Citing medical problem, Willie Nelson-Merle Haggard Florence show postponed

Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard’s concert Thursday night at the Florence Civic Center has been postponed.

Nick Hooker, senior marketing manager at the civic center, said the venue found out that Willie Nelson had a medical problem Wednesday morning and felt an obligation to immediately give the community a heads-up, albeit a short one.

The tour has now released a statement saying that Nelson has an illness, he said, but the venue has not been given any more information than that.

Both Nelson and Haggard have committed to playing a new show in Florence in April or May, Hooker said.

“I am a fan. I was a little disappointed when I first found out myself. It was going to be a packed house Thursday night,” Hooker said. “It was unfortunate circumstances; however, the focus is on Willie Nelson’s health and to make sure that he can recover.”

Hooker said Nelson is an incredible performer, and the venue is sending “wishes and thoughts so that he can heal.”

Tickets purchased for the October show will be honored for the rescheduled date.

Hooker said he hopes people will hang on to their tickets and come out to see Nelson and Haggard at the Florence Civic Center in the spring.

But he also said he knows that the date change may make affect some people’s plans.

“This is extreme short notice, and we understand that,” he said. “We want to make it as easy as possible.”

Refunds are an option at the original point of purchase, he said.

With South Carolina’s recent flooding, Hooker said, some were unable to make theOct. 15 date.

He said although this certainly not ideal, he hopes that a date change will allow those who had problems to make it.

The venue and the tour are in the process of working out logistics, but a new date will be announced next week.

For more information, call the Florence Civic Center at 843-679-9417.