Willie Nelson cancels NC show citing hand pain; band and crew members charged with possession

Hand pain halts Willie Nelson’s NC show

KENANSVILLE, N.C. — Singer and guitarist Willie Nelson canceled a North Carolina concert because of a bum hand about an hour after several band and crew members were busted for allegedly possessing moonshine and marijuana.

Alcohol Law Enforcement spokesman Ernie Seneca said Friday that six members of Nelson’s band and crew have been charged with misdemeanor possession offenses. They were issued citations before the Texas singer was scheduled to take the stage Thursday night.

Longtime Nelson bass player Dan Edward “Bee” Spears, 60, Franklin, Tenn., and five others were charged with possession of non-tax-paid alcohol, Seneca said. Two of the six were also charged with marijuana possession.

The charges came after officers smelled marijuana aboard a tour bus and were given permission to search it, Seneca said.

Nelson publicist Elaine Schock declined comment.

Nelson’s daughter said on the musician’s Web site that Thursday night’s show at the Duplin County Events Center in Kenansville was canceled because his hand hurt too badly to play. The right-handed guitar-picker had carpal tunnel surgery on his left hand in 2004.

His daughter said he would try to finish the tour with two more dates, then return home to Texas for 10 days.