Additional Coverage:
Willie Nelson is stepping down from a planned performance on his current Outlaw Music Festival Tour.
Nelson, who was set to take the stage in Virginia Beach, Virginia, this Thursday, will not be appearing, as announced in a statement on Nelson’s official Facebook page on Wednesday.
The specific reasons for Nelson’s withdrawal were not mentioned in the announcement. However, his team anticipates his return to the tour soon.
The Thursday concert will still feature acts like Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and Celisse, as noted in the Facebook announcement. Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson, and Willie’s backing group, The Family, will cover his performance slot.
USA TODAY has requested comments from Nelson’s representatives.
This cancellation is part of a series of recent performance cancellations by Nelson, largely attributed to health concerns.
In a related update, Nelson dropped out from a show on the Outlaw Music Festival Tour last Friday due to health issues, based on a statement released via his social media channels.
The statement expressed regret and noted that Nelson, on doctor’s orders, needs to rest for the next four days, hoping for a swift recovery. No further details about his health situation were provided.
In more touring news, Neil Young and Crazy Horse have canceled their remaining 2024 concert dates because of illness.
The esteemed “Always on My Mind” artist was also scheduled to perform in Georgia on Friday, continuing to North Carolina for performances on Saturday and Sunday, as part of the Outlaw Music Festival Tour, which he headlines. Nelson expressed enthusiasm about returning to the road earlier in February when the festival lineup was announced.