Tami Neilson Announces “Neilson Sings Nelson” Tour

Award-winning artist Tami Neilson and her band, along with special guest, Jay Neilson, today announces three very special concerts Neilson Sings Nelson in honor of her friend and music legend Willie Nelson. 
Tami will perform her favorites from Willie’s songbook including his mega hits Always on My Mind and Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain as well as I Never Cared For You, Sister’s Coming Home, and their hit duet Beyond the Stars. Tami will also perform a selection of her own classics, as well as share stories of what it’s been like working alongside one of the world’s greatest music icons.

WELLINGTON: 11 October, Opera House
AUCKLAND: 18 October, Town Hall
CHRISTCHURCH: 19 October, Isaac Theatre Royal

Tickets on sale at 9am via Ticketek & Ticketmaster

“Hey NZ Fam! I’m coming in hot off my USA tour with my brother Jay to celebrate the release of my new album Neilson Sings Nelson and play it for you live in Oct  The only place we’ve performed this show is at Willie Nelson’s ranch in Texas, so, I’m bringing it home just for you, performing some of my favourite songs from Willie’s songbook. We might even have a few stories from the ranch to share. So, braid your hair, tie your bandana and ROLL UP to the show! I promise you we’ll have ourselves a HIGH TIME! ”

A six-time winner of Country Music Album/Artist Awards, four-time Country Music Song Awards, Best Solo Artist and Best Producer for Kingmaker, and an APRA Silver Scroll Award, Tami’s Neilson Sings Nelson Tour promises a magical evening for fans of the two music legends. It kicks off on 11 October at the Wellington Opera House, then moves to the Auckland Town Hall on 18 October then finally, the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch on 19 October. Tickets on sale today at 9am via Ticketmaster and Ticketek.

“Neilson sings the hell out of Nelson. Tami’s the real deal
and does my songs a great honour.” 
– Willie Nelson

The Neilson Sings Nelson Tour coincides with the release of Tami’s new album of the same title, recorded at Willie’s Pedernales Studio, Texas, and featuring her brothers Jay and Todd on backing vocals, guitar, bass and drums. The recording came after she and Willie became long distance friends during Covid and recorded – remotely – the hit song she’d written with Delaney Davidson, Beyond the Stars. 

“When I met Willie Nelson in person for the first time, we hugged hello, then rehearsed our duet Beyond the Stars. It was one of the most magical moments of my life,” recalls Tami.

“I performed with him at Luck Reunion 2022, and at the end of that year, returned home to a very scary turn of events. I was admitted into ICU with life-threatening sepsis and spent a month in the hospital. During the long recovery, I thought about creating something healing — a simple and joy-filled project. I wanted to record a love letter to Willie and his music to give to him for his upcoming 90th birthday. This idea was something I could focus my mind on, a goal to get better.

“When I hear Willie’s music, I can feel the olive green shag carpet of my childhood living room between my fingers, playing with my little brothers on the floor, his music deeply embedded in our DNA. Fast forward 40 years and I’m playing with my little brothers once again, standing in Willie Nelson’s studio lined with shelves of reel to reels labelled Red Headed Stranger while we sing Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain. Surreal doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling. But, my hope is that this album has given you a small taste of it.”

Highlight performances this year will include The Ryman’s Patsy Cline Tribute Show, New Orlean’s Jazz Festival, 5 days performing at Dollywood, Nashville’s Americana Festival and a bucket list invitation to debut at The Grand Ol’Opry.