Willie Nelson performed on the very first episode of Austin City Limits back in October of 1974. And now, the country legend has been selected to headline a free concert celebrating the iconic music show’s 50th anniversary. The concert is set to take place at The Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin, Texas on October 17th, exactly 50 years to the day from Nelson’s performance on the show’s inaugural episode. The Austin City Limits 50th Birthday Bash will be a free show that will include performances by Nelson along with the local Austin-based band, Asleep at the Wheel. The concert will be taped and recorded, and highlights from the performances will air on PBS early next year.

Austin City Limits has other celebrations planned for its milestone 50th season, including an event honoring Garth Brooks that was taped earlier this month, and a primetime special, ACL Celebrates 50 Years, featuring performances from the show’s history, which is set to premiere in 2025. (Consequence of Sound)