Lukas Nelson to join dad Willie Nelson at Farm Aid in Minneapolis

The son was slated to promote his debut solo album in Tennessee.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
August 20, 2025 at 8:00PM
Lukas Nelson will take a detour from his gigs promoting his first solo album in order to fulfill a request from his dad, Willie Nelson, to perform at Farm Aid in Minneapolis. (Matthew Berinato)

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.

He had previously worked with his band, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, as well as serving as Neil Young’s touring band for a stint. Lukas also has occasionally performed with his father’s band, Willie Nelson & Family.

Lukas received a Grammy as one of the producers and songwriters on the 2018 soundtrack album to “A Star is Born” with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.

about the writer

about the writer

Jon Bream

Critic / Reporter

Jon Bream has been a music critic at the Star Tribune since 1975, making him the longest tenured pop critic at a U.S. daily newspaper. He has attended more than 8,000 concerts and written four books (on Prince, Led Zeppelin, Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan). Thus far, he has ignored readers’ suggestions that he take a music-appreciation class.

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