Celebrating 50 Years of Austin City Limits: A Musical Milestone
- James Campbell
- Aug 13, 2024
- 3 min read
Austin City Limits (ACL), the iconic live music television series, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of spectacular events. Kicking off with a Hall of Fame induction for Garth Brooks and culminating in a grand birthday bash featuring Willie Nelson, the celebrations honor the show's rich legacy and its impact on the music scene.
What To Expect
Garth Brooks Induction: Garth Brooks will be inducted into the ACL Hall of Fame on September 5, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the series' history.
50th Birthday Bash: Willie Nelson will headline a free outdoor concert on October 17, 2024, at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, celebrating the anniversary of his original pilot taping.
Community Involvement: Local venues and institutions will participate in the celebrations, showcasing the community's support for ACL.
Garth Brooks Induction Ceremony
The 50th anniversary celebrations commenced with the induction of Garth Brooks into the ACL Hall of Fame. This event, taking place on September 5, 2024, at ACL Live at The Moody Theater, will feature a performance by Brooks himself. This marks the first time in the Hall of Fame's history that only one inductee will be honored during the ceremony.
Brooks expressed his gratitude, stating, "To be part of anything Austin City Limits is and always has been an honor. I am humbled and grateful to not only be a part of the 50th Anniversary, but to be inducted into the ACL Hall of Fame is over the top."
Tickets for the event will be available to the public, with a limited number going on sale on August 2, 2024. The ceremony will be a phone-free experience, ensuring an intimate atmosphere for attendees.
50th Birthday Bash Featuring Willie Nelson
On October 17, 2024, ACL will celebrate its 50th birthday with a concert headlined by Willie Nelson, who taped the pilot episode in 1974. The event will take place at the Long Center for the Performing Arts and will feature an opening set by Asleep at the Wheel, a band with deep ties to ACL's history.
This free concert will be open to the public, with registration required for attendance. The performance will be livestreamed, allowing fans worldwide to join in the celebration. The event will also receive proclamations from the state and city, officially declaring October 17 as "Austin City Limits Day."
Community Celebrations
In the lead-up to the anniversary, various Austin institutions will pay tribute to ACL by displaying messages of appreciation on their marquees. This community involvement highlights the significant role ACL has played in establishing Austin as the "Live Music Capital of the World."
Legacy of Austin City Limits
Since its debut in 1974, Austin City Limits has become a cornerstone of American music television, showcasing a diverse array of artists and performances. The series has received numerous accolades, including a Peabody Award and the National Medal of Arts, solidifying its place in music history.
As ACL embarks on its 50th season, it continues to provide a platform for both legendary and emerging artists, ensuring that the spirit of live music remains vibrant in Austin and beyond. The upcoming season will premiere on September 28, 2024, featuring a lineup of exciting performances that celebrate the show's rich legacy.
With a year-long celebration planned, fans can look forward to a series of events and broadcasts that honor the past while looking ahead to the future of Austin City Limits.