Willie Nelson Performs Iconic 'Rainbow Connection' with Kermit the Frog at Luck Reunion 2024
By Laura Ord
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Every year, Willie Nelson closes his Luck Reunion with an hour and a half long set and, no matter who ends up on the final list of acts, Willie is always what draws people in at the end of the day.
This year started with a moving rendition of ‘Rainbow Connection’ with surprise guest, Kermit the Frog. The iconic ‘Rainbow Connection’ was released by Kermit in 1979, and has been covered many times, including by Willie Nelson in 2001. The pair had never performed the duet live and, for those in attendance to experience it in person was truly a magical and surreal experience.
Last year the set felt bittersweet; time seemed to be finally catching up to the Redheaded Stranger and you could hear it in his performance. This year was noticeably different, with more than one person commenting “man, Willie sounds GOOD”.
While Nelson's set list doesn't deviate much from year to year, he still tore through a 22-song list in an hour and a half. Those that are lucky enough to attend certainly don’t mind, and the familiarity makes the intimate night feel all the more warm. When a repeat set from anyone else could turn stale, Willie has a charming way of making each time at the ranch feel like your first.
As always, the night concluded with a gospel medley with artists from throughout the day, including Kermit, joining Willie on stage.
Though he didn’t perform it, Willie shared the title track to his upcoming album The Border, earlier in the day. The album will be released on May 31st, shortly after Willie celebrates his 91st birthday.
Willie Nelson - Setlist
Taken from Willie's headline set at Luck Reunion in Luck, Texas on Thursday, March 14 2024.
- Rainbow Connection with Kermit the Frog
- Whiskey River
- Stay a Little Longer
- Still is Still Moving to Me
- Bloody Mary Morning
- I Never Cared for You
- Die When I’m High (Halfway to Heaven) with Micah Nelson
- Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys
- Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground
- On the Road Again
- You Were Always on My Mind
- Everything Is Bullshit with Micah Nelson
- Good Hearted Woman
- Georgia (on My Mind)
- I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train
- Write Your Own Songs
- Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die / Still Not Dead
- I Thought About You, Lord
- Will the Circle Be Unbroken / I’ll Fly Away
- It’s Hard to be Humble
- I Saw the Light
For more on Willie Nelson, see below:
