Tami Neilson Photo:
Tami Neilson is a true tour de force, a rhinestoned rebel with a voice full of soul. Raised on the road, she spent her childhood crisscrossing North America in an RV with her family’s country band, singing on stages before she could even spell her name. Music isn’t just her calling, it’s the rhythm her life has always moved to.
Now based in New Zealand, Tami’s star is rising fast, both at home and on the world stage. In 2024, a dream decades in the making came true: she stepped into the sacred circle at the Grand Ole Opry, singing her heart out on country music’s most hallowed stage. That milestone lit a fire. After a chance friendship with Annie Nelson, wife of the legendary Willie Nelson, Tami found herself recording an entire album of Willie’s songs in his Texas studio—an intimate, soulful homage titled Neilson Sings Nelson.
The adventure doesn’t stop there. She's about to hit the road for a major European and U.S. tour, including dates supporting none other than Bob Dylan, a pairing of legends, old and new. And right on the heels of that, she’ll release Neon Cowgirl, her boldest album yet.
Tami Neilson (right) & Maggie Tweedie (left) Photo: RNZ
Once the record drops, Tami will return to Aotearoa to bring Neon Cowgirl home, performing it in grand style in opera houses across the motu, including dates in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Nelson and Tauranga. It’s not just a tour—it’s a victory lap.
Amongst all of this, Neilson was awarded the very first Country Music Honour for Contribution to Country Music in Aotearoa at The Country Music Honours in Gore. It marks what has already been a remarkable year.
Tami Neilson chatted to Maggie Tweedie about the new album, her upcoming tours and her recent AMA nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Artist.
The Neon Cowgirl New Zealand Tour Dates:
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Oct 3 - The Opera House, Wellington
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Oct 4 - Aotea Centre, Auckland
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Oct 11 - Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
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Oct 12 - The Theatre Royal, Nelson
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Oct 24 - The Arts Festival, Tauranga
