Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes Do Willie Nelson’s ‘Red Headed Stranger’

Willie Nelson is many things to many people. To some he’s an anti-establishment outlaw, the hippie-redneck that personifies the proud and complicated State of Texas. To others, Nelson is a musical genius – a genre-defying guitarist and singer whose fusion of country and jazz is nothing short of virtuosic. Then, of course, there are those who’d argue Nelson’s songwriting alone places him amongst the greatest of 20th century composers.

But for Melbourne’s own Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes, Nelson is first and foremost a master storyteller. And that’s why they are presenting his landmark 1975 album Red Headed Stranger in full, retelling Nelson’s own carefully curated songs of sin and redemption in all their understated glory – along with some added classics for good measure.

Lead vocalist, Bryan shared on Facebook, “I’m thrilled to let you know about The Wildes do Willie! Yep, on Father’s Day (September 3rd) we will be playing Willie Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger album from start to finish at Archie’s Creek - (having just done it a week or so before at The Gympie Muster). This is a record that, upon discovering it nearly forty years after its release, changed my life and my music forever. Luckily, the band feel the same way – and under the musical direction of Damian Cafarella, we’re going to bring you the whole thing (including the bonus tracks)!”

He added, “To make things even more special, the show is going to take place in the Archie’s Creek Hall, and the incredible Patrick Wilson will not just be playing drums, but also opening up with songs from his brand new record!... Join us! (And bring your Dad).”

Made on a shoe-string budget and initially considered to be ‘a good demo tape’ by the record label, Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger held the title of highest selling country record of all time for nearly twenty years after its release.

The Wildes Do Willie show follows Bryan’s solo Scandinavian tour in June and July supporting Hannah Aldridge. 

For more information and tickets, head to lachlanbryanandthewildes.com

Additionally, Bryan and The Wildes will perform at the Gympie Music Muster in August alongside headliners Morgan Evans, Troy Cassar-Daley, Adam Brand, Kasey Chambers, Casey Barnes, Busby Marou, Midland, Sara Storer and the Hoodoo Gurus.

Bryan is also part of The Pleasures alongside Catherine Britt. The duo recently released the third single, Paranoid, from their forthcoming debut album, due for release on August 5.