The highly anticipated co-headlining tour featuring Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan as part of the Outlaw Music Festival has been temporarily halted due to severe weather conditions that resulted in significant damage to equipment during a recent performance in Missouri. Consequently, the scheduled show on July 1 in Oklahoma has been canceled, causing disappointment among fans who were eager to see these legendary artists live.
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The concert that took place on June 29 at the Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri, experienced an unexpected interruption due to a sudden onslaught of heavy rainfall and strong winds. This severe weather prompted concert organizers to evacuate festivalgoers for their safety. Unfortunately, the storm wreaked havoc on the venue, leading to instruments and crucial production equipment being severely waterlogged and damaged.
An official statement released by the festival’s organizers expressed deep regret over the situation, stating, “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,” which was met with disappointment from fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming performance.
Consequently, the highly anticipated show at the Lucky Star Amphitheater in El Reno, Oklahoma, scheduled for July 1, has been officially canceled. Fans will be relieved to know that full refunds will be provided at the original point of purchase, as confirmed by tour producer Blackbird Presents, ensuring that attendees are cared for during this unfortunate situation.
Looking ahead, the tour is expected to resume on July 4 in Austin, Texas, where Willie Nelson traditionally hosts his celebrated annual 4th of July Picnic. This exciting event, taking place at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater, is set to feature an impressive lineup including Bob Dylan, the Avett Brothers, the Mavericks, Tami Neilson, and Asleep at the Wheel, promising a spectacular day of music and celebration.
Tami Neilson shared videos on Instagram, capturing the storm as it approached the Missouri venue, later confirming that while she was able to perform, the sets by both Nelson and Dylan were regrettably canceled due to unsafe conditions at the venue. In her Instagram Story update, she revealed, “The sound desk was cooked and much of the gear on the left side of the stage was damaged in the winds and heavy rain,” illustrating the extent of the damage caused by the severe weather.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Outlaw Music Festival recently garnered significant attention when Bob Dylan performed “The Times They Are a-Changin’” for the first time in 15 years during a concert outside Nashville. Furthermore, Willie Nelson made a poignant political statement during that performance by playing the video for his 1986 hit “Living in the Promiseland,” a song widely interpreted as promoting pro-immigration sentiments, highlighting the artists’ commitment to social issues.
As the tour prepares to regroup and move forward, fans remain optimistic that the upcoming July 4 celebration will proceed smoothly without any further disruptions, eagerly anticipating a day filled with great music and good vibes, all while hoping for dry weather conditions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees.
