Hootie & the Blowfish marked a significant milestone in their return to the stage with their first full tour in five years, the Summer Camp with Trucks Tour. The Nashville stop at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday, July 27, was particularly noteworthy as the band was honored with the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) prestigious Double Diamond trophies, recognizing their debut album, Cracked Rear View, which is now among the top 10 best-selling albums in music history.
Prior to their performance, band members Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, and Jim “Soni” Sonefeld were presented with a plaque commemorating the album’s 22x Platinum certification during their appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America. The presentation was made by Morna Willens, the RIAA’s Chief Policy Officer.
The evening’s concert lived up to the hype, with Forbes praising the performance as a “high energy celebration of a band whose music has remained timeless.” The review highlighted Rucker’s rich, evolving voice and the exceptional musicianship of the band, noting that the energy on stage was palpable with Bryan’s dynamic guitar work, Sonefeld’s enthusiastic drumming, and Felber’s standout bass performance.
The Tennessean also lauded the band’s live show, commenting that the setlist could have easily been a front-to-back rendition of Cracked Rear View, but Hootie & the Blowfish chose to showcase a broader range of their music. The review noted that the band, having embraced a variety of musical styles including influences from Rucker’s country success, now enjoys a greater freedom in their performances.
The Summer Camp with Trucks Tour continues through the fall with special guests Collective Soul and Edwin McCain. The tour will visit various arenas, amphitheaters, and select stadiums, including a special homecoming show at Columbia, S.C.’s Colonial Life Arena. Additionally, Hootie & the Blowfish will headline Rucker’s Riverfront Revival Music Festival in Charleston, S.C. this October.
