LOS ANGELES — Willie Nelson’s Hollywood Bowl 90 birthday celebration is heading into the concert history books.
Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90, the two-night power-packed event, kicked off Saturday (Nelson’s birthday) after blowing it up to epic proportions with late additions to the bill.
“This is one of those weekends that people will talk about forever,” musician Lyle Lovett told USA TODAY from the red carpet backstage. “I just said, ‘Yeah’ right away. I was honored to be asked.”
Lovett said the roster of performers — from Snoop Dogg to Chris Stapleton, Chicken to Tom Jones — just shows the strength of Willie Nelson. “There’s nobody like him. Everyone here has Willie Nelson in common, and we’re all automatically friends because of him. The world needs that and the world needs Willie.”
Chris Stapleton carried The Chicks out for the early concert
Nelson let the stars of his music carry the first three hours of the concert. Kris Kristofferson joins Rosanne Cash to sing his song “Loving Her Was Easier (than Anything I’d Do Again).” Cash movingly allowed the 87-year-old Kristofferson to sing the final words on his own. As he oddly walked on stage with Cash, an emotional Kristofferson greeted the audience, who gave a standing ovation.
Helen Mirren introduced fellow Brit Tom Jones who marveled at Nelson’s vivacity. “I’m 83 years old, I have something to look forward to,” Jones said before storming the show, “A Chance to Cry.”
Bobby Weir sang “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and The Chicks performed a raucous version of “Bloody Mary Morning”. Jennifer Garner posed as Miranda Lambert, who wore a red and black jumpsuit with a bold red fringe to perform “Mamas Don’t Let Your Kids Grow Up To Be Cowboys.”
Chris Stapleton performed poignant versions of “Last Thing I Needed First This Morning” and “Always On My Mind”.
Before he sang his song “Willie Got Me Stoned,” Jack Johnson hinted at a backstage party that might have been keeping Nelson off stage.
“It’s a party. We’re having a good time there,” Johnson said.
Nelson has performed with Snoop Dogg, George Strait, and Neil Young
Finally, a jubilant Nelson walked on stage after more than three hours into the concert, taking a seat to join Neil Young on “Are There Any More Real Cowboys?”
“I want to thank all the artists for helping celebrate everything we celebrate,” Nilsson joked after the song ended.
He sang two songs with country music legend George Strait—”Sing One With Willie” and “Poncho and Lefty”—before bringing his friend Snoop Dogg to the stage.
“Hey Snoop, come over here and help me open one,” Nelson said as the rapper held a golden mic, sitting next to him to sing. Snoop Dogg suggested performing the song “in the key of smoke”.
Nelson wasn’t shy about his birthday. After playing an upbeat version of his classic “On the Road Again”, Nelson began serenading himself with “Happy Birthday to Me” from the stage.
The reveler continued his humor with his latest song, the Mac Davis classic, “Hard to Be Humble” with the lyrics, “I can’t wait to look in the mirror, ’cause I’m getting better every day.”
Nelson still had the energy to throw his cowboy hat hard into the crowd during the final standing ovation. He said, “We’ll see you tomorrow night.”
Who else will be performing at Willie Nelson’s birthday weekend?
Other performers at the weekend birthday parties include Beck, Billy Stranges, Booker T. Jones, Buddy Cannon, Charlie Crockett, Daniel Lanois, Dave Matthews, Dwight Yoakam, Eddie Brickell, Emmylou Harris, Gary Clark Jr., Leon Bridges and Lily Meola , Lucas Nelson, Margo Price, Norah Jones, Orville Peck, Particle Kid, Rodney Crowell, Roseanne Cash, Sheryl Crowe, Stephen Stills, Sturgill Simpson, The Avet Brothers, The Lumineers, Tyler Childers and Ziggy Marley.
“We put together a thoughtful list of Willie’s close friends and family of musicians that Willie has recorded on tour with,” said executive producer Keith Wortman. “And that’s a pretty big list.”
Do you want more Willie? Read on:
Everyone in the family:He brought his sons and daughters for the first time on the Willie Nelson Family album
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023 nominees:Topping the list are George Michael, Missy Elliott and Willie Nelson
I will not go anywhere:Willie Nelson Declares He’s ‘Not Dead’
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