Out Friday, December 15th, is “Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 Live at the Hollywood Bowl,” an audio and video home release of Nelson’s birthday concerts that took place December 29-30 at the Hollywood Bowl.
The who’s-who guest list featured greats from the worlds of rock, country, folk, Americana and even rap, the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards, Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Sheryl Crow, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Emmylou Harris, Dave Matthews Nathaniel Raitliff, Beck, Snoop Dogg, Nelson’s songs Lukas and Micah and many others. Gov’t Mule leader Warren Haynes was part of the shows as well and tells us that it was one of the most memorable nights of his career:
“That was fantastic. Y’know, being around all those people for three or four days — we did rehearsals and the two nights at the show — it was just an amazing lineup, and I feel like Willie’s the only person that could’ve pulled that together, all those people together, egos checked at the door. It was just fantastic.” SOUNDCUE :28
“Long Story Short…” features 39 performances from the concerts, including the full-cast renditions of “On the Road Again” and “Happy Birthday” at the end.
The set is being released in a two-CD plus Blu-ray edition, and digitally.
On Sunday, Dec. 17, CBS will air “Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday Celebration” airs at 8:30 p.m. EST/PST CBS. Guest performers include the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards and Nelson’s fellow stoner Snoop Dogg, along with Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Sheryl Crow, Beck, Dave Matthews, Miranda Lambert, Norah Jones, and Nelson’s son Lukas and Micah, among others. Jennifer Garner, Chelsea Handler, Woody Harrelson, Ethan Hawke, Helen Mirren and Owen Wilson serve as hosts. It will also stream via Paramount+.