Remember When Willie Nelson’s Son Proved His Dad Right With a Rousing Grand Ole Opry Performance

Lukas Nelson is having a moment lately as he flexes his musical DNA. The 35-year-old country-rocker has “carried the spirit” of his ailing father, Willie Nelson, on several recent tour stops. However, Lukas has always been a musical force in his own right. He has released eight albums with his band Promise of the Real, which he founded in Los Angeles in 2008. Additionally, Promise of the Real has released four albums with legendary folk-rocker Neil Young. And if that weren’t enough to prove Lukas Nelson’s bona fides, this Grand Ole Opry performance definitely is.

[RELATED: Willie Nelson’s Son Captivates With Wildly Unique Cover of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon”]

Lukas Nelson Takes the Grand Ole Opry Stage

Back in December 2023, Lukas Nelson joined Vince Gill & Paul Franklin, along with Megan Moroney, for a special production of Opry Live. And it was so good that the Grand Ole Opry decided to stream it again Saturday (July 6) on YouTube.

Singer Natalie Stovall, who hosted the event, spoke glowingly of Lukas just before his performance, calling him a “songwriter’s songwriter” and a “musician’s musician.”

“[You’re] about to find out what his dad Willie already knows—that his music is special, and he is extraordinary,” Stovall said.

The camera then cut to Lukas onstage, where he launched into a lively rendition of “Every Time I Drink.” The alcohol-soaked tune is off the outfit’s 2023 album Sticks and Stones. “Every Time I Drink” carries all the raucous energy of a night of hard partying—although the threat of the comedown looms large with each verse.

“He plays that guitar as good as his daddy,” remarked one YouTube user.

What’s Next For Willie’s Son?

Fans of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real are wondering what the future holds after the country-rock outfit announced an indefinite hiatus last month.

“Lukas plans to keep writing, recording, and playing shows, while the rest of us will continue to pursue our own projects and artistic ambitions,” the band said in a statement. “Expect to see a lot more great art from all of us in the near future.”

The band formed in 2008 when Lukas Nelson met drummer Anthony LoGerfo at a Neil Young concert in Los Angeles. At the 2014 Farm Aid festival, Young spontaneously invited them to play along on “Rockin’ in the Free World.” From there, they became his recording and touring band.

Featured image by Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images