Family obligations sometimes trump work, especially when your dad is Willie Nelson.
Lukas Nelson has canceled his performance at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in Tennessee in order to join his dad at Farm Aid on Sept. 20 in Minneapolis.
“As most of you know, my family is the most important thing in my life. Recently, my father expressed that he would like me with him at Farm Aid this year,” Nelson posted on social media. “When I confirmed this appearance [at Bristol], the final date for Farm Aid had not yet been set. I hope everyone will understand my decision here.
“I feel strongly that being with my father and supporting my family is where I need to be. I will make it up to the folks in Bristol in every way I can.”
Willie Nelson, now 92, founded Farm Aid in 1985 after Bob Dylan made a comment at the massive Live Aid fundraiser for famine in Africa that people should support family farmers in America.
The 40th Farm Aid event will feature John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Margo Price, Kenny Chesney, Billy Strings, Wynonna Judd, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Waxahatchee, Minnesota’s own Trampled by Turtles, and, of course, Willie Nelson, among others.
Farm Aid is being held for the first time in Minnesota, at Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota.
In June, Lukas Nelson released his first solo album, the Shooter Jennings-produced “American Romance,” and he has been touring in support of it.