Willie Nelson Abruptly Ends Concert Due to Breathing Difficulties
Willie Nelson took the stage at Harrah’s Resort SoCal on Saturday (Jan. 6), but didn't get very far. The legend began coughing and experiencing breathing issues during his first song before calling it a night.
A note from Nelson's publicist to the San Diego Union Tribune says Nelson is experiencing a "bad cold or flu." Similar symptoms have plagued him in recent years. While he continues to travel and tour, he's become more susceptible to breathing issues as he has gotten older. The 84-year-old has canceled three concerts slated for this week, including Monday night's (Jan. 9) show in Palm Springs, Calif., and two weekend shows in Nevada.
Prior to the weekend's cancellation Nelson's most recent episode came in August in Utah, when he required hospitalization after struggling to breathe as he sang "Whiskey River," the song he opens his live show with. That came just weeks after he fought off rumors of his own death — something else that has plagued him in his later years. In fact, the death hoaxes have become so common that he even recorded a song and music video called "Still Not Dead."
Nelson's next scheduled show is Feb. 7 in Macon, Ga. He'll be busy in February, but taking March off.
The Country Music Hall of Famer released God's Problem Child in 2017 and continues to create new music in addition to spending time on the road. In addition to "Whiskey River" his best known songs are "Always On My Mind," "On the Road Again," "Seven Spanish Angels" and "Pancho and Lefty."
See Willie Nelson Through the Years
Shotgun Willie for Real! Watch Nelson's Story