I must've seen Willie Nelson at least a half dozen times over the years, but waaaay back in 1984 was my first time. The Jones Beach Theater, September 5th, 1984.
It so happens I spent that summer working at the theater, tapping kegs of beer as a porter for the food service vendor who ran the concession stands and beer gardens.
What started out as a stock boy job for the snack stands at the local mall blossomed into this music lover's dream. And I was all of 15 years old– couldn't drive and not old enough to drink, but somehow I managed to get to the theater and drink, night after night.
My routine was pretty simple, bum, beg or hitch a ride the 20 miles or so to Jones Beach, then make sure all the bars were stocked. This usually involved a hand truck, a few dozen kegs of beer and a whole bunch of back-breaking, hernia-inducing lifting.
Thing is, if I really liked who was performing, I would work double time, set up all the bartenders, then disappear and watch the show. That summer I saw Neil Young (during his Bluegrass phase), the Pretenders, Simple Minds and Rod Stewart, just to name a few.
This particular night I was off the clock. I actually had a legitimate ticket to see Willie. If memory serves, it was me and my pop. Now I've done a little searching, but cannot find the setlist from that night. Though it really doesn't matter, the Red-headed Stranger has had a pretty consistent show for the better part of 30 years. He always, always opens (and closes) with Whiskey River. In between he stops on every page in his songbook. From outlaw classics like 'Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys', to the tender ballads; 'Help Me Make It Through The Night, 'If You Could Touch Her At All'. A few spiritual diddys, thrown in for good measure; 'Uncloudy Day', 'Amazing Grace', and even a touch of the blues (as only Willie can); 'Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain', 'Angel Flying To Close To The Ground'.
The culmination of a Willie Nelson & Family show- the takeaway– is that you're not so much seeing a concert, but experiencing a living piece of Americana. A legend who's authentic style and sound have transcended both music and time.
A Typical Willie Nelson & Family Setlist:
Whiskey River
Stay All Night (Stay a Little Longer)
Funny How Time Slips Away
Crazy
Night Life
If You've Got the Money (I've Got the Time)
Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys
I Can Get Off on You
If You Could Touch Her at All
Good Hearted Woman
Angel Flying To Close To The Ground
Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Help Me Make it Through The Night
City of New Orleans
Bloody Mary Morning
I'm a Memory
Me & Paul
Hello Walls
Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Amazing Grace
Uncloudy Day
The Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line
A Song for You
Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms
Georgia on My Mind
Blue Skies
On The Road Again
Whiskey River
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