Fans of the legendary musician Willie Nelson are defending the songwriter, whose most recent on-stage appearance had some concerned.
Nelson, 93, is still touring and recording new music. The veteran performer released his 79th studio album, Dream Chaser, earlier this year. Dream Chaser featured 10 new songs by Nelson, with one track co-written by Bob Dylan. Nelson’s ongoing stage presence has proven to be a delight, with the Outlaw Music Festival headliner still performing across North America. Though he has shows scheduled for the rest of the year, some fans who attended recent shows noted the veteran songwriter is not looking or sounding his best. Concerned fans took to the r/music subreddit and shared their thoughts on whether or not Nelson should wrap up his tour.
One fan wrote: “I don’t think Willie Nelson has much time. I understand that the man is 93-years-old and his time is obviously finite, but after seeing him in concert the other night, I really don’t think he’s long for this world. Willie Nelson has always been one of my favourite country artists, and his music, at least in my limited knowledge, has always been so unique. But seeing him on stage broke my heart.
“There were flashes of his former crooning voice, but more than anything, it was his band holding him up. Once again, as to be expected. I guess what stood out to me was the feeling that it was a living obituary of one of my heroes. He walked through his greatest hits, Last Leaf on the Tree, and even Me and Bobby McGee. I’ve never cried at a concert, or for the passing of an artist, but halfway through Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, I lost it. Has anyone else seen him recently or have a similar experience or connection with another artist?”
Fans recalled similar experiences at recent Nelson shows. One person replied: “My brother and I have been taking our dad to see Willie on his festival tour the last couple of years. Two years ago, there were real Weekend at Bernie’s vibes when he started his show. After a while, it seemed like he took in enough energy from the crowd to show some life. Last year was leaps and bounds better. We’re going again this year.”
Weekend at Bernie’s is a 1990s comedy film where two employees find themselves invited to their boss’ beach house, only to find him dead when they get there. Much of the film is based on the two colleagues trying to convince people their boss is alive and well.
Other Nelson gig-goers noted the rough state he appeared to be in. One fan wrote: “I must have seen him 2-3 years ago. I was horrified. It took a while to get him on stage, and they had about four people really close to him. Outside of that, the show was good.” While it may be an upsetting sight for some fans, others believe that it is what Nelson wants to do with his time.
A fan wrote: “I mean, even 10 years ago, it was all he could do to get the lyrics out before he ran out of breath. The only good thing is, it’s reported that he’s doing this because he wants to (and he got to tour with his kid for a while) .”
Another added: “Yeah, when I saw him a decade ago, he had rescheduled due to health issues. My parents had seen him the night before he cancelled the concert I was supposed to go to, and said he seemed in bad health. When I finally saw him, he was barely holding it together, but it was a good time. When I saw him a few years ago, he was now seated instead of standing, and he could sing or play guitar, but not quite both, and not for a long time for either. And yet, I’d go see him again. There’s just something about him and his performances.
A third shared: “Consider this: the guy is a legend. He’s made his money. He’s 93. He can, bluntly, do anything he wants with his life. And what he wanted was to go out and play before a crowd that included you instead of kicking back and smoking up a storm.”
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