WILLIE NELSON - NELSON SCRAPS SHOWS BECAUSE HE NEEDS A BREAK

Country icon WILLIE NELSON is trying to convince fans he's not seriously ill after cancelling a dozen concerts. The singer/songwriter, 74, insists he just needs a break from touring and is taking some time off. His publicist, Elaine Schock, says, "It doesn't seem unreasonable to need or want a couple of weeks off, especially when your life is planned a year in advance." Nelson will reschedule U.S. dates later this month (Jul07) and in August (07). Meanwhile, Nelson will be honoured as a BMI Icon at the performing rights organisation's invitation-only country awards gala in Nashville on 6 November (07).