HOOTIE’S HOOT GOES MUTE: Darius Rucker Abruptly Ends Atlantic City Casino Show

Darius Rucker abruptly ended his July 12 show at the Hard Rock & Casino in Atlantic City, Casino.org has learned, when his voice unexpectedly blew out.

“Y’all, I can’t sing anymore,” he told his audience after only three songs. “I will play one more song. I promise you we’re going to figure this out. This never happened. I physically can’t sing!”

The 59-year-old Hootie and the Blowfish singer — who went country with his first solo album in 2008 — then sang his biggest crossover hit, his 2013 cover of “Wagon Wheel,” but required assistance from the audience to sing before calling it a night.

Blowfish Blowout

Despite promising “I will make this up to you somehow!” from the stage, Rucker had to cancel the show instead of reschedule it, breaking the news to his on his Instagram account.

“I feel awful and I’m so sorry — I have never lost my voice in all my years of performing,” he wrote. “We looked at every option to reschedule, but unfortunately, it’s just not possible this year, so we’re issuing full refunds. The venue will send details to you directly.”

It was the third show in a 45-date international tour for Rucker

Fans were graciously supportive.

“He was so terribly upset,” one commented. “The people chanting ‘it’s ok!’ And who sang for him during wagon wheel…I was there, it was an epic wholesome moment!”

Rucker’s next show is scheduled for July 19 in Hollywood, Fla., followed by another the following night in Tampa.

Hootie and the Blowfish hasn’t toured since 2019, since the rock band released its comeback album “Imperfect Circle.”

“I hope I’m still playing country music in 20 years,” Rucker told Rolling Stone last year. “That’d be cool. Hope I have my own theater in Branson or something, really doing it, having a great time. And every now and then, if Hootie feels like getting together every five, seven years, or something, and we can still do that.”