Full House: Booker T. Jones, John Stamos & Tré Cool Back Willie Nelson At Pacific Amphitheater

Willie Nelson didn’t wait long to make his California run memorable. The outlaw legend opened a six-show Golden State stretch at Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa on Sunday by enlisting Booker T. Jones, John Stamos and Green Day's Tré Cool to sit in with his band from start to finish.

The three guests were part of a rare Willie Nelson & Family ensemble in Costa Mesa that didn’t feature either of his sons: Lukas and Micah Nelson. Booker T. Jones played piano for the duration of the night, while Stamos and Cool were each on auxilliary percussion set ups.

Though the sight of a Stax/soul legend alongside Full House’s Stamos and the drummer from Green Day was unexpected, they each have a history with Willie Nelson. Booker T. Jones and Willie Nelson’s musical partnership dates back to 1978, when Jones produced Nelson’s multi-platinum stands album Stardust. Jones also contributed to Willie’s 1982 album Without A Song and has made several appearances with the iconic musician ever since.

Longtime Willie Nelson fan John Stamos made his debut performing with the Texan at a May 2025 Outlaw Music Festival concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Stamos frequently tours with The Beach Boys and has shared the stage with the likes of B.B. King, John Fogerty, America and many other acts over the years.

Tré Cool is also a huge fan of Willie Nelson. The Green Day drummer forged a friendship with Lukas and Micah Nelson. Willie’s sons enlisted Cool to join their father’s band at a series of shows in January 2020.

Nelson’s Orange County gig was a 20-song affair featuring a steady flow of beloved songs and classic covers from Willie’s catalog, including “Whiskey River,” “On The Road Again,” “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” and “Me And Bobby McGee.” The show ended in typical fashion with a medley of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken?” and “I’ll Fly Away,” both performed with opener Caroline Grace joining Willie’s expanded band.

The 93-year-old isn’t slowing down with a busy touring schedule ahead. Willie’s California run continues through July 22, followed by a series of Outlaw Music Festival dates in August.

Watch highlights from Willie Nelson’s guest-filled SoCal gig below via fan-shot video: