Heartbreak for Willie Nelson as his longtime drummer and best friend Paul English dies at 87

Willie Nelson’s drummer and life-long friend Paul English has died at 87.

The musician, who inspired Nelson’s autobiographical road song Me & Paul, passed away at a Dallas hospital near his home on Tuesday surrounded by family, according to Nelson’s daughter Amy. 

English had recently suffered a bout of pneumonia.  

Willie Nelson’s drummer and life-long friend Paul English has died at 87

Nelson, 86, will perform as planned Wednesday night in Melbourne, Florida, according to his publicist.

Last month, Green Day drummer Tre Cool stepped in to perform with the country legend during a show at the Fillmore in San Francisco after English fell ill.

Nelson and English knew each other for more than 65 years. English first drummed for the singer on a radio show in 1955 and became his regular drummer in 1966. 

Nelson regularly referred to English as his ‘best friend’ ad even named one of his daughters, Paula, after him. 

Nelson’s daughter Amy told Austin360:  ‘He always had our backs. He was like the co-patriarch of our family. Nobody can fill Paul’s shoes, ever.’ 

Lifelong pals: Nelson regularly referred to English as his ‘best friend’ ad even named one of his daughters, Paula, after him. They are seen here together on stage in 2016