Concerts Reviews

Darius Rucker Ends His Canadian Run on a High Note at the Canadian Tire Centre

Published

2 weeks ago

October 28, 2025

Darius Rucker knows how to make a hockey arena feel like a front porch. The country star and former Hootie & the Blowfish frontman wrapped up the Canadian leg of his Darius Rucker Live tour at Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre on October 26, with an easy confidence and a voice that’s aged like top-shelf bourbon.

Before Rucker took the stage, the crowd got warmed up by two rising stars. Alabama’s Kashus Culpepper opened the night with his blues-soaked vocals and laid-back charm, pulling fans in early with songs that leaned heavy on heart and grit. Then came Tyler Braden, who’s quickly earning his own spotlight in Nashville. Braden’s powerhouse vocals and high-energy stage presence got boots stomping and beers raised.

When Rucker finally walked out under soft amber lights, dressed simply in jeans and a ball cap, the arena roared. He opened with “Forever Road,” and right away, it was clear his voice hasn’t lost an ounce of its warmth. “For the First Time” and “This” followed, setting a tone that balanced country radio polish with Rucker’s soulful delivery.

Rucker’s setlist was a smart mix of solo hits, a few Hootie throwbacks, and some well-chosen covers that showed his range. “It Won’t Be Like This for Long” quieted the arena into a gentle sway, and “Only Wanna Be With You,” reimagined with a country twang, turned into a singalong. Watching fans in cowboy hats and Hootie t-shirts belt out the same song was a moment that summed up Rucker’s career: crossover appeal done right.

One of the night’s biggest reactions came during “Beers and Sunshine,” his No. 1 hit from Carolyn’s Boy. The crowd lifted their cups, sang every word, and you could feel the weight of the tour (eight Canadian dates in less than two weeks) melt into pure joy. Between songs, Rucker chatted easily with fans, joking about the cold Canadian fall and thanking the audience for sticking with him “through the Hootie days, the country days, and everything in between.”

His band deserves plenty of credit too. They moved seamlessly from heartfelt country ballads to rock-leaning tracks like “Homegrown Honey” and “Radio.” Their take on Hank Williams Jr.’s “Family Tradition” hit just right. Rucker may have roots in rock, but his heart beats firmly in country rhythm now.

Midway through the show, Rucker took things down a notch with “If I Told You,” one of his most emotional performances of the night. His delivery was raw and personal, the kind of moment that reminds you why his crossover worked in the first place. Country music fits him because he’s always sung from the gut.

He closed the main set with crowd favourites “Hold My Hand” and “Alright,” both delivered with a grin and that classic Rucker ease. When he left the stage, the cheers for an encore were immediate.

He returned with a little surprise: a soulful cover of “Valerie,” followed by “Tracks,” then a playful and funky rendition of “No Diggity” that had everyone laughing and dancing. It’s the kind of curveball that only Rucker could pull off mid-country set. Finally, he gave the crowd what they’d been waiting for: “Wagon Wheel.” From the first strum, the arena turned into one giant choir, and Rucker stood back smiling, letting the song take on a life of its own.

After the last chord rang out, Rucker raised his hand and thanked the fans one more time, promising he’d be back soon.

Darius Rucker may have started in the college rock bars of South Carolina, but on this final night in Ottawa, he proved that his country chapter is still wide open and that he’s right where he belongs.

Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!