Severe Storm Forces Willie Nelson to Cancel 2025 Outlaw Festival Date in Oklahoma
Organizers said “an extreme weather event” was to blame and revealed that “equipment and artists’ instruments were damaged.”
Willie Nelson; Photo by Pamela Springsteen
Willie Nelson has been forced to cancel a stop on the 2025 Outlaw Music Festival after an intense storm damaged touring equipment and instruments.
The country icon, 92, was set to headline the festival alongside Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, and more during a special 10th anniversary show. The star-studded lineup was originally scheduled to take the stage at the Lucky Star Amphitheater in El Reno, Oklahoma on July 1.
KFOR, Oklahoma’s local news channel, reported that the heavy thunderstorms swept through the southern region late Monday afternoon, causing flooding, heavy rain and low visibility and damages to homes in the surrounding area.
According to a statement released by festival organizers, “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.”
As a result of the bad weather, “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 decision was made to cancel tonight’s show in order to allow time to recover and replace what was needed for the remainder of the tour.
“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.
Full refunds will be issued to ticketholders at their point of purchase. Fans should allow 7-10 business days for the refund to appear on their statement.
Nelson’s Legendary Guitar “Trigger” Has Been Marked Safe
Willie Nelson reposted the message to his own social media accounts. While many fans expressed their disappointment over the cancelation, their man concerned were about Trigger, Nelson’s legendary guitar.
One user asked, “Is trigger ok???”
Another wrote, “The real question: is Trigger okay?” followed by a request saying, “Trigger, if you read this, please let us know you’re OK.”
Thankfully, the “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” singer’s team confirmed Trigger was marked safe and was not among the instruments damaged in the storm.
The Outlaw Music Festival is known for being the largest touring music festival in North America. It aims to unite music legends and passionate fans for a one-of-a-kind experience filled with live performances, great food and drinks, and unique shopping.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Willie Nelson along with Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, The Mavericks, Asleep at The Wheel, Tami Neilson are expected to resume the show for Willie’s 4th of July Picnic taking place at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, Texas, on July 4.
Nelson has a slew of 2025 tour dates scheduled through September. The Outlaw Fest will also hit towns across Wisconsin, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York and more.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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