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Willie Nelson headlining Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke rally, angers some fans

Willie Nelson will headline a performance for a rally for Democratic candidate for Texas Senate Beto O'Rourke. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media)

AUSTIN, Texas — Willie Nelson is performing at a free, public event on behalf of a political candidate for the first time ever in his decades-long career, and some fans are not happy about it.

Austin360 reported that Nelson is headlining a rally and concert for Democratic Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke Sept. 29. The report was posted to Nelson's Facebook page on Thursday.

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The announcement comes after Nelson brought O’Rourke, who is running against Republican Ted Cruz for the Senate, onstage during a July 4 show.

"My wife, Annie, and I have met and spoken with Beto, and we share his concern for the direction things are headed," Nelson said in a statement, according to Rolling Stone. "Beto embodies what is special about Texas, an energy and an integrity that is completely genuine."

In the past, Nelson has played private benefit shows supporting individual politicians. This public gesture has upset some of the musician's more politically conservative fans.

"Please change your mind on this," one commenter said on Nelson's Facebook post announcing the performance. "Long time supporter and listener but don't associate with this man!!!"

"Really thought Willie had more sense than this," another wrote.

"If thats (sic) true I'm done after 45 years..." another fan commented. "That smoke has finally got you !!"

Other fans said those complaining were ignorant of who they supported.

"Willie 'fans' shocked about his politics is the funniest thing I've heard today," one comment read. "You'd have to be a fairly peripheral fan to be surprised by this."

"I have always known that Willie was a Democrat," another said. "Even though that is NOT my cup of tea, I do love Willie."

The performance will be at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas. Tickets are free, but attendees will need to RSVP at O'Rourke's website.