Darius Rucker Launches Supergroup Howl Owl Howl with R.E.M. & Black Crowes Members

September 25, 2025 rocknews

Hootie Frontman Teams with Mike Mills and Steve Gorman for Rock Revival—First Single October 31, US Tour November 2025

Darius Rucker, the Grammy-winning Hootie & the Blowfish frontman and country star, has formed a new rock supergroup Howl Owl Howl with R.E.M. co-founder Mike Mills (bass) and The Black Crowes co-founder Steve Gorman (drums). Announced today, September 25, 2025, the trio’s debut single “My Cologne” arrives October 31, 2025, blending roots rock with alternative flair. Their inaugural US tour kicks off November 3, 2025, in Indianapolis, with stops in Chicago, New York, and Atlanta. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10 AM local time—pre-save the single at howlowlhowl.com and get ready for a rock renaissance!

Howl Owl Howl: A Supergroup Born from Jam Sessions

Seeds planted in a 2019 Nashville benefit concert, Howl Owl Howl evolved from casual jams into a full band in 2021. Rucker (vocals), Mills, and Gorman fuse Hootie’s soulful hooks, R.E.M.’s alternative edge, and Black Crowes’ southern swagger. Rucker says, “It feels great singing with a rock band again—like buddies jamming with idols. The stuff we’re writing is so different from anything I’ve tried.” Mills adds, “You can’t explain band chemistry—we admire each other musically, and it’s fun.” Gorman teases, “No guarantees, but we’re plugging in to let it rip.” Sets will mix originals with R.E.M., Black Crowes, and Hootie classics.

My Cologne: Debut Single Drops Halloween

The debut single “My Cologne” releases October 31, 2025, a barrel-chested roots rock track showcasing Rucker’s rasp over Mills’ fluid bass and Gorman’s groove. Pre-save at howlowlhowl.com for instant access.

Howl Owl Howl 2025 Tour Dates

The nine-date US tour starts November 3, 2025:

Nov 3 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
Nov 4 – Chicago, IL @ Metro Chicago
Nov 6 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Nov 7 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony
Nov 8 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
Nov 11 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
Nov 12 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
Nov 14 – Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
Nov 15 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

Tickets on sale September 26, 10 AM local via howlowlhowl.com. Expect high demand—Rucker’s Wagon Wheel (8x Platinum) and Mills’ R.E.M. legacy ensure sell-outs. Photo Credit : Steven Cohen.