In a moment of excitement, country music legend Willie Nelson appeared surprisedly during Chris Stapleton’s set at the Austin City Limits (ACL) music festival on Friday night. The 91-year-old icon, synonymous with the city of Austin, took the stage alongside Stapleton, sitting down with his trusty guitar Trigger and joining the country soul crooner for the first two songs of his highly anticipated performance.
It was a true “Willie City Limits” moment as the Red-Headed Stranger lent his iconic vocals to the spirited duet of his classic hit “Whiskey River.” The crowd cheered, thrilled to witness the master songwriter and performer back on the ACL stage.
Nelson’s appearance was a fitting preview of the city’s upcoming celebrations honoring the 50th anniversary of the “Austin City Limits” television program, which first aired on October 17, 1974. Nelson was the very first performer featured on the show, and he has graced the stage a remarkable 18 times over the years, more than any other artist.
“This is the season to reminisce on how Willie reshaped our city and his relationship with ‘Austin City Limits,'” remarked one local journalist. “He is in town to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the date he taped the first episode of the festival’s namesake television show.”
Indeed, Nelson’s connections to Austin and the ACL program run deep. In the 1970s, after leaving the buttoned-up ethos of the Nashville music industry, the 40-year-old artist found a new creative home among the long-haired weirdos and early cannabis activists in Austin. Here, he recorded some of his legendary career’s most acclaimed and influential music.
“Willie released ‘Whiskey River’ on his 1973 album, ‘Shotgun Willie,'” the journalist noted. “It was the first album he made after he left Nashville for Austin. Away from the slick Music City industry machine and in amongst a bunch of long hairs and weirdos, the 40-year-old artist and early cannabis activist found himself. He went on to record some of the greatest music of his career.”
Nelson’s surprise appearance on the ACL stage is no surprise to those familiar with his enduring bond with the city and the festival. The country icon is a regular fixture at the annual event, and he’s even been known to make impromptu guest appearances, much to the delight of the adoring crowds.
This time, Chris Stapleton was honored to share the stage with Nelson. The two artists are no strangers, having toured together on the Outlaw Country Music Tour and appearing at each other’s events, including Nelson’s 90th birthday bash at the Hollywood Bowl last year.
“Stapleton and Nelson are old song-swapping buds,” the journalist explained. “Stapleton has appeared at Willie’s Fourth of July Picnic multiple times, and we have toured together on the Outlaw Country Music Tour.”
As the two musical legends traded verses and guitar licks, the audience was treated to an extraordinary moment, a testament to the enduring legacy of both artists and the city they’ve helped to shape.
And for Nelson, this appearance at ACL is just the beginning of the city’s celebrations honoring his contributions. Next week, the “Austin City Limits” television program will mark its 50th anniversary with a big party on the Long Center Lawn. Nelson is expected to be a central figure in the festivities.
“Free tickets to the public were assigned via lottery, and for music fans who missed out on passes, there will be a live stream at 7 p.m. at aclturns50.com,” the journalist noted.
Whether he’s surprising fans on the ACL stage or headlining the program’s 50th-anniversary celebration, one thing is sure: Willie Nelson’s impact on Austin and the “Austin City Limits” legacy is unparalleled. And as long as the Red-Headed Stranger continues to grace the city with his presence, the music and spirit of Austin will continue to thrive.