Sep 26, 2025 9:26 AM EDT

Willie Nelson is a legend for a million reasons: his voice, his songs, his outlaw spirit. But according to Zac Brown, there’s another side to him that proves the man truly lives by his own rules.

In a recent interview, Brown shared a playful memory of Willie’s pre-show ritual: he reportedly lights up and tries to get young artists to join before they ever hit the stage — just to see what happens.

As Brown told Whisky Riff, “He’s rolling one, and he’s trying to get you to partake before you go on and play, which he loves to do. He loves to try to get people smashed, and then he likes to watch what happens.” But he knew better, adding, “You have to turn down… I couldn’t do it. I had to turn down smoking with Willie because I had to work. But what an incredible guy, man. What an incredible legacy.”

The story fits right in with everything we already know about Willie Nelson. He has always done things his own way, whether it is in music, on stage, or in life. At 92, he is still out there recording and touring, showing the same spark that got him into the Country Music Hall of Fame back in 1993.

Over the years, Nelson has given us classics like “On the Road Again” and “Always on My Mind.” He’s also penned hits for Patsy Cline and others, and helped pioneer the “outlaw country” movement alongside Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard. His influence reaches far beyond country, as he has also touched rock, folk, and pop audiences alike.

Brown’s band also continues to carve out its place in country music. The Zac Brown Band has earned multiple Grammy Awards by blending country with Southern rock that fans love. Their upcoming stop at the Sphere in Las Vegas is already generating excitement.

The Zac Brown Band Sphere Residency

The Sphere has quickly become one of the most talked-about venues in the world, thanks to its massive screens and surround sound that make fans feel like they are part of the music. It is a big stage in every sense of the word, and the Zac Brown Band will undoubtedly have fans cheering during their residency in December 2025 and January 2026. Concertgoers can look forward to favorites like “Chicken Fried“ and “Colder Weather,” along with a fun lineup that has kept the group’s live shows exciting year after year.

Brown’s story highlights the lighter side of country music. It is not always about the big hits or sold-out shows. Sometimes it is just legends, like Willie Nelson, seeing if the younger crowd can keep up with him.