After more than 15 years of making music together, Lukas Nelson and his longtime band Promise of the Real decided to take an indefinite hiatus in mid-2024. The announcement marked the end of a significant chapter in Nelson’s musical journey — one that saw him evolve from the son of country legend Willie Nelson into a respected artist with a sound all his own.
While the decision may have come as a surprise to fans, Lukas recently opened up in an interview with Rolling Stone about what ultimately led him to go solo. As it turns out, the split wasn’t about drama or discord — it was about artistic clarity and reclaiming his creative voice.
A Band Born at a Neil Young Concert
The origins of Promise of the Real are rooted in a shared love for rock ‘n’ roll. Lukas met drummer Anthony LoGerfo at a Neil Young concert in 2008, and the two quickly connected over their mutual admiration for the genre. Not long after, they added more members to the group and formed what would become Promise of the Real — a band that blended roots, rock, country, and soul with effortless chemistry.
Over the years, the band became known not just for their own music, but for their extensive work alongside Neil Young. Serving as Young’s backing band on several albums and tours, Promise of the Real earned a reputation for their musicianship and adaptability. They also appeared in A Star Is Born as the on-screen band for Bradley Cooper’s character Jackson Maine, with Lukas co-producing the film’s soundtrack and writing much of its music.
The group also played regularly with Willie Nelson, often joining the elder Nelson on stage for live performances — a momentous experience for Lukas, no doubt, but one that added to the band’s growing reputation as a “supporting” act rather than a headlining entity in its own right.
Why Lukas Nelson Decided to Go Solo
Despite the band’s success and versatility, Lukas began to feel that Promise of the Real was losing its original identity. In the Rolling Stone interview, he shared that the group had gradually become more associated with Neil Young than with his own musical vision.
“I felt the band had become Neil Young’s band,” Lukas admitted. “And I wanted to play my own music — I wrote all the records we released as Promise of the Real. I needed to focus on building my own audience.”
Many members of Promise of the Real have continued working with Young, a move Lukas fully supports. But for him, it was time to take a step back and reestablish who he is as an artist on his own terms.
A New Chapter: American Romance
This year, Lukas released his debut solo album American Romance, and it marks a noticeable shift in direction. With a more traditional country sound, the album showcases Lukas’ roots while embracing a stripped-back, emotional storytelling style. For longtime fans of his edgier, rock-influenced work, it’s a fresh but natural evolution.
And the reception has been strong — many, including critics and fans alike, consider American Romance one of the best albums of 2025 so far. It’s a testament to Lukas’ ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his musical DNA.
What’s Next for Lukas Nelson?
As Lukas moves forward in his solo career, he seems energized and more in control of his path than ever before. While Promise of the Real isn’t necessarily gone forever, this break has allowed him to redefine his artistic boundaries and focus on building a legacy that stands entirely on his own name.
In truth, Lukas Nelson has always had the talent — but now, he finally has the space to fully express it.