Catch Waylon Payne on Outlaw Tour This August

The soulful storyteller Waylon Payne is stepping into the spotlight alongside legends like Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and Lucinda Williams on the 2025 Outlaw Music Festival Tour. Payne is not just the opener — he’s the unsung heart of the tour, bringing raw lyricism and an outlaw spirit that’s impossible to ignore.

Waylon is set to perform across six major dates in August:

• August 01–03: NY & NH with Willie, Dylan, Wilco & Lucinda
• August 08–10: Buffalo, Hershey & Syracuse with Turnpike Troubadours & The Red Clay Strays

Let’s dive into what to expect from Waylon’s performances, his journey to this stage, and why this leg of the Outlaw Tour might just be his breakout moment.

🔥 Why Waylon Payne is a Big Deal This Year

A Tour Tailored for His Voice

Waylon’s soulful grit, poetic lyrics, and Southern Gothic storytelling make him a perfect fit for the Outlaw brand — authentic, untamed, and emotional.

Expect him to command attention with tracks from his hauntingly beautiful album “Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, The Pusher & Me”, alongside newer unreleased material rumored to be in the works.

Payne Outlaw Festival Tour Schedule & Dates

Playing With the Greats

Sharing a lineup with Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan is no small honour — it’s a torch-passing moment. Waylon’s inclusion signals that the next generation of Americana isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving.

🎤 What Fans Can Expect From His Set

Anticipated Setlist

While his full 2025 setlist is still under wraps, based on past tours, fans can expect:

• “Sins of the Father”
• “Dangerous Criminal”
• “All The Trouble” (a hit he penned for Lee Ann Womack)
• Possibly new unreleased songs from upcoming projects

Performance Style

Waylon delivers stripped-down, soul-baring sets. His vocals cut deep — not loud, but raw. Think candlelit confessionals rather than roaring anthems.

He’s likely to play a 30–40 minute set early in the show. Get there early — you don’t want to miss this.

🎶 Waylon Payne’s Journey: From Shadows to Spotlight

A Life Worth Writing About

Son of country royalty, godson of Willie Nelson — Waylon’s path hasn’t been smooth. Addiction, exile from Nashville, and redemption form the backbone of his deeply personal songwriting.

Breakthrough Record

Waylon Payne’s 2020 album Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, The Pusher & Me has received critical acclaim from various reputable sources. For instance, Country Queer described the album as “a stunning, self-revelatory album decades in the making,” highlighting its deep storytelling and emotional resonance.

Garden & Gun praised Payne’s vocal performance, noting that he is “blessed with a gorgeous tenor that warms the cold-steel force of his lyrics.”

The album delves into Payne’s personal journey, addressing themes of addiction, redemption, and identity, making it a poignant and impactful work in his discography.​

🎟️ Tickets, Tips & Insider Guide

Best Ways to Catch Waylon Live

General admission and VIP tickets are available now. If you’re going to a big venue like SPAC or Hersheypark Stadium — arrive early. Waylon opens and his set times aren’t forgiving for latecomers.

Pro Tip:

Bring a folding chair and tissues. His music hits harder than you expect, especially live.

💬 Waylon in His Own Words

“I’m not trying to be an outlaw. I’m just telling the truth the only way I know how.”

That’s the Waylon Payne experience — vulnerability over bravado, scars over polish. And that’s why he belongs on this tour.

🛣️ What Comes Next for Waylon Payne?

The Outlaw Fest may be his biggest spotlight yet, but it’s likely just the beginning. Rumors of a new record dropping in 2025 are swirling. And with bigger stages come new collaborations — don’t be surprised if Waylon and Willie share a song on stage.

Sure, Willie and Dylan are legends. But Waylon Payne is the soul you’ll remember when you drive home.

Catch him live August 1–10 — and bring someone who needs a reminder that real music still exists.

FAQ – Waylon Payne @ Outlaw Music Festival 2025

Q: When and where is Waylon Payne performing?
A: He’ll be at Jones Beach, SPAC, Gilford NH, Buffalo, Hershey & Syracuse from Aug 1–10, 2025.

Q: What songs will Waylon Payne perform?
A: Expect “Sins of the Father,” “Dead on a Wheel,” and possibly new unreleased music.

Q: Is Waylon Payne touring with Willie Nelson?
A: Yes — he’s part of the Outlaw Music Festival lineup, sharing the stage with Willie, Bob Dylan, and more.

Q: Should I arrive early to catch Waylon’s set?
A: Absolutely. His set is early in the day and totally worth being front-row for.