My wife and I went to a Willie Nelson concert at the Bell County Expo Center last night. Sold out - about 8,000 in attendance - to see an 83 year-old country singer. My assessment: at 83, his voice is almost gone - he spoke his songs as much as he sang them. But as he warmed up at times you could hear flashes of the old brilliance. He was the sole guitar player (accompanied by piano, bass, drums, percussion and harmonica), and at times it was hard for the band to follow his rhythm. But on the good side, the boy can still play the guitar well - his patented Spanish-country sound. He moves around well and didn't forget any of the lyrics. His mind is sharp and he was engaged with the crowd. Hell, at 83, if a man can stand in front of a crowd for over an hour and play one song after another with very little interval, he's doing well. My favorite song of the evening: "Roll me up and smoke me when I die".
A surprise appearance by Hank Williams, Jr. was a treat, but the man looks like he's on death's door. He had to be helped to the mike and used a walker. His rowdy days are over.
Overall, I'm glad I saw it. Willie won't be around forever. ZZ Top is coming in May - hope I can get tickets.
