Watch Willie Nelson Perform ‘Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground’ For 19th ‘ACL’ Appearance

Willie Nelson recorded the pilot episode of Austin City Limits in October 1974. The legendary outlaw country musician returns to ACL as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, where he performed “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground,” among other favorites.

Nelson’s 19th Austin City Limits appearance will premiere on PBS tomorrow, Saturday, February 15 at 8 p.m. ET. The complete episode can be streamed at pbs.org/austincitylimits immediately following the initial broadcast.

The performance was recorded outdoors at Austin’s Long Center on October 17, 2024, marking 50 years to the day from Nelson’s first time gracing the ACL stage.

“There would be no Austin City Limits without Willie Nelson, so it was a dream come true for us to celebrate our 50th with Willie with a special show 50 years to the day from when he taped the original pilot episode,” said ACL executive producer Terry Lickona. “For me, it was an emotional, magical night – one we’ll never forget.”

Saturday’s 50th-anniversary special episode will present footage of the opening and closing songs from Nelson’s debut 1974 taping. Both performances began with “Whiskey River” and ended with “The Party’s Over.”

The new episode features Nelson joined by harmonica player Mickey Raphael, who also appeared on the 1974 pilot episode and Waylon Payne, whose late father, guitarist Jody Payne, was a longtime member of Willie’s Family Band and also appeared on the ‘74 pilot.

Others backing the 91-year-old Nelson were his son, guitarist Lukas Nelson, along with drummer Billy English and bassist Kevin Smith.

Preview Willie Nelson’s 19th appearance on Austin City Limits with his performance of one of his best-known original songs, “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground,” premiering exclusively below: