Darius Rucker Announces First Solo Headlining Tour

He's had plenty of experience as the headlining act during his tenure as frontman for his band Hootie & the Blowfish, but now Darius Rucker is getting ready to embark on his own tour as a country music star. The South Carolina native will finish his role as opening act for several shows on Brad Paisley's H2O II world tour, and then hit the road for his first trek as a headlining solo artist.

"I haven't headlined a tour since Hootie, so to say I'm excited is an understatement," Darius notes. "It has been such an incredible experience to tour with [Brad] Paisley and Rascal Flatts, and I've learned a lot being on the road with them. With this tour, I'm just excited to perform again for our fans, and I'm thrilled to have Rodney [Atkins], Frankie [Ballard], Justin [Moore], and Thompson Square joining us."

The 45-year-old will undoubtedly perform songs from his No. 1 album, 'Charleston, SC 1966,' which he admits was a daunting task to complete. "I took the same approach as I did with the first one: Don't try to force it, just write, write, and write until you have the songs you like, until you are happy," he tells The Boot. "I felt pressure, but it wasn't like I could do anything else than what I already do."

Darius's own tour will kick off on October 6 in Glens Falls, N.Y. Rodney and Frankie will be the opening acts for all dates except for the South Carolina show, where Thompson Square and Justin Moore will take over the duties. More dates will be announced in the near future, but see his schedule for the beginning of the tour below.

Darius Rucker Tour Dates

October 6, Glens Falls, N.Y.

October 7, Indiana, Pa.

October 8, Syracuse, N.Y.

October 20, Charlotte, N.C.

October 21, Raleigh, N.C.

October 22, Cincinnati, Ohio

October 23, Pikeville, Ky.

November 12, North Charleston, S.C.