Darius Rucker Kicks Off The European Leg Of His True Believers Tour

Nashville, Tennessee – November 15, 2014 – Country music star Darius Rucker kicked off the European leg of his True Believers tour this past Sunday in Amsterdam. While other artists touring Europe mainly visit the UK and Germany the former Hootie and the Blowfish singer turned Grand Ole Opry member opted to also include the Dutch capitol. Much to the delight of local fans that packed The Melkweg to its capacity.

Opening the show was singer/songwriter Patrick Davis, who wrote “Be Wary of a Woman” on Darius Rucker’s debut album and just released his “Red, White and Blue Jeans” Album. The title song instantly captured the attention of the audience. He followed up with “Something Bout A Boat”, a song recorded by Jimmy Buffet, of which you can see a video below. Other songs performed were amongst others “Numbers” and “Where I’m From” which were both recorded by Jason Michael Carroll.

The Carolina Grey Boys, Darius’ band, took the stage after Patrick left and when playing the first notes to “Radio” the crowd’s enthusiasm kicked up a notch. Darius walked out in his signature jeans, t-shirt and ballcap, to take his place behind the microphone and thanked the fans for spending their hard earned money to come see him.

The last time I was here I was celebrating my thirtieth birthday! It’s so great to be back!

Playing a mix of hits from all three of his albums the South Carolina native followed with “Hearthbreak Road” from his True Believers album, “This” from his Charleston, SC 1966 album and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It”, of which you can see a video below, from his Learn to Live album.

When watching Darius on stage it was obvious to see that he and the whole band were having so much fun! He would turn to look at them and smile, then would come back to the microphone to thank the audience for coming once again.

I know I’m saying my thank you’s early but we’re just so excited to be here! Ever since I was 4 years old all I wanted to do is sing for people. Thank you guys for allowing me to do that. Thank you!

“While I Still Got The Time”, “All I Want” and “Southern State of Mind” were up next. Followed by his current single “Homegrown Honey” (of which you can also see a video below). By now every single person in the venue was dancing, singing and clapping along to his every word. The party was truly complete when playing Hank Williams Jr.’s “Family Tradition” with band members and darius having shots a few shots on stage. In a change of pace Darius played the grammy award winning Hootie and the Blowfish song “Let Her Cry”. The amount of emotion thrown into that song gave me chills. Have a look at the video below and you’ll see what I’m talking about. For me, this turned out to be one of the highlights of the show.

Other Hootie and the Blowfish hits performed were “Hold My Hand” to which he got everyone singing backing vocals and probably the most know Hootie song out here in Europe “Only Wanna Be With You”.

While playing “East Bound And Down”, a Jerry Reed song, Darius made sure to introduce all the members of his fabulous band. How great to get a big artist like Darius to play a small venue like this. And for him to bring a full band that included a steel guitar, banjo and violin! Amazing! The last three songs on the setlist were “True Believers”, the Bob Dylan cover “Wagon Wheel” and “Champagne Supernova”, a cover of the British rock band Oasis. Darius once again thanked everyone for coming. He signed his hat and threw it out into the crowd before walking off stage. What a night!

Surprisingly when walking out of the venue still buzzing people found that the merchandise stand only sold three types of t-shirts. Nothing else, not even CD’s. Many people had planned on buying some music as it’s quite hard to come by over here unless you have it shipped out. I myself had planned on bringing the Christmas album home but left the show disappointed in that regard. The disappointment didn’t last long though ‘cause when walking out of the venue we were greeted by every single band member. Every one of them came out to talk to the fans and take pictures with them. It was great to see that the Dutch audience gives these amazing musicians the attention they deserve. After changing his shirt even Darius made his way outside to meet the fans, sign what ever they put in front of him and take as many pictures as they wanted. What artist still does that?! It sure made for some very happy fans that will be lining up to see him whenever he decides to come back. We just hope we don’t have to wait another 18 years!