Farm Aid 2024: Willie Nelson Closes Out Annual Benefit Concert
Saratoga Springs, New York – Willie Nelson closed out the annual Farm Aid festival on Saturday night, marking the 39th year of the benefit concert. The event took place at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in New York, with Nelson sharing the stage with a star-studded lineup of guest performers.
A Special Performance
Nelson took the stage after sets by John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, and a host of other artists, including Mavis Staples, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson with the Travelin’ McCourys, Charley Crockett, Joy Oladokun, Southern Avenue, Cassandra Lewis, and Jesse Welles.
Technical Issues and a Stellar Set
Despite some technical difficulties during the first half of his set, Nelson’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal. He delivered a mix of his classic hits, covers, and new songs, including a rendition of Pearl Jam’s "Just Breathe" and performances of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" and "It’s Hard to Be Humble" with all the guest performers of the festival.
Nelson’s Set List
Here is the complete set list from Willie Nelson’s performance at Farm Aid 2024:
- "Whiskey River" (Johnny Bush cover)
- "Bloody Mary Morning"
- "I Never Cared for You" (Initially aborted due to house audio technical difficulties; restarted)
- "Texas Flood" (Larry Davis cover)
- "(If I Die When I’m High) Halfway to Heaven" (Particle Kid cover)
- "Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" (Ed Bruce cover)
- "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground"
- "On the Road Again"
- "Always on My Mind"
- "Just Breathe" (Pearl Jam Cover)
- "Georgia (On My Mind)"
- "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (Kris Kristofferson cover)
- "Everything Is Bullshit" (Particle Kid cover)
- "Last Leaf" (Tom Waits cover)
- "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die"
- "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" (William MacEwan cover) (with all guest performers)
- "It’s Hard to Be Humble" (Mac Davis cover) (with all guest performers)
- "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?"
Farm Aid’s Importance
Farm Aid’s mission is to support American farmers and promote sustainable agriculture. Nelson emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers, stating, "The farmers here have always found ways to innovate and contribute to their communities, even as they deal with uncertainties, extreme weather, and policies that favor corporations over people. Farmers need us to stand with them as they work to grow our future."
Farm Aid’s History
This is the second time Farm Aid has been held in Saratoga Springs, with the last time being over a decade ago in 2013.
Willie Nelson’s Busy Year
Nelson has had a busy year, touring with Dylan and Mellencamp, as well as Robert Plant and Alison Krauss on his Outlaw Festival tour. Unfortunately, Nelson missed the first eight shows of the tour due to doctor’s orders. Currently, he is scheduled to play three concerts in October, all in his home state of Texas.
Conclusion
Farm Aid 2024 was a resounding success, with Willie Nelson closing out the event with his signature blend of country, rock, and folk. The festival’s mission to support American farmers and promote sustainable agriculture is more important than ever, and Nelson’s dedication to the cause is a testament to his commitment to the music and its values.
FAQs
Q: What is Farm Aid?
A: Farm Aid is an annual benefit concert that supports American farmers and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Q: Who was the headlining act at Farm Aid 2024?
A: Willie Nelson closed out the event with a special performance.
Q: Who else performed at Farm Aid 2024?
A: The festival featured a star-studded lineup of guest performers, including John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Mavis Staples, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson with the Travelin’ McCourys, Charley Crockett, Joy Oladokun, Southern Avenue, Cassandra Lewis, and Jesse Welles.
Q: What was the main message of Farm Aid 2024?
A: The festival emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture, as well as addressing the challenges faced by farmers, such as extreme weather and policies that favor corporations over people.
