Latest news with #WillieNelson
Toronto Sun
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Willie Nelson keeps living the life he loves at 92. 'I'm not through with it yet'
Published Jun 20, 2025 • 4 minute read Willie Nelson performs during the Farm Aid Music Festival at the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, on September 24, 2023. Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO / AFP via Getty Images Willie Nelson's 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl could have been mistaken for a retirement party. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account But two years later at 92, he's working as much as ever. Not that retirement would look much different. The life he loves is making music with his friends, even after outliving so many dear ones. Nelson will be on the road again with Bob Dylan when the Outlaw Music Festival resumes for the second leg of its 10th year starting on June 20 in Clarkston, Michigan Asked if he'd ever like his life to get the feature film treatment that Dylan did last year with 'A Complete Unknown, ' Nelson said, 'I've heard some talk about it. But I'm not through with it yet.' Nelson spoke to The Associated Press in a phone interview from Hawaii's Oahu. 'Bob's a good friend,' Nelson said. 'And I'll be glad to let him headline.' The tour is one part of a loaded year. It'll lead right up to the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid in September. This spring, Nelson released his 77th studio album. And he's added a new THC tonic, Willie's Remedy+, to his wide world of weed products. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. An all-Crowell album Nelson has always loved singing the songs of his friends as much as if not more than the ones he writes himself. In 1979, he released 'Willie Nelson Sings Kristofferson,' a full album of the work of his friend Kris Kristofferson, who died last year. He has similar love for the songs of his friend Rodney Crowell. Nelson has long performed Crowell's 'Til I Gain Control Again,' which he called 'one of the best country songs that I think I've ever heard.' Now he's released a whole album of Crowell tunes, 'Oh What a Beautiful World.' 'So far he hasn't written one that I don't like,' Nelson said. The album comes on the 50th anniversary of 'Red Headed Stranger,' the album that many consider Nelson's masterpiece. A breakthrough for him at age 42, it took him from respected journeyman to beloved superstar. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Nelson said he's already begun work on album number 78, but declines to share its direction. Willie's Family band, old and new, still with no set list As Nelson returns to the road, the only surviving member of the classic lineup of his Family band is Mickey Raphael, 73, whose harmonica has duetted for decades with the Willie warble. Bassist Bee Spears died in 2011. Guitarist and backup singer Jody Payne died in 2013. Drummer Paul English died in 2020. And Nelson's sister Bobbie Nelson, his only sibling and his piano player, died in 2022. But the band he takes on the road now is just as familial in its own way. It often includes his sons Lukas and Micah. English's brother Billy plays the drums. The son of Payne and singer Sammi Smith, Waylon Payne, plays guitar. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. They collectively keep up with Nelson's wants and whims on stage. One thing the live show never includes is a set list. He refuses to use them. Band members — and sound guys, and lighting guys — have to stay on their toes and be ready for anything. 'I'd rather play it off the top of my head, because I can read the crowd pretty good,' Nelson said. 'They jump in there.' The list-less set lately has included classics like 'Whiskey River' (always the opener, no guessing to be done there,) and 'Bloody Mary Morning' along with newer adoptees like Tom Waits' 'Last Leaf,' a song that perfectly expresses Nelson's survivor status. 'I'm the last leaf on the tree,' Nelson sings in the song that leads his 2024 album of the same name. 'The autumn took the rest, but it won't take me.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'My son Micah found that for me,' Nelson said. 'I really love the song, and the audience likes it, it's one of the real good ones.' He's also been performing songs written by Micah, who records and performs as Particle Kid. One favourite, 'Everything Is B- – – – – -t,' seems to stand in contrast to the gospel standards like 'I'll Fly Away' and 'Will The Circle Be Unbroken' that he often plays a few minutes later. Willie disagrees. 'It's all gospel,' he says with a laugh. Farm Aid turns 40 September will bring the 40th anniversary addition of Farm Aid, the annual festival to support family farmers, which Nelson founded with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, He performs there annually. It was inspired by one-off charity concerts like 'Live Aid,' but became an annual institution, rotating each year to a different farm-adjacent city. It's in Minneapolis this year. Asked his favourite, he said, 'They've all been good, for different reasons. The first one was great, the last one was great.' Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances. World Columnists World Toronto & GTA MMA
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
'I'm not through with it yet': Willie Nelson at 92
When Willie Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday at the Hollywood Bowl two years ago, it could have been mistaken for a retirement party. But at 92, he's working as much as ever. Nelson will be on the road again with Bob Dylan when the Outlaw Music Festival resumes for the second leg of its 10th year starting on June 20 in Clarkston, Michigan. Asked if he'd ever like his life to get the feature film treatment that Dylan did last year with "A Complete Unknown, " Nelson said, "I've heard some talk about it. But I'm not through with it yet." The tour is one part of a loaded year. This spring, Nelson released his 77th studio album, a collection of songs by his friend Rodney Crowell. And he's added a new THC tonic, Willie's Remedy+, to his wide world of weed products. The album comes on the 50th anniversary of "Red Headed Stranger," the album that many consider Nelson's masterpiece. A breakthrough for him at age 42, it took him from respected journeyman to beloved superstar. As Nelson returns to the road, the only surviving member of the classic lineup of his Family band is Mickey Raphael, 73, whose harmonica has duetted for decades with the Willie warble. Bassist Bee Spears died in 2011. Guitarist and backup singer Jody Payne died in 2013. Drummer Paul English died in 2020. And Nelson's sister Bobbie Nelson, his only sibling and his piano player, died in 2022. But the band he takes on the road now is just as familial in its own way. It often includes his sons Lukas and Micah. English's brother Billy plays the drums. The son of Payne and singer Sammi Smith, Waylon Payne, plays guitar September will bring the 40th anniversary addition of Farm Aid, the annual festival to support family farmers, which Nelson founded with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, He performs there annually. It was inspired by one-off charity concerts like "Live Aid," but became an annual institution, rotating each year to a different farm-adjacent city. It's in Minneapolis this year. When Willie Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday at the Hollywood Bowl two years ago, it could have been mistaken for a retirement party. But at 92, he's working as much as ever. Nelson will be on the road again with Bob Dylan when the Outlaw Music Festival resumes for the second leg of its 10th year starting on June 20 in Clarkston, Michigan. Asked if he'd ever like his life to get the feature film treatment that Dylan did last year with "A Complete Unknown, " Nelson said, "I've heard some talk about it. But I'm not through with it yet." The tour is one part of a loaded year. This spring, Nelson released his 77th studio album, a collection of songs by his friend Rodney Crowell. And he's added a new THC tonic, Willie's Remedy+, to his wide world of weed products. The album comes on the 50th anniversary of "Red Headed Stranger," the album that many consider Nelson's masterpiece. A breakthrough for him at age 42, it took him from respected journeyman to beloved superstar. As Nelson returns to the road, the only surviving member of the classic lineup of his Family band is Mickey Raphael, 73, whose harmonica has duetted for decades with the Willie warble. Bassist Bee Spears died in 2011. Guitarist and backup singer Jody Payne died in 2013. Drummer Paul English died in 2020. And Nelson's sister Bobbie Nelson, his only sibling and his piano player, died in 2022. But the band he takes on the road now is just as familial in its own way. It often includes his sons Lukas and Micah. English's brother Billy plays the drums. The son of Payne and singer Sammi Smith, Waylon Payne, plays guitar September will bring the 40th anniversary addition of Farm Aid, the annual festival to support family farmers, which Nelson founded with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, He performs there annually. It was inspired by one-off charity concerts like "Live Aid," but became an annual institution, rotating each year to a different farm-adjacent city. It's in Minneapolis this year. When Willie Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday at the Hollywood Bowl two years ago, it could have been mistaken for a retirement party. But at 92, he's working as much as ever. Nelson will be on the road again with Bob Dylan when the Outlaw Music Festival resumes for the second leg of its 10th year starting on June 20 in Clarkston, Michigan. Asked if he'd ever like his life to get the feature film treatment that Dylan did last year with "A Complete Unknown, " Nelson said, "I've heard some talk about it. But I'm not through with it yet." The tour is one part of a loaded year. This spring, Nelson released his 77th studio album, a collection of songs by his friend Rodney Crowell. And he's added a new THC tonic, Willie's Remedy+, to his wide world of weed products. The album comes on the 50th anniversary of "Red Headed Stranger," the album that many consider Nelson's masterpiece. A breakthrough for him at age 42, it took him from respected journeyman to beloved superstar. As Nelson returns to the road, the only surviving member of the classic lineup of his Family band is Mickey Raphael, 73, whose harmonica has duetted for decades with the Willie warble. Bassist Bee Spears died in 2011. Guitarist and backup singer Jody Payne died in 2013. Drummer Paul English died in 2020. And Nelson's sister Bobbie Nelson, his only sibling and his piano player, died in 2022. But the band he takes on the road now is just as familial in its own way. It often includes his sons Lukas and Micah. English's brother Billy plays the drums. The son of Payne and singer Sammi Smith, Waylon Payne, plays guitar September will bring the 40th anniversary addition of Farm Aid, the annual festival to support family farmers, which Nelson founded with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, He performs there annually. It was inspired by one-off charity concerts like "Live Aid," but became an annual institution, rotating each year to a different farm-adjacent city. It's in Minneapolis this year. When Willie Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday at the Hollywood Bowl two years ago, it could have been mistaken for a retirement party. But at 92, he's working as much as ever. Nelson will be on the road again with Bob Dylan when the Outlaw Music Festival resumes for the second leg of its 10th year starting on June 20 in Clarkston, Michigan. Asked if he'd ever like his life to get the feature film treatment that Dylan did last year with "A Complete Unknown, " Nelson said, "I've heard some talk about it. But I'm not through with it yet." The tour is one part of a loaded year. This spring, Nelson released his 77th studio album, a collection of songs by his friend Rodney Crowell. And he's added a new THC tonic, Willie's Remedy+, to his wide world of weed products. The album comes on the 50th anniversary of "Red Headed Stranger," the album that many consider Nelson's masterpiece. A breakthrough for him at age 42, it took him from respected journeyman to beloved superstar. As Nelson returns to the road, the only surviving member of the classic lineup of his Family band is Mickey Raphael, 73, whose harmonica has duetted for decades with the Willie warble. Bassist Bee Spears died in 2011. Guitarist and backup singer Jody Payne died in 2013. Drummer Paul English died in 2020. And Nelson's sister Bobbie Nelson, his only sibling and his piano player, died in 2022. But the band he takes on the road now is just as familial in its own way. It often includes his sons Lukas and Micah. English's brother Billy plays the drums. The son of Payne and singer Sammi Smith, Waylon Payne, plays guitar September will bring the 40th anniversary addition of Farm Aid, the annual festival to support family farmers, which Nelson founded with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, He performs there annually. It was inspired by one-off charity concerts like "Live Aid," but became an annual institution, rotating each year to a different farm-adjacent city. It's in Minneapolis this year.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Willie Nelson keeps living the life he loves at 92. ‘I'm not through with it yet'
Willie Nelson's 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl could have been mistaken for a retirement party. But two years later at 92, he's working as much as ever. Not that retirement would look much different. The life he loves is making music with his friends, even after outliving so many dear ones. Nelson will be on the road again with Bob Dylan when the Outlaw Music Festival resumes for the second leg of its 10th year starting on June 20 in Clarkston, Michigan Asked if he'd ever like his life to get the feature film treatment that Dylan did last year with 'A Complete Unknown, ' Nelson said, 'I've heard some talk about it. But I'm not through with it yet.' Nelson spoke to The Associated Press in a phone interview from Hawaii's Oahu. 'Bob's a good friend,' Nelson said. 'And I'll be glad to let him headline.' The tour is one part of a loaded year. It'll lead right up to the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid in September. This spring, Nelson released his 77th studio album. And he's added a new THC tonic, Willie's Remedy+, to his wide world of weed products. An all-Crowell album Nelson has always loved singing the songs of his friends as much as if not more than the ones he writes himself. In 1979, he released 'Willie Nelson Sings Kristofferson,' a full album of the work of his friend Kris Kristofferson, who died last year. He has similar love for the songs of his friend Rodney Crowell. Nelson has long performed Crowell's 'Til I Gain Control Again,' which he called 'one of the best country songs that I think I've ever heard.' Now he's released a whole album of Crowell tunes, 'Oh What a Beautiful World.' 'So far he hasn't written one that I don't like,' Nelson said. The album comes on the 50th anniversary of 'Red Headed Stranger,' the album that many consider Nelson's masterpiece. A breakthrough for him at age 42, it took him from respected journeyman to beloved superstar. Nelson said he's already begun work on album number 78, but declines to share its direction. Willie's Family band, old and new, still with no set list As Nelson returns to the road, the only surviving member of the classic lineup of his Family band is Mickey Raphael, 73, whose harmonica has duetted for decades with the Willie warble. Bassist Bee Spears died in 2011. Guitarist and backup singer Jody Payne died in 2013. Drummer Paul English died in 2020. And Nelson's sister Bobbie Nelson, his only sibling and his piano player, died in 2022. But the band he takes on the road now is just as familial in its own way. It often includes his sons Lukas and Micah. English's brother Billy plays the drums. The son of Payne and singer Sammi Smith, Waylon Payne, plays guitar. They collectively keep up with Nelson's wants and whims on stage. One thing the live show never includes is a set list. He refuses to use them. Band members — and sound guys, and lighting guys — have to stay on their toes and be ready for anything. 'I'd rather play it off the top of my head, because I can read the crowd pretty good,' Nelson said. 'They jump in there.' The list-less set lately has included classics like 'Whiskey River' (always the opener, no guessing to be done there,) and 'Bloody Mary Morning' along with newer adoptees like Tom Waits' 'Last Leaf,' a song that perfectly expresses Nelson's survivor status. 'I'm the last leaf on the tree,' Nelson sings in the song that leads his 2024 album of the same name. 'The autumn took the rest, but it won't take me.' 'My son Micah found that for me,' Nelson said. 'I really love the song, and the audience likes it, it's one of the real good ones.' He's also been performing songs written by Micah, who records and performs as Particle Kid. One favorite, 'Everything Is B- - - - - -t,' seems to stand in contrast to the gospel standards like 'I'll Fly Away' and 'Will The Circle Be Unbroken' that he often plays a few minutes later. Willie disagrees. 'It's all gospel,' he says with a laugh. Farm Aid turns 40 September will bring the 40th anniversary addition of Farm Aid, the annual festival to support family farmers, which Nelson founded with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, He performs there annually. It was inspired by one-off charity concerts like 'Live Aid,' but became an annual institution, rotating each year to a different farm-adjacent city. It's in Minneapolis this year. Asked his favorite, he said, 'They've all been good, for different reasons. The first one was great, the last one was great.' Andrew Dalton, The Associated Press
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
I went to see Beyoncé perform in London - there was on unexpected thing I saw
Despite struggling to sell out a number of shows, the superstar has gone ahead with the world tour for her Cowboy Carter album. Beyoncé is no doubt a name that's recognised around the world, and many will know her for hits like Crazy in Love or Single Ladies. A household name in music and R&B, when the Texan singer released Cowboy Carter, her eighth studio album, that's packed with 27 songs inspired by the sound of country music, it was a surprising direction for the artist. I'm not a huge country music fan, but I am a huge fan of Beyoncé, and while it wasn't my favourite album, I understood the significance of it. Speaking of the Black artists and history that have influenced the genre, it was a lesson for many fans like myself that weren't fully aware of the genres roots. The significance of the album was no feat, seeing her becoming the first Black woman to top the US country charts, and winning Album Of The Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards. But country music isn't to everyone's taste, even for Beyoncé's legion of loyal fans, so when she announced her world tour with the album only to see tickets failing to sell out, I wasn't totally surprised. Having just attended her Renaissance world tour two years ago, I also decided to give Cowboy Carter a miss despite her adding extra dates on to her residency at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Chatter about slow ticket sales seemed to take centre stage ahead of her return, with The Standard reporting that none of her six shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium had managed to sell out, and tickets had been given out to low income families in the borough. While I'd initially decided to sit this tour out, rave reviews continued to pour in despite the poor ticket sales, and after watching enough Instagram stories of friends at the show, I was persuaded to get myself down to Tottenham, cowboy boots in tow. Fast-forward to Tuesday evening, and I found myself in the crowd as the legendary star performed a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner, kicking off the Cowboy Carter show. Paying homage to country artists like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, and even The Beatles, the show was undoubtedly moving, proving a genre that's rich and diverse in talent. A whopping 40-song setlist, predominantly featuring Cowboy Carter, along with some of her most adored hits like Irreplaceable and Diva, there was one aspect of this show that caught me off guard. It wasn't her soaring through the sky in a pink Cadillac, her stunning outfits adorned with floor-length fur coats and Western-style chaps, or the fact that the stadium seemed to be packed with fans that shocked me the most; it was the presence of families and their young children. More akin to a tribute than a concert, the show felt like an educational journey into the genre, and it was touching to witness the awe and excitement radiating from the children and families around me as the musician narrated a tale of African American musical history, of which she is undoubtedly a significant part.
Washington Post
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Willie Nelson keeps living the life he loves at 92. 'I'm not through with it yet'
Willie Nelson's 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl could have been mistaken for a retirement party. But two years later at 92, he's working as much as ever. Not that retirement would look much different. The life he loves is making music with his friends, even after outliving so many dear ones.
