Despite the fact that the legendary country music star Willie Nelson is set to turn 90 later this month, he’s also preparing for his latest tour, which will run through the summer to August 13. In a new interview, Nelson has revealed why he’s defiantly refusing to stop touring at 90 years of age.
Willie Nelson on stage pic.twitter.com/dlyLDTxIPo
— peterkidder (@peterkidder) April 11, 2023
‘Working Is Really Good For Me’
Nelson explained to AARP that he wants to celebrate his 90th birthday on the road rather than at home.
“Working is really good for me, no matter what kind of show it is,” Nelson said. “The fact that I’ll be there for two days with a lot of my good friends coming out…saying hello and singing with me makes it a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to it.”
Nelson went on to talk about how he feels about turning 90.
“Norman Lear, a good friend of mine, turned 100 not long ago, and I told him, ‘I’ve been telling everybody it’s just a number. Am I right?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, it’s just a number,'” he recalled.
When asked if he has any plans to ever retire from touring, Nelson replied, “Jokingly, I retire after every tour.”
“But I’m always ready to go back again,” he continued. “I like the bus. I have everything I need on the bus. I never have to go into a hotel room anywhere. It’s not that bad.”
18 days left to @WillieNelson's 90th Birthday! every day from now until April 29th we will make mention sharing our thoughts and feelings about one of the greatest American Music treasures of all-time.
Please use #Willie90 or #WillieNelsons90thBirthday to be in touch. pic.twitter.com/PGHOCoTx8l— Waylon Jennings Songs (@WaymoreJennings) April 11, 2023
Related: The One Thing Willie Nelson Will Never Give Up
Nelson Maintains His Voice – Knows Self-Defense
Though he’s been singing for decades, Nelson is still able to keep his voice in good shape.
“I think singing is good for my voice,” he said. “I don’t do anything to harm it much anymore. If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
Singing isn’t the only talent Nelson has, as he is also well-trained in self defense. After he “grew up fighting one thing or another” as a child in Abbott, Texas, Nelson became a fifth-degree black belt in GongKwon Yusul. However, he was quick to clarify that he doesn’t use these martial arts skills to defend himself.
“Mainly it gives you enough confidence where you don’t have to jump out there and get into trouble,” he explained. “If they bring it to you, you feel confident you can handle it. It’s not anything I worry about, because I’m not really afraid of it. I don’t really think I’m afraid of anything.”
Nelson concluded this interview by detailing what a typical day off looks like for him.
“I’m right outside of Austin, on top of a hill,” he said. “I got a few horses, great scenery. I have an old truck I like to drive around. There are other great places in the world, but Texas is my place.”
“We are the same. There is no difference anywhere in the world. People are people. They laugh, cry, feel, & love, & music seems to be the common denomination that brings us all together. Music cuts through all boundaries & goes right to the soul.” – @WillieNelson & @DanRather ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kANmoW2zYj
— Willie's Reserve (@WilliesReserve) April 7, 2023
Related: Willie Nelson, 89, Scores Major Honor In Texas
Nelson’s Tour
This comes after it was announced that Nelson will be the headliner of the 2023 Outlaw Music Festival Tour, which is set to start on June 23 with a stop in Wisconsin and will end August 13 with a show in Cincinnati, Ohio.
“I can’t wait to be on the road with the amazing group of artists joining us on this year’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour,” said Nelson in a statement. “It is always a great day of music and fun with family, friends and the incredible fans, and even more special this year in celebration of my 90th birthday.”
Nelson is a true living legend, and there will never be another one like him. We would like to wish him a very happy birthday, and many more to come!
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