Country legend will play Austin’s Long Center on October 17, exactly a half-century after he featured on ACL’s pilot episode in 1974
Exactly 50 years after Willie Nelson appeared on the debut episode of Austin City Limits, the country legend will once again return to the long-running series for a special concert celebrating its half-century anniversary.
The taping for the Austin City Limits 50th Birthday Bash will take place on October 17, 2024, on the exact 50th anniversary of when Nelson taped the ACL pilot on October 17, 1974.
Joining Willie Nelson and the Family at the birthday bash are Austin’s own Asleep at the Wheel, who also taped their first ACL special during the series’ first season. Nelson, the inaugural inductee into the ACL Hall of Fame, last appeared on the series in 2018, his 18th ACL performance.
“There would be no Austin City Limits without Willie Nelson – simple as that,” longtime ACL executive producer Terry Lickona said in a statement. “He launched ACL into the television universe in 1974, and has helped keep us going for 50 years.”
The outdoor concert at Austin’s Long Center will be free to the public via registration; check out the full details here. Highlights from the 50th Birthday Bash will air on ACL in early 2025.
ACL’s Season 50 kicks off September 28 with an hour-long episode dedicated to Kacey Musgraves. On deck are Jelly Roll, Gracie Abrams, and Brittany Howard, with Chris Stapleton, Norah Jones, Mickey Guyton, and more booked for October tapings.