Darius Rucker, the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish, has broken his silence regarding his recent drug-related arrest that occurred in Tennessee. It has been nearly four months since the incident, and the Grammy-winning artist is now reflecting on the event and its connection to his past.
Speaking candidly with Craig Melvin on the Today show on May 28, Rucker addressed the arrest that took place on February 19, 2023. He shared that the situation was tied to an incident from over a year ago, and he reassured fans that he is actively working with his legal team to handle the matter.
According to Rucker, the incident unfolded when he was driving to a friend’s house to help with their move. “They asked me to take some stuff for them,” he recalled. “I did and got pulled over. And the crazy thing was, they let me go.” However, he was later informed that there was a warrant out for his arrest. “A year later, I get a phone call saying there was a warrant for my arrest,” he continued, adding that he had never been inside a jail cell before this event at the age of 58.
The charges against Rucker included two counts of simple possession or casual exchange, as well as a violation of registration law, confirmed by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. Rucker explained that he agreed to hold onto the substance for his friends because they couldn’t fly with it, but he never expected the legal ramifications that followed.
This arrest comes at a time when Rucker has been open about his past struggles with substance abuse. In his forthcoming memoir Life’s Too Short, Rucker reveals the extent of his past issues with drugs, including mushrooms, ecstasy, and cocaine. He credits his ex-wife Beth Leonard for helping him turn his life around. “When I quit, I quit,” Rucker said. “One day, I was just told that I had to quit, so I walked away from it. And it was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Leonard, he believes, saved his life by encouraging him to quit using substances.
In the Today interview, Rucker also reflected on the bond he shares with his bandmates from Hootie & the Blowfish—Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, and Jim Sonefeld. “We sit around and talk,” he said, expressing gratitude for the continued success of the band and the fact that they are all still alive and well. “We’re happy all four of us are still together and can do this because one of us could not be here real easy.”
Darius Rucker’s response to the arrest and his candid reflections on his past serve as a reminder of his journey and the lessons he’s learned over the years. As he continues to navigate this legal matter, his openness about his struggles shows his commitment to both his personal growth and the well-being of his family.