Casino.org has learnt that Darius Rucker's voice suddenly blew out during his July 12 performance at the Hard Rock & Casino in Atlantic City.

“Y’all, I can’t sing anymore,” he told his audience after only three songs. “I will play one more song. I promise you we’re going to figure this out. This never happened. I physically can’t sing!”

Before ending the evening, the 59-year-old Hootie and the Blowfish singer, who transitioned to country music with his debut solo album in 2008, played his biggest crossover hit, a 2013 cover of "Wagon Wheel," but needed audience support to sing.

 

Blowfish Blowout

Rucker announced the cancellation of the show on his Instagram account, saying, "I will make this up to you somehow!" despite his promise from the stage.

“I feel awful and I’m so sorry — I have never lost my voice in all my years of performing,” he wrote. “We looked at every option to reschedule, but unfortunately, it’s just not possible this year, so we’re issuing full refunds. The venue will send details to you directly.”

It was the third performance in Rucker's 45-date global tour.

Support from fans was polite.

“He was so terribly upset,” one commented. “The people chanting ‘it’s ok!’ And who sang for him during wagon wheel…I was there, it was an epic wholesome moment!”

Rucker's upcoming performances are set for July 19 in Hollywood, Florida, and Tampa the following evening.

Since releasing their comeback album "Imperfect Circle" in 2019, Hootie and the Blowfish have not gone on tour.

“I hope I’m still playing country music in 20 years,” Rucker told Rolling Stone last year. “That’d be cool. Hope I have my own theater in Branson or something, really doing it, having a great time. And every now and then, if Hootie feels like getting together every five, seven years, or something, and we can still do that.”