Orville Peck and Willie Nelson Debut Powerful New Queer Anthem
Image: Via Instagram @orvillepeck, April 5
Orville Peck, the mysterious masked figure of contemporary country music, has teamed up with the iconic Willie Nelson to reimagine the timeless track “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other.”
The debut of their collaborative music video, exclusively revealed by Rolling Stone, signifies a significant moment in music.
During an interview with Rolling Stone, Peck echoed Nelson’s enthusiasm for the song’s relevance in today’s landscape.
Nelson, known for his enduring contributions to country music, underscored the significance of the song’s themes and its resonance in contemporary times.
“Willie kept talking about how the subject matter in this song was more important than ever,” Peck told Rolling Stone.
“He wanted it to have a new life with the two of us.” This sentiment is particularly meaningful considering Nelson’s earlier cover of the Ned Sublette classic in 2006.
“With all the rhetoric surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community these days, it is so encouraging to have real allies like Willie that aren’t afraid to stand proudly next to us,” Peck emphasised.
Peck and Nelson’s Shared Vision for LGBTQ+ Representation
The music video for “Cowboys are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other” interlaces scenes of LGBTQIA+ individuals in a saloon, dancing and drinking beer. Nelson and Peck can be seen strumming guitars under a tree at Nelson’s Luck Ranch, a place Peck affectionately describes as a “dream.”
In their duet of the Ned Sublette original, the pair sing:
“Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other / What did you think all them saddles and boots was about? / There’s many a cowboy who don’t understand the way that he feels for his brother / And inside every cowboy, there’s a lady that’d love to slip out”.
Taking on the queer-themed track was Nelson’s idea. Peck, who has felt excluded from the country music industry at times, expressed gratitude for the country music legend.
“Once Willie Nelson wants to work with you, there’s really nothing the country world can say after that”, Peck said.
In the second verse, Nelson sings:
“And I believe to my soul that inside every man, there’s the feminine / And inside every lady, there’s a deep manly voice loud and clear / Well, a cowboy may brag about things that he’s donе with his women / But the ones who brag loudеst are the ones that are most likely queer”.
Orville Peck: The Masked Singer
Orville Peck (Daniel Pitout) is a South African country musician who is known for his distinctive fringed mask. He maintains a mysterious persona by concealing his face in public appearances.
According to Peck, his decision to wear the mask “helps eliminate pretence”. The singer addressed misconceptions in a 2019 interview with The Boot, clarifying, “I think another misconception is that I can be really candid and open because I’m somehow remaining anonymous, but it’s not really like that”.
“If anything, I think that my mask helps eliminate pretence, and this idea of having to go onstage and perform as someone or something I’m not”, he added.
Fabulous, it’s about time that there was a nice queer cowboy song and Willy giving it his support, LOVE it!
I couldn’t resist Orville’s “String Curtain smile” on his debut full length album “Pony” was too irresitable. Man has a beautiful deep voice, offering a very welcomed alternative to the very beautiful & pretty Pop Princes out there like Keiynan, Troye, Olly, Nakhane, Shamir, Cub Scout all great & were very welcomed into my music library. This new cover of “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other” is a gorgeous gentle singalong & will continue playing it. However I know it best & 1st, from I know it best via alt punk gay band Pansy Division (“Groovy Underwear” & “Expiration Date” are just 2 of their finests classics), from one of their 1990’s compilations called “Pile Up”. They were so underrated & unappreciated back then, with very basic but capable musicianship, it was half their charm. The other, were albums littered with frank & exxxxplicit tongue & cheek, lived experiences, often in a fun sense of humour, that started with their album covers. I am happy to say Orville has charmed himself into my heart & music library. I have no doubt his & Willie Nelson’s new duet of it, is not to be unheard. The video clip should be great too, his are always like little cinematic short stories. I would like to ask him, if like KISS will he one day reveal his handsome face, behind the bandannas & chandeliers? Probably is his most FAQ, I would imagine.