WATERLOO - Country music icon Willie Nelson will return to McElroy Auditorium Dec. 3.

The 75-year-old musician will perform with guests, Billy Bob Thornton & the Boxmasters. Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Friday.

Although Nelson had been writing music since the '60s, the singer-songwriter remained virtually unknown until his 1975 album, "The Red Headed Stranger."

Nelson continues to write and release new material. "Last of the Breed," a double disc released in 2007, includes collaborations with Merle Haggard, Ray Price, and Asleep at the Wheel. "Moment of Forever," produced by Kenny Chesney, hit store shelves earlier this year.

Tickets for the Waterloo show are $69.50, $49.40 and $39.50, plus fees. They are available at the McElroy Auditorium box office; by calling (800) 882-4275; or by visiting www.tickets.com or www.jadepresents.com.

The show will start at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome.