VIDEO: Willie Nelson And Son Lukas Nail Throwback Duet

Willie Nelson has had several special guests on this year’s Outlaw Music Festival tour, but one July 4th weekend performance was truly a family affair. On Sunday, Nelson’s son, Lukas, joined him on stage in front of a Dallas crowd. During the show, the pair teamed up for a truly stunning country music duet of Pearl Jam’s “Just Breathe.”

The crowd erupted with cheers as the song began, a testament to how beloved the pair’s rendition has become over the years. This is far from the first time the father-son team has performed the song for fans, and it likely won’t be the last. The song also appears on Nelson’s 2012 album, “Heroes,” and even received a seal of approval from its original writer, Eddie Vedder.

Vedder Had High Praise for The ‘Just Breathe’ Cover

Getty

As Loudwire reported, Vedder was a huge fan of Nelson’s version of the song. The Pearl Jam front man said he felt honored by the cover and called it his “best contribution to music so far.” Vedder wrote the song for Pearl Jam’s 2009 album, “Backspacer,” and was clearly thrilled to see the song get a new life.

However, Vedder’s connection to Nelson and Lukas through “Just Breathe” didn’t end with the cover’s release. In a 2023 video clip, Vedder took the Opry stage with Lukas to perform the touching ballad. Despite their different musical styles, the two singers’ voices were a perfect match, giving the song yet another truly memorable rendition. The pair performed it as part of a tribute concert for late actor Leslie Jordan.

Nelson and Lukas Appeared in a Music Video For The Song

Getty

In 2012, Nelson and Lukas starred in a music video to support the cover’s original release. Through much of the video, father and son cruise down a sunlit road in a convertible. The song unfolds like a conversation between them, which makes the video truly touching.

Lukas has come a long way since appearing in this music video, gradually carving a path in the music business. He officially released his first solo album, “American Romance,” on June 20th, 2025, and has tour dates scheduled throughout the summer and fall. In addition to his Outlaw Music Festival appearance, Lukas will perform at Wildlands Festival and several other events. He has big shows to fill following in his father’s footsteps, but he appears poised to create his own legacy.