The Show Must Go On: Willie Nelson's Luck Reunion Livestream 2020

The show must go on — a phrase that seems to be utilized quite frequently in recent days. Taking advantage of technology, acts from all over the world are turning to livestreams to bring concerts to literally anyone who is willing to watch and listen.

From John Legend and Dropkick Murphys to Chris Martin and Bono, it's clear that artists of all genres are almost using the pandemic to test out what could be the future of concerts in many ways.

While some of the livestreams are impromptu performances, others are being used as replacements for originally scheduled shows or events. Last night, Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion “anti-festival” was instead livestreamed for all of the world, giving fans the opportunity to still watch and listen to the already scheduled 2020 lineup.

Luck Reunion Tweets Photo of Livestream Lineup 2020

Of course, the magic of Luck, Texas, AKA Willie Nelson’s historic estate, was definitely missing from the backdrop of the performances as artists were asked to stream from their living rooms, record stores, bedrooms or ambiguous outdoor scenes. In other words, the acts remained where they were, practicing social distancing indeed.

Dubbed Till Further Notice, the livestream welcomed veterans and new-comers alike to the lineup. From the likes of folk guru Tré Burt and New-Zealand country icon Tami Neilson, to American roots band Ida Mae and gospel soul extraordinaire Devon Gilfillian, there was plenty of talent leading up to the main event.

Super husband-wife duo Margo Price and Jeremy Ivey took the reins towards the latter half of the stream, performing hits like “All Kind Of Blue” and even a new track off of Price’s upcoming album “1-800-Jesus.”

Screenshot of Margo Price and Jeremy Ivey Luck Reunion Livestream 2020

Followed up by the legendary guitarist and songwriter Kurt Vile, the show continued with his own tracks like “Hysteria” and “Wakin’ on a Pretty Day.” But what would really wow the crowd was his surprise guest in his own daughter. Talk about a precious moment to light up a bit of a dark world.

However, no surprise would be as great as what was to come during 13-time Grammy Award-winner Paul Simon’s short set.

Temporarily coming out of retirement, the folk legend kicked off with his 1973 track “American Tune,” before being joined by wife and New Bohemians singer Edie Brickell, daughter Lulu Simon and, brace yourself, actor Woody Harrelson.

Standing in front of what appeared to be a tropical backdrop, the unlikely group wrapped Simon’s set with a cover of The Everly Brothers’ “All I Have To Do Is Dream.”

Fan Tweets Photo of Paul Simon's Luck Reunion Set 2020

Finally ready for the main event, fans anxiously waited behind their screens for Nelson and company to grace the “stage.” However, soon enough, audiences were shocked as surprise guest Neil Young hopped onto the broadcast to steal the show.

With harmonica and guitar in tow, Young performed a beautiful version of his 1974 hit “Vampire Blues.” And what a moment it was.

Not exactly sure what would come next at this point, audiences were probably relieved to see Willie, Lukas and Micah Nelson pop up on their screens for the final performance of the night.

Throwing together a mix of the family’s hits, the trio played the classic “On The Road Again” before Lukas’s own “Just Outside of Austin” and “Turn Off The News (Build a Garden),” which seemed to perfectly match the uncertainty of the times.

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Fan Tweets Photo of Nelson Family Luck Reunion Set 2020

Having had the opportunity to tip the artists throughout the show via a digital tip jar, Nelson ultimately ended the night by addressing the community, thanking every member of the lineup along with the audience for their time and donations.

Although it's impossible to replicate a live concert environment, especially one that was scheduled to take place at a historic site like that of Luck, Texas, technology has allowed us to make the best of a poor situation, bringing the magic of a live show right into our living rooms. What a special night it was.

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