Another 'Breathing Problem' Knocks Willie Nelson Off Tour

Early in the morning on August 8, Willie Nelson's Facebook and Twitter pages reported the singer's current tour has been grounded. "I have a breathing problem that I need to have my doctor check," he said. "I'll be back."

Nelson made the announcement after performing at Huntington Center in Toledo, OH on August 7.

The canceled tour dates are:

8/9: Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI

8/10: Big Sandy Superstore Arena, Huntington, WV

8/12: Florence Civic Center, Florence, SC

8/14: John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville, VA

8/16: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC

8/17: Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC

"Willie will be back on the road in September," Nelson's rep Elaine Shock tells Celebstoner 

Nelson's next tour leg is scheduled to begin on September 6 at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford, NH. He has a number Outlaw Music Festival shows with Bonnie Raitt, Alison Krauss, Phil Lesh & Friends, Gov't Mule, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, the Brothers Osborne and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real leading up to his annual Farm Aid event on September 21, This year Farm Aid is taking place at Alpine Valley Music Theatere in East Troy, WI. 

Nelson's breathing issue stems from emphysema.

The last time Nelson had to cancel a tour was when he stopped a show at Harrah's in Funner, CA on Jan. 6, 2018 due to coughing and a breathing problem. Shock said then he was suffering from the flu. Nelson canceled nine shows in January and February of that year.

Also, in 2018, Nelson left the stage just as he was about to perform at an Outlaw Music Festival show at the PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC on May 26 complaining of a stomach problem. He didn't miss any other tour dates that year or in 2019 until now.

As he's gotten older - Nelson is 86 - he's missed shows occasionally, such as on Jan. 28 and 29 in 2017 due to a cold and from September 26-28 in 2013 as a result of a rotator cuff issue.

In 2004, suffering from Carpel Tunnel syndrome, Nelson canceled 10 shows in May and June, including an appearance at Bonnaroo. 

Steve Bloom

Steve Bloom

Publisher of CelebStoner.com, former editor of High Times and Freedom Leaf and co-author of Pot Culture and Reefer Movie Madness.