Darius Rucker famously left the Grammy-winning group, Hootie & the Blowfish, to launch his own career as a solo artist in country music. It was a gamble that paid off for the 44-year-old, earning him a CMA Award, two No. 1 albums and five top five singles. But the Charleston native says he will someday return to the group that started it all.

"Country music is my day job, I want to make country records," he tells The Boot. "I think Hootie & the Blowfish will always be a band. I'm sure there will be another record, another tour. It's going to happen."

But for the time being, there's another group that Darius would like to tour with. "In my perfect world, I'd probably go out with Lady Antebellum," he reveals. "I think a double-headlining bill with Lady A would be a lot of fun."

Asked if he can imagine what his life would be like if he hadn't made the jump to country music, he admits it's difficult. "I have no idea," he admits. "I don't know. I'd still be playing."

Already a star in his own right, Darius earned millions of new fans thanks to his gig as opening act for Brad Paisley on the H20 World Tour. The experience prompted Darius to consider taking his own show on the road. "Brad Paisley really spoiled me," he acknowledges. "I'd like to play some of my own shows in the next year and see what happens."

Darius is heading to New Orleans next week to perform at the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and will then hit the road January 20 for several shows in the United States and Canada, including stops in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. Find his tour schedule here.



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