Willie Nelson to SXSW: 'I Smoke a Lot of Pot'

March 19, 2021

Willie Nelson told the SXSW Online audience: "I don’t want to do a show anywhere at any time where there's a danger of someone getting sick." — Willie Nelson told the SXSW Online audience: "I don’t want to do a show anywhere at any time where there’s a danger of someone getting sick."

The headline would appear to be an understatement.

Asked by SXSW Online 2021 interviewer Andy Langer on March 18 how he controls his temper, Willie Nelson replied characteristically:

“I smoke a lot of pot, keeps from killing people or keeps me from getting killed. Also, think positive. That helps.”

Nelson's smoking has been off and on since he's had breathing issues while on tour - as recently as August 2019, when he canceled several concerts.

Grounded during the Covid-19 pandemic road, he's looking forward to playing again for his fans, but only at safe venues.

"I don’t want to do a show anywhere at any time where there's a danger of someone getting sick," Nelson noted. "So that’s going to have a lot to do with when I get back to work.”

The multiple Grammy-winner has 12 dates on his upcoming tour schedule, starting April 24 in Lexington, Kentucky.

In February, Nelson released his latest album, That's Life, a tribute to songs performed by Frank Sinatra, including the title tune, "Luck Be a Lady" and "I've Got You Under My Skin" (listen to the latter song below).