Willie Nelson's Outlaw Music Festival Concert Canceled: What We Know
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Outlaw Music Festival's concert in Oklahoma on Tuesday was canceled because of an "extreme weather event," Willie Nelson said in a statement posted on social media.
Newsweek has contacted Nelson's representative for comment outside regular working hours.
The Context
Nelson, 92, co-founded the Outlaw Music Festival and was set to headline the July 1 event. The tour, which celebrates the festival's 10th anniversary, began in Arizona in May and concludes in Wisconsin in September. Other musicians scheduled to perform throughout the festival include Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow and the Turnpike Troubadours.
According to Blackbird Presents, the event's production company, the Outlaw Music Festival "is North America's largest touring music festival."
Willie Nelson performing during the Outlaw Music Festival at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on July 8, 2017.
Willie Nelson performing during the Outlaw Music Festival at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on July 8, 2017.What To Know
On Monday, Nelson and the Outlaw Music Festival's official Instagram accounts released a statement about the cancellation.
"The Outlaw Music Festival's 10th Anniversary concert event scheduled for July 1, 2025 at Lucky Star Amphitheater in El Reno, OK has been canceled due to unforeseeable circumstances," the statement said. "An extreme weather event on the evening of June 29th in Ridgedale, MO at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena produced heavy rains and high winds forcing the crowd to evacuate."
"Unfortunately, much of the Outlaw Music Festival's equipment and artists' instruments were damaged and waterlogged, making their condition difficult to assess in time to accurately and safely use for tomorrow's show," the statement continued. "The potential damage has halted the festival production as they recover and replace what's necessary for the tour to resume."
"Blackbird Presents, Lucky Star Amphitheater, and DCF Concerts are disappointed to have to cancel the engagement and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause," the statement added. "Refunds will be issued to the point of purchase. Please allow 7-10 business days for the refund to appear on your statement."
Last year, Nelson missed the opening of the Outlaw Music Festival because of an illness.
"We regret to inform you that Willie Nelson is not feeling well and, per doctor's orders, has been advised to rest for the next four days," a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, said at the time. "He is expected to make a full recovery and join the Outlaw Music Festival tour next week."
What People Are Saying
Instagram users commented on Nelson's post, with many fans expressing concern over Trigger, the "On the Road Again" singer's beloved guitar.
User @nathantwomack wrote: "The real question: is Trigger okay?"
User @gregmcgarvey wrote: "Trigger, if you read this, please let us know you're OK."
User @nolanelliscollins wrote: "Just tell me trigger is okay."
Nelson confirmed in a comment: "Trigger is marked SAFE from the damage suffered to other instruments and equipment in the MO storm."
User @berta_v wrote: "Oh no! I'm glad to hear everyone is ok. Disappointed we'll miss the concert. Stay safe and keep making music."
User @d_d_20251 wrote: "I'm deeply sorry to hear. Willie is the very best on earth. I hope all of the equipment will be fixed soon also. My heart is with you."
User @epacak wrote: "So sorry to hear this! You are all amazing & bring so much joy to all!!!"
What Happens Next
The Outlaw Music Festival is scheduled to resume in Austin on July 4.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Woman Meets Shelter's Oldest Dog—Makes Her 'Best Spontaneous Decision' Ever
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A trip to the local animal shelter was only meant for visiting and scoping out potential pets, but a woman folded when she looked into the eyes of the oldest resident. Katie Nelson, known on TikTok as @kaatienelson, went to the animal shelter a week after graduating from college. She told Newsweek via TikTok that she always knew she wanted to adopt a senior pet, but this visit wasn't for that purpose. Or that's what she thought originally. She stumbled upon Astro, a nearly 11-year-old dog, and instantly knew this was her dog. Astro came into the animal shelter as a stray; however, based on context clues, such as his teeth, Nelson believes he was a breeding dog, and the previous owner dumped him. Astro was in the shelter for about two or three weeks before Nelson's spur-of-the-moment decision landed him in his forever home. She couldn't stand the thought of this senior dog spending another minute there, and the next day she returned for him. "I wasn't planning on adopting, but after I met him, I knew I had to bring him home, but I needed a day to get all of our supplies, so I came back the next day to pick him up!" she said. She wrote in the video caption that this became her "best spontaneous decision" ever. Screenshots from a June 30 TikTok video of a woman sharing her "best spontaneous decision" in adopting a senior dog from the shelter. Screenshots from a June 30 TikTok video of a woman sharing her "best spontaneous decision" in adopting a senior dog from the shelter. @kaatienelson/TikTok Fast-forward to life with Astro a year later, and Nelson can't imagine her life without him. She said that "he's been doing great," and people often assume he is only a few months old, as he sports a new, youthful glow. However, he's just a senior dog living his best life in his golden years. "He is loving having his own space and going on new adventures," she said. "It seems like he's acting younger than he was when we first got him!" The dog's transformation from shelter life to being home with Nelson instantly captured people's hearts, and within three days, the TikTok video amassed over 4 million views, 912,500 likes and 4,780 comments. "He's aging backwards with you," pointed out a viewer. Another added: "Stop, you gave him his smile back." A third person said: "Thank you for giving him the life he deserves." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Remembering Michael Madsen: Top 5 Movies of Beloved Actor's Career
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors The entertainment world has been rocked by the news that beloved actor Michael Madsen has passed away suddenly at the age of 67. It was reported that he suffered cardiac arrest, which was revealed by his manager, Ron Smith. Read more: 'Reservoir Dogs,' 'Kill Bill' Actor Michael Madsen Dies at 67 Madsen has been acting since the early 1980s and has become one of the biggest collaborators with director Quentin Tarantino. Considering his illustrious career, here are the top five movies that Madsen starred in throughout his career. 5. Thelma & Louise "Thelma and Louise" is one of the most iconic films in the history of cinema, which follows Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as Thelma Dickinson and Louise Sawyer. Thelma and Louise are two best friends who go on a road trip that ends in disaster after they flee to avoid murder. Madsen was cast as Jimmy, Louise's boyfriend. Jimmy is an easy-going musician and is mostly on the road performing. However, he wants to marry Louise, who refuses. Madsen starred in the film in 1991, and followed that up with his biggest breakout role, and what started his longtime collaboration with Quentin Tarantino. More on that later. Madsen always found ways to showcase his character's gravitas, but Jimmy was one of his most believable characters. Actor Michael Madsen poses during a photocall for Tarantino's latest movie, 'The Hateful Eight' in Rome on January 28, 2016. Actor Michael Madsen poses during a photocall for Tarantino's latest movie, 'The Hateful Eight' in Rome on January 28, 2016. Associated Press 4. The Winner If there is one thing that Madsen knows how to do, it's to take on the role of a slick criminal figure. In 1994's "The Winner," Madsen stars alongside Rebecca De Mornay, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Richard Edson in a film that follows an unlikely gambler named Phillip (D'Onofrio) who begins to hit big in casinos, drawing the attention of everyone near him. While Phillip begins to win and draws the attention of every criminal, including his own brother, Wolf (Madsen). Madsen not only plays a man that is attempting to screw over his own brother, but he also has the body of his father stuffed away. Madsen does well when he plays the off-kilter criminal that is in it for himself, and he does so with excellence in "The Winner." 3. Strength and Honour Madsen took on a leading role in 2007's "Strength and Honour," which sees him star as Irish-American boxer Sean Kelleher. Kelleher accidentally kills his friend in the ring and vows to his wife that he will never box again. Kelleher loses his wife to a heart disease that has now been passed on to his son. Kelleher must break his promise to his wife to fight for a prize of 250,000 pounds to save his son. Madsen truly shined in "Strength and Honour," as audiences got to root for him in many ways than one in the film. A disgraced boxer returns to the limelight to save his own son. 2. Kill Bill Vol. 1, 2 As stated, Madsen and Tarantino often collaborated, and Madsen was the perfect person to play Budd. A member of the dangerous Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, Budd was also known as Sidewinder. Madsen took on the role of an assassin who lived a simple life in a trailer once he retired from killing people. Again, he shined as the criminal out for himself when he was betrayed by Elle, and was killed by a venomous snake. Still, Madsen's character burying The Bride alive after shooting her in the chest point blank remains one of the wildest scenes in his acting career. 1. Reservoir Dogs Madsen's most recognizable role is as Mr. Blonde in "Reservoir Dogs." As a member of a crew that robs banks, Mr. Blonde is the most ruthless. The bank robbers have been infiltrated with a cop, played by Mr. Orange (Tim Roth). Following the robbery going awry, Mr. Blonde takes it upon himself to torture the cop the robbers took as a hostage. While the scene remains one of the most brutal in cinema history, it's also one of Madsen's most iconic. Madsen dancing around to "Stuck in the Middle With You" while he tortures a cop remains one of Tarantino's best. Madsen has been in so many iconic roles, but none more iconic than Mr. Blonde. For more movies, head to Newsweek Movies.
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
'Resevoir Dogs,' 'Kill Bill' Actor Michael Madsen Dies at 67
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Michael Madsen, actor and frequent collaborator with writer/director Quentin Tarantino, has died at the age of 67. According to NBC Los Angeles, Madsen was found unresponsive Thursday morning at his home after a 911 call. He was declared dead at the scene. No foul play is suspected. Liz Rodriguez, Madsen's publicist from EMR Media Entertainment, told The Hollywood Reporter that Madsen suffered a cardiac arrest. Read More: Charlize Theron Reacts to Losing Her Iconic Role A screen actor since the 1980s, Madsen was best known for tough guy roles, particularly in Quentin Tarantino's films. Along with Tarantino's feature directorial debut "Reservoir Dogs", Madsen appeared in both "Kill Bill" films, "The Hateful Eight", and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood". Michael Madsen attends the 8th Filming Italy 2023 Festival on March 01, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Michael Madsen attends the 8th Filming Italy 2023 Festival on March 01, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Daniele Venturelli / Getty Images Beyond his work with Tarantino, some of Madsen's more memorable roles include parts in "Donnie Brasco", "WarGames", "Thelma & Louise", "Die Another Day", and "The Doors". Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter in 2018, Madsen said that he thought he'd become so well known as a big-screen tough guy that fans thought that's who he really was. "Fame is a two-edged sword," Madsen said. "There are a lot of blessings but also a lot of heavy things that come with it. I think it has a lot to do with the characters I've played. I think I've been more believable than I should have been. I think people really fear me. They see me and go: 'Holy s--t, there's that guy!'" "But I'm not that guy. I'm just an actor. I'm a father, I've got seven children. I'm married, I've been married 20 years. When I'm not making a movie, I'm home, in pajamas, watching 'The Rifleman' on TV, hopefully with my 12-year-old making me a cheeseburger." "I sure as hell had my rabble-rousing days, but sooner or later you have to get over that and move on." Rodriguez, along with Madsen's managers, Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, released a statement upon news of the actor's passing: "In the last two years, Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film, including upcoming feature films 'Resurrection Road', 'Concessions', and 'Cookbook for Southern Housewives', and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life." "Michael was also preparing to release a new book called 'Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems'. Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many." More Movies: 'The Running Man' Reboot - Everything We Know So Far Glen Powell Revives Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic in 'Running Man' Trailer
