Country music star Darius Rucker was forced to cut short his performance in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Saturday night after unexpectedly losing his voice mid-show.
The 59-year-old singer, known both for his solo career and as frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish, stopped after a few songs at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and addressed the crowd.
“Y’all, I can’t sing anymore,” Rucker told fans in a video shared by Philly Burbs. “I’m going to play one more song. I promise you, we’re going to figure this out. You’re going to get your money back.”
Visibly emotional, Rucker added, “I just can’t sing. I’ve never done this before. I physically can’t sing, and I promise you on everything I stand for, I will make this up to you.”
He then performed one final number — his 2013 hit “Wagon Wheel” — with fans singing along before exiting the stage.
“I Feel Awful”
On Sunday, Rucker posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, apologizing again and confirming that full refunds would be issued.
“Thank you so much for coming out Saturday night. I feel awful and I’m so sorry — I’ve 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.”
He thanked fans for their kind messages and added, “Love y’all and see you soon!”
Ongoing Tour Unaffected
Saturday’s canceled concert was only the third stop on Rucker’s 45-date international tour, which launched on July 10 in Solomons, Maryland.
As of Wednesday, no changes have been announced for upcoming shows. Rucker is next scheduled to perform on July 19 at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Resort in Hollywood, Florida. The U.S. leg of the tour runs through September before heading to the U.K., Canada, and wrapping up on December 13 in Naples, Florida.
A Busy Year for Rucker
The incident comes during a high-profile year for the Grammy-winning artist. In October 2023, Rucker released his seventh solo studio album, “Carolyn’s Boy.” He also confirmed in June that he’s working on a new album, inspired in part by his recent move to London.
“I went to London to get just a different flavor,” Rucker told People. “I think my fans are going to be really, really excited.”
Following his 2023 Hollywood Walk of Fame induction, Rucker told Fox News Digital that he still feels driven to achieve more.
“I always feel like I haven’t done enough,” he said. “What really told me I’d made it was being invited to the Grand Ole Opry. That was when I felt, ‘This is really working.’”
Despite the setback in Atlantic City, Rucker remains committed to making it up to fans — and continuing a tour that celebrates decades of musical success.
