Willie Nelson Closes Farm Aid 2024: Set List

Willie Nelson closed out his annual Farm Aid festival on Saturday night. This year the benefit concert took place in Saratoga Springs, New York.

"Happy Farm Aid! 39 years!" Nelson said from the stage. Some technical difficulties took place in the first half of his set, but were resolved quickly.

You can view Nelson's complete set list below, which included a cover of Pearl Jam's "Just Breathe," as well as renditions of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" and "It's Hard to Be Humble" with all the guest performers of the festival.

This is the second time Farm Aid has been held in Saratoga, with the last time being over a decade ago in 2013.

"We're energized to be back in New York," Nelson said in a previous statement (via Rolling Stone). "The farmers here have always found ways to innovate and contribute to their communities, even as they deal with uncertainties, extreme weather and policies that favor corporations over people. Farmers need us to stand with them as they work to grow our future."

READ MORE: Top 10 Willie Nelson Songs

Nelson's finale came after sets by John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews and a host of others: Mavis Staples, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson with the Travelin' McCourys, Charley Crockett, Joy Oladokun, Southern Avenue, Cassandra Lewis and Jesse Welles.

"They have all the technology to save the planet," Matthews said at a pre-show press conference, "but the thing that stops us is greed. ... It's corporate greed."

"[Farming] is a lot like the music business business," Price said, "in the fact that it's just not sustainable for a lot of folks. ... Where you spend your dollar — that matters a lot."

Willie Nelson, On the Road Again

Nelson has had a busy year already, touring with Dylan and Mellencamp, as well as Robert Plant and Alison Krauss on his Outlaw Festival tour. Unfortunately, Nelson missed the first eight shows of the tour on account of doctor's orders.

Currently, Nelson is scheduled to play three concerts in October, all in his home state of Texas.

Willie Nelson, Farm Aid 2024, Set List
1. "Whiskey River" (Johnny Bush cover)
2. "Bloody Mary Morning"
3. "I Never Cared for You" (Initially aborted due to house audio technical difficulties; restarted)
4. "Texas Flood" (Larry Davis cover)
5. "(If I Die When I'm High) Halfway to Heaven" (Particle Kid cover)
6. "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" (Ed Bruce cover)
7. "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground"
8. "On the Road Again"
9. "Always on My Mind"
10. "Just Breathe" (Pearl Jam Cover)
11. "Georgia (On My Mind)"
12. "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (Kris Kristofferson cover)
13. "Everything Is Bullshit" (Particle Kid cover)
14. "Last Leaf" (Tom Waits cover)
15. "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die"
16. "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" (William MacEwan cover) (with all guest performers)
17. "It's Hard to Be Humble" (Mac Davis cover) (with all guest performers)
18. "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?"

'The Lord's Taverners Charity Album,' Various Decca Artists (1965)

In 1965, 14 artists — including the Rolling Stones, Tom Jones and Them – signed to the Decca record label got together to make The Lord's Taverners Charity Album, which benefitted the Lord's Taverners, a youth cricket organization, and the National Playing Fields Association, which helped protect parks and bring green spaces to British citizens.

'No One's Gonna Change Our World,' Various (1969)

The World Wildlife Fund was founded in 1961. Eight years later, an album called No One's Gonna Change Our World was made to benefit the organization, featuring songs by the Beatles, the Hollies, Cliff Richard and more. Most notably, this LP marked the first ever release of the Beatles' "Across the Universe," before it was included on 1970's Let It Be.

'The Concert for Bangladesh,' George Harrison and Friends (1971)

George Harrison was quite busy in 1971. He organized a two-day concert to raise money for war-torn Bangladesh, and had the event recorded, resulting in a live, triple LP that also helped raise money. Among those who performed in addition to Harrison: Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Leon Russell, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston and more.

'We Are the World,' USA for Africa (1985)

You're probably familiar with "We Are the World" the single, but did you know that it's also an entire charity album? It includes nine other songs, like Steve Perry's "If Only for the Moment, Girl," Prince and the Revolution's "4 the Tears in Your Eyes" and a live version of "Trapped" as performed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

'Hear 'n Aid,' Various (1986)

What do you get when you gather 40 of the most prominent heavy metal artists together? Hear 'n Aid, a 1986 charity album that raised over $3 million for famine relief in Africa featuring members of Judas Priest, Motley Crue, Night Ranger, Queensryche, Quiet Riot, Twisted Sister and many more.

'Sgt. Pepper Knew My Father,' Various (1988)

The New Musical Express (NME) is best known for its music journalism but in 1988 they produced an LP titled Sgt. Pepper Knew My Father. As its name hints, it consisted of a dozen different '80s acts all covering the songs from the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The album helped raise funds for Childline, a British organization that provides counseling to kids.

'Stairway to Heaven/Highway to Hell,' Various (1989)

In August of 1989, a historic two-day concert took place in Russia: The Moscow Music Peace Festival. It was one of the very first rock/heavy metal shows to take place in the capital city. That same year, various bands who had performed at the festival — Bon Jovi, Skid Row, Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Cinderella and Gorky Park — were asked to contribute to a charity album called Stairway to Heaven/Highway to Hell. Each of the songs were covers of solo acts or bands that had suffered a drug or alcohol-related death. Proceeds from the LP were split between Make a Difference and the Soviet Union's All-Union Society for Sobriety.

'Nobody's Child: Romanian Angel Appeal,' Various (1990)

The Romanian Angel Appeal Foundation, which sends aid to benefit Romanian orphans, was founded by Olivia Harrison, the wife of George Harrison. In 1990 Harrison helped out her cause with the charity album Nobody's Child: Romanian Angel Appeal. In addition to a single by the Traveling Wilburys, also called "Nobody's Child," other artists like Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Duane Eddy, Van Morrison, Guns N' Roses, Ringo Starr, Ric Ocasek and Elton John all donated songs to the LP.

'Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles,' Various (1993)

Don Henley helped found the Eagles in 1971. Just under two decades later, he founded the Walden Woods Project, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving an area of natural land in Massachusetts. (Henley is a longtime environmentalist.) In 1993, an entire tribute album to Henley's band, Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles, was made with varying country music acts, and a portion of the royalties went to the Walden Woods Project.

'Sweet Relief: A Benefit for Victoria Williams,' Various (1993)

When you are a rock musician, securing stable health insurance can sometimes be a difficult task. In 1992, the Louisiana-born singer-songwriter Victoria Williams was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just as her career was beginning to gain momentum. This prompted a small movement by the likes of Pearl Jam, Lou Reed, the Waterboys, Lucinda Williams and more, who all gathered to record a charity album in order to raise money for Williams' medical care. The release of 1993's Sweet Relief: A Benefit for Victoria Williams led to the creation of the Sweet Relief Fund, a charity dedicated solely to helping musicians with medical costs. (There was also a second album, 1996's Sweet Relief II: Gravity of the Situation, featuring acts like R.E.M., Garbage, Smashing Pumpkins, etc.)

'Five Live,' George Michael and Queen (1993)

George Michael kept much of it on the down low during his lifetime, but he was one of music's most philanthropic people, often donating to causes or helping individuals without the knowledge of the press. In 1993, an EP called Five Live featuring himself, Queen and Lisa Stansfield was released, with the proceeds benefitting the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS.

'No Alternative,' Various (1993)

The Red Hot Organization, which focuses on public health and equal access to healthcare, has participated in nearly three dozen charity albums over the years. One of them, No Alternative, arrived in 1993, featuring acts like Smashing Pumpkins, Patti Smith, the Breeders, Soundgarden and Bob Mould of the Replacements.

'Peace Together,' Various (1993)

It makes quite a bit of sense that Irish artists like U2 and Sinead O'Connor would lend their talents to Peace Together, a 1993 album that raised funds for the youth of Northern Ireland. But there were also contributions from Blur, Peter Gabriel and Billy Bragg, among others.

'Classic Elton John,' Elton John (1994)

No one said you had to make all new recordings in order to compile a charity album. In 1994, Elton John and Polygram released Classic Elton John, a collection of some of his best-known tracks to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

'The Help Album,' Various (1995)

You've heard of the Beatles' Help! (1965), but what about 1995's The Help Album? This LP was made to benefit the War Child charity, which sends aid to war-torn countries. Among the contributors: Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Radiohead, Oasis and Blur. The most impressive part is perhaps that all the songs were recorded in one single day.

'MOM: Music for Our Mother Ocean,' Various (1996-199)

MOM: Music for Our Mother Ocean is actually not just one LP but a trilogy of them, released in 1996, 1997 and 1999. Pearl Jam, Porno for Pyros, Blink-182, Ramones and more took part in the first album, the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett in the second one and Beck, Jane's Addiction and Red Hot Chili Peppers came in for the third. All three benefitted the Surfrider Foundation, which helps to protect the world's oceans and beaches.

'In the Name of My Father – The Zepset – Live From Electric Ladyland,' The Jason Bonham Band (1997)

What better way to honor the late John Bonham than through music? Bonham's son, Jason, did exactly that in 1997, recording an album called In the Name of My Father – The Zepset – Live From Electric Ladyland. It consisted of all Led Zeppelin covers and the proceeds from it were donated to the John Bonham Memorial Motorcycle Camp and the Big Sisters of Los Angeles.

'Diana, Princess of Wales: Tribute,' Various (1997)

A slew of artists offered up some of their most famous songs for the 1997 charity album Diana, Princess of Wales: Tribute. These included "Who Wants to Live Forever" by Queen, "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M., "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton, "Streets of Philadelphia" by Bruce Springsteen and more. Proceeds went to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, which helped continue her humanitarian work after her death.

'No Boundaries: A Benefit for the Kosovar Refugees,' Various (1999)

The title of 1999's No Boundaries: A Benefit for the Kosovar Refugees explains its cause. Among the contributors to the LP: Pearl Jam, Neil Young, Black Sabbath, the Wallflowers, Oasis and more. "Pearl Jam is proud to offer this small contribution to help improve the appalling conditions of the refugees suffering from this human rights tragedy in Kosovo," the band's manager Kelly Curtis said in a statement at the time.

'God Bless America,' Various (2001)

In the wake of 9/11, Americans across the country found themselves in shock. One thing was for certain though: people in New York City needed help. A group of high profile musicians all donated songs of theirs for a charity album called God Bless America that was released in October of 2001 to benefit the Twin Towers Fund. Bob Dylan gave "Blowin' in the Wind," Pete Seeger gave his cover of Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" and Bill Withers gave "Lean on Me," among others.

'Rise Above: 24 Black Flag Songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three,' Various (2002)

In 1994, three teenagers were convicted of the murders of three young boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. The teens became known as the West Memphis Three and the case drew enormous controversy over their alleged guilt. Various celebrities and musicians voiced their support for the teens, including the likes of Iggy Pop, Lemmy and more who contributed to a charity album of Black Flag covers called Rise Above: 24 Black Flag Songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three. (The West Memphis Three later entered Alford pleas in 2011 and were released.)

'Wig in a Box,' Various (2003)

Wig In A Box: Songs From & Inspired by Hedwig and the Angry Inch featured songs from the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, a show about a genderqueer East German singer. The 2003 album included contributions from Sleater-Kinney, Fred Schneider of the B-52's, Spoon, Yoko Ono, Cyndi Lauper and more. The proceeds went to the Hetrick-Martin Institute, an organization that helps LGBTQ youth in NYC.

'For the Lady,' Various (2004)

The lady in question when it came to the title of 2004's For the Lady was Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese opposition leader who was, at that time, under house arrest. The album, which featured songs donated by U2, Sting, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Peter Gabriel and others, raised money for her release, as well as the people of Burma overall.

'Axis of Justice: Concert Series Volume 1,' Various (2004)

Axis of Justice is a non-profit co-founded by Serj Tankian from System of a Down and Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, the purpose of which is to organize musicians and fans for social justice causes. In 2004, they released Axis of Justice: Concert Series Volume 1 featuring live songs by U2, Nick Lowe, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley and more.

'Future Soundtrack for America,' Various (2004)

The reality is that everyone has a slightly different version of what America as a country means to them. Future Soundtrack for America, released in 2004, was made to benefit Music for America and MoveOn.org, progressive non-profits working to keep ordinary Americans involved in elections. David Byrne, R.E.M., Blink-182, Tom Waits and more all contributed songs.

'In the Name of Love: Artists United for Africa,' Various (2004)

Similar to the Eagles' tribute album earlier in this list, In the Name of Love: Artists United for Africa was a compilation charity album featuring all cover songs of one band. This time it was U2, covered by a variety of Christian bands, with a portion of the proceeds going toward relief programs for the AIDS pandemic in Africa.

'Songs for Tsunami Relief: Austin to South Asia,' Willie Nelson (2004)

Willie Nelson, founder of Farm Aid, is no stranger to giving back to the community. In 2004, he took his philanthropic efforts global when he recorded a live album called Songs for Tsunami Relief: Austin to South Asia, which raised money for those affected by that year's massive Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

'Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur,' Various (2007)

The War in Darfur, part of the Sudanese Civil Wars, began in 2003. Four years later, a compilation album of various artists covering the music of John Lennon was released in an effort to raise money for those affected by the crisis. "It's wonderful that, through this campaign, music that is so familiar to many people of my era will now be embraced by a whole new generation," Yoko Ono said in a statement at the time. "John's music set out to inspire change, and in standing up for human rights, and selling more records, we really can make the world a better place." Participants included R.E.M., Lenny Kravitz, U2, Green Day, Jakob Dylan and Dhani Harrison.

'Give US Your Poor,' Various (2008)

A wide-ranging 19-track charity album by the name of Give US Your Poor arrived in 2008, featuring the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Pete Seeger, Jon Bon Jovi and more, raising money to fight homelessness in America.

'Songs for Tibet: The Art of Peace,' Various (2008)

What better time to release a charity album featuring artists from all over the world than at the start of the Olympics? That's what happened with 2008's Songs for Tibet: The Art of Peace, which coincided with the start of the Beijing Summer Olympics. The LP featured Sting, John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Rush, Jackson Browne and more.

'Everything That Happens Will Happen on This Tour,' David Byrne (2009)

In August of 2008, David Byrne and Brian Eno released a collaborative album called Everything That Happens Will Happen Today. The year after that, Bryne released a live EP featuring those songs titled Everything That Happens Will Happen on This Tour, the proceeds from which went to Amnesty International.

'The Dreams We Have as Children – Live at the Royal Albert Hall,' Noel Gallagher (2009)

In 2007, Noel Gallagher appeared solo at the Royal Albert Hall. Well, not entirely solo, but certainly without his usual Oasis bandmate and brother Liam. That concert was recorded and released two years later in 2009 (the same year Oasis split up for good) as The Dreams We Have as Children – Live at the Royal Albert Hall, which benefitted Britain's Teenage Cancer Trust.

'The Sun Came Out,' 7 Worlds Collide (2009)

Back in 2001, Neil Finn organized a concert that included various fellow musicians and resulted in 7 Worlds Collide: Live at the St. James. Eight years later, Finn repeated the project, but this time to benefit Oxfam, a British confederation of NGOs dedicated to relieving global poverty. The album was called The Sun Came Out and featured Johnny Marr, Jeff Tweedy, KT Tunstall and more.

Bob Dylan, 'Christmas in the Heart' (2009)

In case you didn't already know, yes, Bob Dylan has an entire Christmas album to his name called Christmas in the Heart, the royalties from which benefit Feeding America in the U.S., Crisis in the U.K. and the World Food Programme in perpetuity.

'Download to Donate for Haiti," Various (2010)

Back in 2005, rock band Linkin Park started a charitable trust called Music for Relief. Five years later, they joined forces with the United Nations Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and the Dave Matthews Band's BAMA Works to fund relief efforts for those affected by the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Part of that included making a charity album called Download to Donate for Haiti, which featured Linkin Park, Slash, the Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel, Weezer, Dinosaur Jr., Mickey Hart and more. (More Download to Donate albums were made in following years, benefitting various causes.)

'Hope for Haiti Now,' Various (2010)

Here's another album that helped raise money for Haiti in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. This one, Hope for Haiti Now, featured Bruce Springsteen singing Pete Seeger's "We Shall Overcome," Stevie Wonder doing a mashup of his own "A Time to Love" with Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and Dave Matthews teaming up with Neil Young for a cover of Hank Williams' "Alone and Forsaken."

'Carved in Stone: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Vol. 1,' Various (2003)

What better way to raise money for a historic musical venue than through music itself? That was the premise behind 2003's Carved in Stone: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Vol. 1 (and, in 2004, Vol. 2), which donated proceeds to the Preserve the Rocks Fund, set up to help maintain the legendary Colorado concert space. Vol. 1 included live tracks by Phish, Little Feat and the Allman Brothers Band, while Vol. 2 boasted Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Nelson and Gov't Mule.

'An Album to Benefit Preservation Hall & The Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program,' Various (2010)

Pretty much every major city has their own collection of staple music venues, In New Orleans, one of them is Preservation Hall, a historic place for jazz music. In 2010, artists like Tom Waits, Jason Isbell, Richie Havens, Merle Haggard and more teamed up for An Album to Benefit Preservation Hall & The Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program.

'Songs for Japan,' Various (2011)

A collaborative project between all four of the music industry's big record labels — EMI, Sony, Universal and Warner — Songs for Japan was released to benefit relief efforts in relation to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Among the artists that contributed songs: U2, Bob Dylan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna.

'The 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute: Live From the Beacon Theatre, NYC,' Various (2011)

Just over 30 years since his passing, John Lennon was honored by a collection of artists that came together at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, including Patti Smith, Bettye LaVette, Jackson Browne, Aimee Mann and more. The subsequent live album, The 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute: Live From the Beacon Theatre, NYC, helped raise money for the Japanese Red Cross and their tsunami relief efforts.

'AHK-toong BAY-bi Covered,' Various (2011)

What better way to raise money for an important cause than by having your friends sing your songs? This was the idea behind 2011's AHK-toong BAY-bi Covered, an album of cover songs from U2's Achtung Baby. Nine Inch Nails handled "Zoo Station," Depeche Mode went with "So Cruel" and Jack White closed the LP with "Love Is Blindness," to name a few. Proceeds went toward Concern Worldwide, a charity organization based in Ireland.

'Every Mother Counts,' Various (2011)

Every Mother Counts (2011) featured 15 songs about motherhood, recorded by the likes of Madonna, Patti Scialfa, Sheryl Crow, Sinead O'Connor and more. It helped raised funds for CARE's maternal health initiatives and the Every Mother Counts foundation. A second Every Mother Counts album arrived the following year, this time featuring even more artists — Diana Krall, Alanis Morissette and Patti Smith, among others.

'Ian Gillan & Tony Iommi: WhoCares,' Ian Gillan and Tony Iommi (2012)

Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan and Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi got together in 2012 for a charity album called WhoCares that helped raise money for a music school to be built in Gyumri, Armenia. Other musicians who participated in the LP included ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted and Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain.

'Chimes of Freedom,' Various (2012)

If there is one artist many leap at the chance to interpret, it is Bob Dylan. Dozens of musicians came together for 2012's Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International, a charity album benefitting, as its title suggests, the human rights organization Amnesty International. Among them: Eric Burdon, Maroon 5, Joe Perry, Carly Simon, Bryan Ferry, Adele, Joan Baez, Elvis Costello and many more.

'Live at Bestival 2012,' New Order (2012)

Bestival, for those that don't know, is a four-day music festival in the south of England. New Order performed there in 2012, and made a live album of it called Live at Bestival 2012. Profits from the LP went to Isle of Wight Youth Truth, which provides support services for young people on the Isle of Wight.

'Songs for the Philippines,' Various (2013)

In 2013, Supertyphoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, a catastrophic event that ended up claiming the lives of over 6,000 people. That same year, a charity album called Songs for the Philippines was released with proceeds benefitting the Philippine Red Cross. Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Earth, Wind & Fire, U2 and more all donated songs to the LP.

'Songs for Slim,' The Replacements

In late 2012, guitarist for the Replacements Slim Dunlap suffered a stroke. A few months later in March of 2013, his bandmates put together an EP titled Songs for Slim which raised money for Dunlap. That's what friends are for.

'With a Little Help From My Fwends,' Flaming Lips (2014)

In 2014, the Flaming Lips put together an entire charity album titled With a Little Help From My Fwends, which, as you may have been able to guess, consisted of all covers of the Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Among the contributors was Miley Cyrus, My Morning Jacket and more. The LP's proceeds were donated to the Bella Foundation, an organization in Oklahoma City that helps pet owners get the veterinary care they need.

'Such Pretty Forks in the Mix,' Alanis Morissette (2020)

In the summer of 2020, Alanis Morissette released, Such Pretty Forks in the Road, her first studio album in eight years. A few months later, she put out a remix edition called Such Pretty Forks in the Mix, with a portion of its proceeds going toward Safe Place International, an organization dedicated to helping displaced LGBTQ refugees.

'Songs for Australia,' Various (2020)

Bushfires are not an uncommon thing in Australia, one of the most wildfire prone regions in the entire world. Those fires can cause a tremendous amount of damage, and the country's 2019-20 bushfires were particularly devastating. An album called Songs for Australia was released in 2020 to help raise money for relief efforts, using songs by Australian acts like INXS, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Men at Work and others.

Next: Willie Nelson’s 10 Best Rock Covers and Collaborations