Willie Nelson's Illness Forces Cancellation of Outlaw Music Festival Kick-Off Shows

Willie Nelson's much-anticipated Outlaw Music Festival Tour has been temporarily sidelined due to the legendary musician's illness. Nelson, who recently turned 91, was scheduled to open the tour on Friday, June 21, but was forced to cancel his appearance on doctor's orders.

Country music icon Willie Nelson's recent illness has cast a shadow over the highly anticipated Outlaw Music Festival Tour, forcing the cancellation of the opening shows. Nelson, who celebrated his 91st birthday earlier this month, was set to kick off the tour on Friday, June 21, but announced on social media hours before the scheduled performance that he could not perform due to medical advice.

"We regret to inform you that Willie Nelson is not feeling well and, per doctor's orders, has been advised to rest for the next four days," a statement posted to Nelson's official Twitter account stated. The statement reassured fans that Nelson is expected to make a quick recovery and join the tour next week.

Willie Nelson's Illness Forces Cancellation of Outlaw Music Festival Kick-Off Shows

The Outlaw Music Festival Tour, which Nelson has been hosting since 2016, features an impressive lineup of legendary artists, including Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, and Celisse. Despite Nelson's absence, the other acts performed as planned, with Lukas Nelson and the Family Band, led by Willie's son, delivering a special set of Willie's classics and other songs.

Nelson's representative released a statement expressing confidence in the singer's recovery and excitement for his return to the tour. "Willie will be fine. I live in Los Angeles and will fly next week to see the performances on the east coast. I can't wait," the statement read.

Willie Nelson's Illness Forces Cancellation of Outlaw Music Festival Kick-Off Shows

While a specific return date for Nelson has not been announced, the next show on the tour is scheduled for June 26 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The 2023 Outlaw Music Festival was announced in February on social media, with Nelson expressing his enthusiasm for the tour's return.

In a statement on the tour's website, Nelson wrote, "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."

Last year around his 90th birthday in April, Nelson told AARP he was happy to celebrate the milestone by being on tour, saying, "Working is really good for me, no matter what kind of show it is."

When asked if he's ever considered retiring from the road, Nelson said, "Jokingly, I retire after every tour."

"But I'm always ready to go back again," he continued. "I like the bus. I have everything I need on the bus. I never have to go into a hotel room anywhere. It's not that bad."

Despite the temporary setback caused by his illness, Willie Nelson remains an indefatigable icon whose love for music and performing continues to inspire fans around the world. The Outlaw Music Festival Tour will undoubtedly resume with renewed energy and excitement once Nelson is back on his feet, sharing his timeless songs and infectious spirit with eager audiences.