Could there have been any other candidate to headline Billy Bob's 35th anniversary concert? Even though Willie Nelson picked up and moved his annual 4th of July party back down to Austin, the Red Headed Stranger will always be synonymous with the World's Largest Honky Tonk.
In fact, in the span of the Fort Worth venue's 35-year run, Nelson has played there 52 times. And when Billy Bob's anniversary party wraps up on November 12, it'll be 53.
“Over the past 35 years, I sort of grew up watching Willie play at Billy Bob’s. He is inseparable from the
history here," said Billy Bob's president Concho Minick, in a press release that announced the news this morning. "In terms of country music, it has always been Willie for me so it’s the biggest honor to have him back again, especially on this occasion.”
The rest of the lineup for the Billy Bob's anniversary — which runs over the course of three days, from November 10 to 12 — is yet to be revealed, but the important part is out of the way with the news that Nelson and his Family band are on board because, well, all is right with the world.
Besides the live music, festivities will also include line dancing lessons, bull riding and kid-friendly activities. (If he's feeling generous, maybe Nelson will bring a little of his newly announced Willie's Reserve with him.) Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday, August 5, at billybobstexas.com.