nelson in a press statement announcing the shows.

The 2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour will also showcase other exceptional acts such as Brittney Spencer, Celisse, and Southern Avenue. Billy Strings will join the tour for a single concert at Washington’s The Gorge. The complete run of dates and lineups for the tour can be found below.

General Public Ticket Sales and Presale Information

Tickets for the 2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour will go on sale to the general public on March 1 at 10 a.m. local time. However, Citi card members are offered the opportunity to access presale tickets starting Tuesday at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday at 10 p.m. local time. Additional information can be found on the tour’s official website.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Willie Nelson (@willienelsonofficial)

The 2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour Dates and Lineups

June 21 – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, GA

Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Celisse

June 22 – PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte, NC

June 23 – Coastal Credit Union Music Park, Raleigh, NC

June 26 – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA

June 28 – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse, NY

June 29 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY

June 30 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ

July 2 – Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA

July 6 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY

July 7 – Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey, PA

July 29 – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, CA

Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Brittney Spencer

July 31 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA

August 3 – Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA

August 4 – Toyota Amphitheatre, Wheatland, CA

August 7 – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, Boise, ID

August 9 – ONE Spokane Stadium, Spokane, WA

August 10 – Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA

Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Billy Strings Brittney Spencer

September 6 – Somerset Amphitheater, Somerset, WI

Willie Nelson & Family Bob Dylan John Mellencamp Southern Avenue

September 7 – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL

September 8 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, St. Louis, MO

September 11 – Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH

September 12 – Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

September 14 – The Pavilion at Star Lake, Burgettstown, PA

September 15 – Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI

September 17 – Darien Lake Amphitheater, Buffalo, NY

The 2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour is set to captivate audiences around the country with its star-studded lineup and impressive schedule of performances. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable musical journey led by two of the most cherished icons of our time, Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson.

Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for the Latest Updates

• Willie Nelson

I Love Classic Rock

Jon Bon Jovi Says He’s Done If He Can’t Go Back…

Johnny Van Zandt Opens Up About Lynyrd Skynyrd Retirement

John Lydon’s Harshest Comments About Other Bands

Disney Teases Another Beatles Project

Fans Pushes Billy Joel’s TV Special Back On Air

8 Most Disastrous Events in the 80s

10 ’80s Sitcoms That Were the Worst and Lasted Only…

Premium partners.

Interested in becoming a partner?

Contact us for more info.

© 2024 Society Of Rock

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Watch CBS News

Willie Nelson's Outlaw Music Festival tour announces star-studded lineup; Wheatland date set for August

By Cecilio Padilla

February 27, 2024 / 10:31 AM PST / CBS Sacramento

WHEATLAND – Willie Nelson's 2024 Outlaw Music Festival tour has announced its lineup, and it's set to be a star-studded affair.

The lineup was revealed on Tuesday and features legends like Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, and John Mellencamp. Not all artists will be at every stop on the tour, though.

Stops all around the US are scheduled from June through September.

Wheatland has a date with the tour on Aug. 4 at the Toyota Amphitheatre. Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, and Brittney Spencer are listed as the featured acts.

General onsale tickets will start on March 1. 

• Willie Nelson

Cecilio Padilla is a writer for CBS13 News and a Sacramento-area native.

Featured Local Savings

More from cbs news.

Future & Metro to swing by Sacramento in September 2024 for "We Trust You" tour

Fire engine strikes home after multiple-vehicle crash in Stockton

Pedestrian dies after being hit by vehicle on Highway 99 in Modesto

Missing Sacramento State student Noelle Lynch, 23, found safe in Los Angeles

Item added to your cart

Get the latest updates on Willie Nelson's upcoming tour dates and purchase tickets to see the legendary musician perform live. Check back often, Willie is always On The Road Again.

Lubbock, TX Cook's Garage

Mesa, az mesa amphitheatre, laughlin, nv rio vista outdoor amphitheater, san diego, ca the rady shell, berkeley, ca greek theatre, santa barbara, ca santa barbara bowl, indio, ca stagecoach empire polo club, new braunfels, tx whitewater amphitheater, el reno, ok lucky star amphitheater, lincoln, ne pinewood bowl theater, madison, wi breese stevens field, milwaukee, wi bmo pavilion, moorhead, mn bluestem amphitheater, duluth, mn bayfront festival park, des moines, ia lauridsen amphitheater, camdenton, mo ozarks amphitheater, alpharetta, ga outlaw fest: ameris bank amphitheatre, charlotte, nc outlaw fest: pnc music pavilion, raleigh, nc outlaw fest: coastal credit union music park, virginia beach, va outlaw fest: veterans united home loans amphitheater, syracuse, ny outlaw fest: empower federal credit union amphitheater at lakeview, wantagh, ny outlaw fest: northwell health at jones beach theater, holmdel, nj outlaw fest: pnc bank arts center, mansfield, ma outlaw fest: xfinity center, camden, nj willie's 4th of july picnic: freedom mortgage pavilion, bethel, ny outlaw fest: bethel woods center for the arts, hershey, pa outlaw fest: hersheypark stadium, jacksonville , or britt pavilion, seattle, wa chris stapleton's all-american road show t-mobile park, chula vista, ca outlaw fest: north island credit union amphitheatre, los angeles, ca outlaw fest: hollywood bowl, mountain view, ca outlaw fest: shoreline amphitheatre, wheatland, ca outlaw fest: toyota amphitheatre, boise, id outlaw fest: ford idaho center amphitheater, spokane, wa outlaw fest: one spokane stadium, george, wa outlaw fest: gorge amphitheatre, somerset, wi outlaw fest: somerset amphitheater, tinley park, il outlaw fest: credit union 1 amphitheatre, maryland heights, mo outlaw fest: hollywood casino amphitheatre, cincinnati, oh outlaw fest: riverbend music center, cuyahoga falls, oh outlaw fest: blossom music center, burgettstown, pa outlaw fest: the pavilion at star lake, clarkston, mi outlaw fest: pine knob music theatre, darien center, ny outlaw fest: darien lake amphitheater, gilford, nh outlaw fest: banknh pavilion.

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic Moves to Philly, and Bob Dylan Will Perform

Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic is moving to Philadelphia. (Well, actually the aptly named Freedom Mortgage Pavilion across the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey.)

On Tuesday, the event's organizers announced that the annual fest - held in Texas since 2010 - will move to the Philly area for the very first time. Bob Dylan is among the Independence Day concert's performers.

Rounding out the lineup for the event, scheduled for July 4, are Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Maren Morris, Mavis Staples, and guitarslinger Celisse.

"I am thrilled to bring the 4th of July Picnic to Philadelphia for the first time in our storied history," said Nelson in a press release. "It's an honor to host such an extraordinary lineup of talent in the birthplace of our country. We can't wait to celebrate Independence Day with you."

Tickets for the event will go on sale starting Friday at 10 a.m./ET. Citi cardholders will have access to presale tickets between March 26 and March 28.

The festival lineup seems to be an extension to Nelson's Outlaw Tour , which includes all the performers at the 4th of July Picnic, except Morris. That tour starts on June 21 in Georgia and includes a stop at Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl. (Billy Strings and John Mellencamp are also joining for some of the Outlaw shows.)

This is the third time that Dylan has joined the annual picnic. He last did so in 2009, which coincidentally was the last time that the event was hosted outside of Texas. (It was in South Bend, Indiana, that year.)

Last year's Picnic was held at Austin FC's Q2 Stadium and marked the 50th anniversary of the yearly shindig. This year's party will arrive just over a month after Nelson releases his album The Border , which is scheduled to drop on May 31. The Border includes 10 songs, four of which were co-written by Nelson and longtime collaborator Buddy Cannon. The remainder of the new tracks were penned by songwriters that Nelson admires such as Shawn Camp, Mike Reid, and Bobby Tomberlin.

More from Rolling Stone

• See First Images of Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan on 'A Complete Unknown' Set
• See Willie Nelson and Kermit the Frog Finally Perform 'Rainbow Connection' Together
• Willie Nelson Announces New Album 'The Border,' Shares Rodney Crowell Cover

• Statistics Stats
• You are here:
• Outlaw Music Festival
• Outlaw Music Festival 2023

Outlaw Music Festival 2023 Setlists

Date Thursday, June 29, 2023

So far, there are setlists of 4 gigs in one venue .

Artists (A-Z)

• Walmart AMP, Rogers, AR, USA

Thursday, June 29, 2023

3 attendees

2 attendees

4 attendees

Recent visitors

4 festival people went.

• deceasedpixel
• izzyschmidt

Tour Update

Marquee memories: the dandy warhols.

• The Dandy Warhols
• Apr 15, 2024
• Apr 14, 2024
• Apr 13, 2024
• Apr 12, 2024
• Apr 11, 2024
• Apr 10, 2024
• FAQ | Help | About
• Terms of Service
• Ad Choices | Privacy Policy
• Feature requests
• Songtexte.com

Orville Peck praises Willie Nelson's allyship after releasing duet to gay cowboy anthem

Giddy up queer cowboys!

On Friday, Orville Peck and Willie Nelson released a duet cover of Ned Sublette's 1981 song "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other," a song about gay cowboys. Fans of the country singers have described the collaboration as "healing" when it comes to LGBTQ+ acceptance.

Peck, a gay country music artist, said in an interview with GLAAD published Monday that the duet was actually Nelson's idea. "It's actually been a long time in the making this whole collaboration. Willie asked me about it a couple of years ago," he said.

Peck likened Nelson's unbashful support to the LGBTQ+ community to Dolly Parton , because "they are not afraid to sort of give the middle finger to this sort of concept of this gate kept part of country that's all tied into like weird politics and all this stuff."

"I think that the fact that Willie stands next to the entire LGBTQIA+ community by doing this song just shows what an amazing person he is, what a legend he is," he added. "It's a win for all of us because that’s true allyship. Someone who's completely unafraid to be right there next to us, there's no vagueness involved."

Watch Orville Peck, Willie Nelson's video for 'Cowboys are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other'

The pair also released an accompanying music video that includes queer men and women dancing at a local saloon as Peck and Nelson sing the gay anthem. Nelson's wife Annie also makes a brief cameo.

Peck said Nelson was open to a variety of concepts for the music video, including them getting "gay married" with the 90-year-old legend's wife as the priest.

In another interview with Rolling Stone , Peck continued to commend Nelson for his support. "Willie kept talking about how the subject matter in this song was more important than ever," he said.

"With all the rhetoric surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community these days, it is so encouraging to have real allies like Willie that aren't afraid to stand proudly next to us," Peck added.

The "Hexie Mountains" singer said he's "sometimes felt excluded from the country music industry" due to his sexuality, making Nelson's stamp of approval extra special.

"Once Willie Nelson wants to work with you, there's really nothing the country world can say after that," Peck said.

This isn't Nelson's first go around with the song. In 2006, he recorded his own version after the 2005 movie "Brokeback Mountain" put gay cowboys in the spotlight.

Outlaw Music Festival Tour: Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp set to headline

Fans praise Orville Peck, Willie Nelson for making them feel seen with gay cowboy duet

Fans of Peck and Nelson flocked to the comments section of the music video to discuss the impact the duet had on them.

"My late mother, who loved Willie almost as much as she loved me, her gay son, would have loved this. Bravo," one fan commented.

Another fan wrote, "Southern gay trans man here, I've never been the biggest fan of country unless is older stuff that my dad likes, but this made me cry at 5:30 AM. This is something I never thought I'd need but I'm glad it's here now."

Beyoncé collaborators Shaboozey, Willie Jones highlight Black country music on 'Cowboy Carter'

"As a little gay boy that grew up in South Carolina in the 70's and 80's, this is so healing," another commented. "And to have a legend like Willie on this song, is nothing short of iconic. My inner child thanks you."

Although one commenter didn't have a personal connection to the song, he praised the duo for widening the country audience. "Love country and as a Heterosexual man, I think this is the best thing that could happen to it. Open up everything and let love in! Go Orville! Go Willie!" he wrote.

Nelson has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and dismissing exclusionary culture when it comes to his genre.

The country music outlaw was similarly praised last month for giving his stamp of approval to Beyoncé with his radio-MC tracks "Smoke Hour" and "Smoke Hour II" on her album " Cowboy Carter ," her response to feeling unwelcome by the genre.

Orville Peck and Willie Nelson in the music video for "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other" | courtesy of YouTube 

Orville Peck, Willie Nelson reaffirm country music’s new direction with hit single

In the wake of beyonce’s “cowboy carter,” willie nelson hopped onto orville peck’s “cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other” to prove that country music is moving forward with its values..

Beer, women and trucks: the holy trinity of stereotypical portrayals of country music.

Country legend Willie Nelson isn’t about to let that reputation stand. Just in late March, Nelson was featured on Beyonce’s hit “Cowboy Carter” album on “SMOKE HOUR ★ WILLIE NELSON,” and he’s back it again, appearing on shoegaze outlaw country singer Orville Peck’s 2024 cover of “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other.”

Although the song was written way back in 1982 by Ned Sublette, it was Nelson who popularized the song with his 2006 iTunes cover. It had a personal meaning to him — two years prior, his friend and tour manager David Anderson told Nelson he was gay.

"This song obviously has special meaning to me in more ways than one," Anderson told The Dallas Morning News in 2006. "I want people to know more than anything — gay, straight, whatever — just how cool Willie is and... his way of thinking, his tolerance, everything about him."

In fact, its release was for many the first mainstream country music track with explicit LGBTQ+ themes. 

With its 2024 release, the track feels like a symbolic “passing of the baton” as Nelson, 90, features alongside the up-and-coming Peck. Nelson has frequently been criticized by the conservative sides of the country music community for his willingness to sing about topics that country music typically strays away from, and he hasn’t been afraid of controversy in his career.

“But you know people are listenin' to it, likin' it. Every now and then somebody don't like it, but that's okay,” Nelson told Time Magazine in 2006. “Similar to years ago, when the hippie thing come out and I started growin' my hair and puttin' the earring in, I got a little flak here and there.”

Peck told Variety he’s faced barriers being an openly gay country music artist. But he concluded the “important thing that’s happening in country music at the moment is there’s so many more queer people, and people that aren’t just white, straight men making country music.”

The 2024 cover of the song is sung beautifully, and there’s a certain seemliness to hear genre trailblazer Nelson join forces with a modern-era trailblazer as they alternate verses.

Some of the lyrics are admittedly heavy-handed, such as “a cowboy may brag about things that he's done with his women / But the ones who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer.” 

However, if you keep in mind the spirit behind the song and that more than 40 years have passed since it was written, the lyrics are great and easy to enjoy.  

Along with the song, Peck released a music video depicting cowboys dancing with multiracial, same-sex and traditional dance partners while simultaneously depicting those same cowboys in stereotypical manners, like chucking hay or tending to a field. 

That’s on top of plenty of shared shots with Peck and Nelson having fun,  and it’s hard to blame them — the song is a hoot. The video ends with a subtle but strong moment as Peck locks a saloon door and they share a moment as he shakes Nelson’s hand.

The message of Peck and Nelson’s 2024 cover of “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other” is clear: the LGBTQ+ community has always been a core part of country music, and they ain’t going nowhere. 

Ian Wilder is a senior staff writer and current men’s hockey beat reporter for The Daily Cardinal. He’s a former state politics and features reporter. Follow him on Twitter at @IanWWilder .

Experiencing the magic of ABBA: A review of ‘Mamma Mia!’

‘Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person’ is what it says on the tin

‘Red Rooms’ is a well-crafted film that may not be about anything

Dane County Farmers Market returns to Madison this Saturday By Celine Essaied | 04/12/2024

Lobbyists, politicians upset over city of Madison’s quarterly report By Vanessa Gavilan | 04/15/2024

‘Ideological bias’ training mandate, other provisions were taken out of UW System deal By Ava Menkes and Liam Beran | 04/15/2024

This officer nearly died at the Jan. 6 riot. He hopes young voters will spur political change By Ava Menkes | 04/11/2024

Chinese Badgers commemoration connects families, examines historic student impacts By Mia Salbego | 04/11/2024

Willie Nelson Wrote “Shotgun Willie” In A Bathroom On A Sanitary Napkin Made To Cover Toilets

I guess you never know when inspiration might strike…

And that’s certainly the case with Willie Nelson’s classic song “Shotgun Willie.”

Of course, it’s the iconic title track to his 16th studio album that was released in 1973, and was recorded soon after he left his former label, RCA Records, and hired a new manager in Neil Reshen. Ultimately, Willie decided to move to Austin, Texas and continue his music career there, where he also became the first country artist to sign with Atlantic Records.

Atlantic executive Jerry Wexler gave Willie an incredible amount of artistic freedom, and really encouraged him to do whatever he wanted. That’s about as equally rare now as it was back then, so to say it was a huge opportunity for the red headed stranger to really prove himself would be a massive understatement.

In his 2015 memoir  It’s a Long Story: My Life , Willie recalled Wexler encouraging him to go as far out there as he wanted with the music, which he appreciated, but knew that meant he was going to have to produce and put his money where his mouth was, so to speak.

And yeah, he found inspiration in quite an unusual place… the bathroom of his hotel, where he wrote the song on a sanitary napkin made to cover toilets:

“I liked the words, but I also felt the pressure. I needed at least two or three new songs to justify Wexler’s faith in me. I needed to come up with something quick.

That night at the hotel I was in the bathroom, worrying about whether I could produce some great new song, when I noticed a dispenser for sanitary napkin bags next to the toilet. I took one out, got a pencil out of my pocket, and started scribbling whatever nonsense came to mind.

The words came tumbling out.”

I can only think of the most vulgar jokes to make about that whole situation, but I’ll spare you on this Monday afternoon…

Willie explained that he kind of thought it would be a flop when he first started writing it, fearing that that the words for “Shotgun Willie” would only make sense to him:

“Wasn’t much more than a variation on a twelve-bar blues. I figured the words wouldn’t make much sense to anyone except me. Started out with my remembering that crazy day at the farm when I grabbed my shotgun and took aim at my daughter Lana’s husband.

The second verse was just me stalling for time till I could figure out something for that third verse. And the third verse was me remembering John T. Floore, owner of a honky-tonk dance hall outside San Antone, who, in his misspent youth, had supplied the Klan with sheets.

When I sang the song for Wexler, I was certain he’d think I was nuts. ‘I think you’re brilliant!’ Jerry enthused. ‘Let’s cut it. Lay down another bunch of songs and we’ll call the record ‘Shotgun Willie.'”

After that, Willie was off to the races cranking out one hit after another for his new project. He was able to relax and hone in on his creativity because of the freedom Wexler gave him and the time he had to really figure it out:

“Wexler’s attitude really pumped me up. I cranked out songs, one after another. The atmosphere was right.

Whereas Nashville had always been uptight about musicians smoking dope in the studio, Atlantic didn’t give a shit. Wexler got high with us. Wexler never bugged me to put on sweeteners to stimulate sales. I felt free to tap into my imagination, no holds barred.”

While the album surprisingly only peaked at #41 on the U.S. Top Country Albums chart and in spite of poor sales upon release day, Shotgun Willie received much critical acclaim and garnered him major recognition with a younger audience.

It was also one of the first true outlaw country records and has remained a fan-favorite to this day. And of course, “Shotgun Willie” stuck as a nickname and was inspired by a true story, which you’ll want to read about here .

I think some of the best country songs have some of the wildest stories behind him, though most of them are no match for the one and only Willie Nelson.

Here’s Willie singin’ “Shotgun Willie” at Austin City Limits  ( the show he helped launch ) back in 1981:

“Shotgun Willie”

MORE FROM WHISKEY RIFF

WHISKEY RIFF RAFF PODCAST

WHISKEY RIFF SHOP

STAY ENTERTAINED

A riff on what country is really about.

Never Miss Out