Remembering Kris Kristofferson’s Last Performance
Kris Kristofferson, the legendary singer-songwriter, passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 88. His unexpected death led many to reflect on his incredible career, including his final live performance in April 2023.
On April 29, 2023, Willie Nelson hosted a star-studded concert at the Hollywood Bowl to celebrate his 90th birthday. The event featured performances from Miranda Lambert, Snoop Dogg, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, and more. Kristofferson, though not listed as a performer, made a surprise appearance on stage, joining Rosanne Cash for a duet of “Lovin’ You Was Easier.” The song, written and originally recorded by Kristofferson, has since been covered by artists like Roger Miller, Tompall & the Glaser Brothers, and Mark Chesnutt.
The moment was electric—Rosanne had already received a warm reception, but when Kris joined her, the crowd erupted in applause. They reworked the song’s lyrics to make it a duet, with Rosanne taking the lead and Kris adding his soulful touch. While Kris’s voice had aged, fans were grateful for the chance to see him perform live one last time. As the song ended, he saluted the crowd and was escorted off stage by Rosanne, who walked him off with his hands held to his heart in appreciation.
Sadly, this performance became Kristofferson’s final one. His last public stage appearance before this had been in January 2020 at the Outlaw Country Cruise. Just months earlier, he had supported Rosanne Cash during her Palm Desert show. These final moments with Kristofferson on stage will be remembered as a poignant chapter in the legacy of a true musical icon.
Darling, the seasons are changing
See now, the leaves, how they die
Love needs no reason for ending
Come kiss your baby goodbye
Darling, the last time you lied, was it really the last time
Have all the tears that you cried simply dried up and gone
All in the world you can hurt anymore is my feelings
What ever love ever was, never lasted too long
Maybe the best of our life was the beautiful dreamin’
That conscience was destined to crumble like castles of sand
All there is left of our love is a little girl’s laughter
Let her keep making believing as long as she can
Now and again I still hear some old song, I don’t want to
Is it the same over there where you found your new friends
Sometimes at night I still wake up and feel something missing
Maybe I’ll never believe in forever again
Darling, the seasons are changing
See now, the leaves, how they die
Love needs no reason for ending
Come kiss your baby goodbye
