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Willie Nelson Walks Off Stage, Cancels Show Due to Illness

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Country legend Willie Nelson abruptly left the stage without performing his May 26 headlining set at the Outlaw Music Festival in Charlotte, N.C.

Videos by Wide Open Country

The following video, captured by YouTube user Michael Keim, shows Nelson coming on stage and putting on his trademark red, white, and blue macramé strap before grabbing his guitar. Within seconds, he puts his guitar back down and throws his hat into the audience before exiting the stage.

According to the video's caption and numerous tweets from concertgoers, this was the second time he came onstage that night, only to leave without performing a single song.

Other concertgoers reported that they weren't informed that Nelson would not play at all until an hour after he left the stage for the second time.

The following announcement was later made on social media about Nelson's cancelled set.

Many fans have taken to social media to request refunds for the event. Along with Nelson's cancellation, Brandi Carlile and Elvis Costello were also scheduled to perform but pulled out before the event began. Carlile noted

"unexpected family obligations" as her reason for cancelling.

Nelson has nixed multiple dates within recent months over health issues. After a bout with the flu, he cancelled all of his previously scheduled live dates in February.

In a statement given to The Music Universe, Nelson's publicist says the country star was suffering from a "stomach bug" and that the concert date will be rescheduled.

Currently, Nelson is still scheduled to perform today (May 27) with Sturgill Simpson at the Anthem in Washington D.C.

Update: Nelson performed his May 27 date without any issue or delay.

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