The bluegrass world is buzzing, and at the heart of it is Billy Strings, the Grammy-winning guitarist who’s setting stages ablaze in 2025. Just days ago, on May 13, 2025, he kicked off the Outlaw Music Festival Tour in Phoenix alongside legends Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. Fans at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre were treated to a collaborative finale, with Strings and his bandmates joining Nelson for a soul-stirring medley of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” and “I’ll Fly Away.” This electrifying performance, featuring Sierra Hull and Lily Meola, marked the start of a year where Strings is proving he’s not just a bluegrass star—he’s a musical force. With a fall tour announcement dropping the same week, including stops across the U.S., Europe, and the U.K., there’s no better time to dive into what makes this Michigan-born picker the talk of the town.
Billy Strings’ Outlaw Festival Highlights
Let’s start with that Phoenix show. On May 13, 2025, Strings and his band—Billy Failing (banjo), Jarrod Walker (mandolin), Royal Masat (bass), and Alex Hargreaves (fiddle)—delivered a 75-minute set that had the crowd roaring. They debuted a cover of Bad Livers’ “Ghost Train,” a nod to their knack for blending tradition with innovation. Strings’ solo rendition of “Catch & Release” was a quiet moment of magic, while the fiery sequence of “The Fire On My Tongue,” “Pyramid Country,” and “Hide & Seek” showcased his band’s improvisational chops. The night’s peak? Strings strapping on his acoustic guitar to join Willie Nelson for the closing hymns, a moment fans are still raving about on social media. This Outlaw Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary, runs through June with 35 dates, and Strings is a cornerstone of its star-studded lineup, alongside Dylan, Wilco, and Nathaniel Rateliff.
Billy Strings’ Fall 2025 Tour: A Global Adventure
Fresh off the festival stage, Strings announced a sprawling fall 2025 tour on May 13, 2025, via Instagram, sending fans into a frenzy. Kicking off October 3 in Oslo, Norway, the tour weaves through Copenhagen, Utrecht, London, and Dublin before hitting the U.S. for a 20-date run. Highlights include a three-night stand at The Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, Alabama (October 23–25), and a Halloween doubleheader in Baltimore, following last year’s theatrical O Brother, Where Art Thou?-themed shows. Stateside stops include Pittsburgh (November 7–8), Rochester (November 11), Albany (November 12), and a December finale in Austin. Tickets went on sale May 16, with presale access opening two days prior. This tour supports Strings’ 2024 album Highway Prayers, which topped Billboard’s All-Genre Top Album Sales Chart—a rare feat for bluegrass.
Tour Snapshot:
- Europe/UK: October 3–12 (Oslo, Copenhagen, Utrecht, London, Dublin)
- U.S. Kickoff: October 23–25, Huntsville, AL
- Key Stops: Baltimore (Halloween), Pittsburgh, Rochester, Albany, Austin
- Tickets: Presale May 14, general sale May 16 via billystrings.com
Grammy Wins and New Releases
Strings isn’t just touring—he’s collecting hardware. In 2025, he snagged his second Grammy for Live Vol. 1, a raw, electrifying album capturing his live prowess with tracks like “Dust in a Baggie” and “Turmoil & Tinfoil.” His 2024 studio album Highway Prayers continues to dominate, blending bluegrass with psychedelic jams and introspective lyrics. Critics have hailed it as a career-defining work, with GQ calling Strings “a storyteller who’s lived every note.” He also dropped a collaborative live album with Bryan Sutton, Live at the Legion, showcasing his rootsy chemistry with the flatpicking legend. These releases keep Strings’ sound fresh, proving he’s as comfortable in a studio as he is commanding a festival crowd.
A Musician with Heart
What sets Strings apart isn’t just his lightning-fast picking—it’s his humanity. Posts on X from October 2024 highlight his decision to refund fans for a festival he missed due to the birth of his son, even though the event went on without him. This gesture, rare in the industry, earned him praise as a “class act.” His response to a fight breaking out at an August 2024 show, where he calmly addressed the crowd from the stage, further cemented his reputation as a grounded artist. Strings’ personal story—overcoming addiction, finding solace in music—resonates with fans, making every performance feel like a shared journey.
Why Billy Strings Matters in 2025
At 32, Strings is redefining bluegrass for a new generation. His shows are less concerts and more communal experiences, where fans sing along to every word of “Away From the Mire” or lose themselves in a 10-minute jam. His band’s synergy—Failing’s banjo runs, Hargreaves’ soaring fiddle—creates a sound that’s both timeless and cutting-edge. The Outlaw Festival’s collaborative spirit, paired with his solo tour’s ambition, shows Strings thriving in multiple lanes. Whether he’s sharing a stage with Willie Nelson or headlining The Orion, he brings an authenticity that’s hard to fake. His 2025 schedule, from Phoenix to Oslo to Austin, is a testament to his relentless drive.
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What’s Next for Strings?
As Strings crisscrosses the globe, fans are already speculating about what’s next. Will he drop another live album from the Outlaw Festival? Could a European tour yield new collaborations? One thing’s certain: Strings’ star is still rising. His summer 2025 includes arena shows like Minneapolis’ Target Center (August 9) and Montana stops, while Farm Aid on September 20 in Minneapolis looms as another chance to shine. With Highway Prayers still fresh, there’s talk of new material in 2026, but for now, Strings is focused on the road. His Instagram teases “more to come,” keeping fans on edge for surprise announcements.
Join the Billy Strings Journey
If you haven’t seen Billy Strings live, 2025 is your year. Grab tickets for the Outlaw Music Festival or his fall tour at billystrings.com. Can’t make a show? Stream Highway Prayers or Live Vol. 1 to catch the vibe. Share your favorite Strings moment in the comments or tag us on social media—let’s keep the bluegrass fire burning!