A new musical supergroup named Howl Owl Howl has formed, bringing together three prominent figures from 1990s rock music. The band features Darius Rucker, the lead singer of Hootie & The Blowfish, Mike Mills, bassist and vocalist from R.E.M., and Steve Gorman, drummer for The Black Crowes. This collaboration marks a significant event for fans of these iconic bands, as the trio prepares to release their first song and embark on a fall tour.
Key Takeaways
- Howl Owl Howl is a new supergroup with members from Hootie & The Blowfish, R.E.M., and The Black Crowes.
- Their debut song, "My Cologne," will be released on October 31.
- The band has announced a series of fall tour dates across the United States.
- Live performances will include new material and hits from each member's original bands.
Formation and Collaboration
The members of Howl Owl Howl have maintained friendships for many years. According to reports from Billboard, their musical partnership began informally some years ago. This casual collaboration has now developed into an official project. The group's decision to formalize their musical efforts will lead to new recordings and live performances.
Darius Rucker expressed his enthusiasm about the new venture. He stated, "It feels great to be singing with a rock band again. It’s like buddies getting together, but also getting to play with your idols." Rucker also highlighted the unique nature of their new music, noting, "The stuff we’re writing is so different than anything I’ve tried to do before." This indicates a fresh direction for the artists involved.
Quick Fact
The three musicians have known each other for decades before forming Howl Owl Howl, demonstrating a long-standing personal and professional connection.
Debut Single and Upcoming Tour
Howl Owl Howl will release their first song, titled "My Cologne," on October 31. This debut single will introduce their collective sound to the public. The release is highly anticipated by fans of the individual artists and their previous bands.
Following the single's release, the band will embark on a series of fall tour dates. These performances will feature new songs composed by Howl Owl Howl. Additionally, audiences can expect to hear two hit songs from each of the members' original groups: Hootie & The Blowfish, R.E.M., and The Black Crowes. This blend of new and classic material aims to appeal to a broad audience.
Tour Dates Announced
The tour schedule includes stops in major cities across the United States. The initial dates are:
- November 3: Indianapolis, IN at The Vogue
- November 4: Chicago, IL at Metro Chicago
- November 6: Washington, D.C. at 9:30 Club
- November 7: Asbury Park, NJ at Stone Pony
- November 8: Boston, MA at Paradise Rock Club – Music Hall
- November 11: New York, NY at Webster Hall
- November 12: Philadelphia, PA at Union Transfer
- November 14: Athens, GA at Georgia Theatre
- November 15: Atlanta, GA at Variety Playhouse
These dates span the first two weeks of November, covering the Midwest, East Coast, and Southern regions of the country. The tour provides an opportunity for fans to experience the new band live.
The Members' Musical Backgrounds
Each member of Howl Owl Howl brings a rich musical history to the new group. Their careers span several decades and include numerous hit songs and critical acclaim.
Darius Rucker's Career
Darius Rucker is widely recognized as the lead singer of Hootie & The Blowfish. The band achieved significant success in the 1990s with songs such as "Only Wanna Be With You" and "I Cry." Beyond his work with Hootie & The Blowfish, Rucker has also established a successful solo career in country music. His country hits include "Wagon Wheel" and "Alright," showcasing his versatility across genres.
"It's like buddies getting together, but also getting to play with your idols."
— Darius Rucker on forming Howl Owl Howl
Mike Mills and R.E.M.
Mike Mills served as the bassist and vocalist for the influential alternative rock band R.E.M. The band officially disbanded in 2011. However, Mills reunited with bandmates Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, and Bill Berry in 2024 when they were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. R.E.M. is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their extensive catalog features many well-known songs from the 1980s and 1990s, including "Losing My Religion," "Everybody Hurts," "Shiny Happy People," "Man on the Moon," "It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)," and "At My Most Beautiful."
R.E.M. Legacy
R.E.M. was formed in 1980 and became one of the most important alternative rock bands of their era. Their music often featured cryptic lyrics, jangling guitar riffs, and a distinctive sound that influenced many other artists.
Steve Gorman and The Black Crowes
Steve Gorman was the drummer for The Black Crowes, a rock band known for its blues-rock sound. The Black Crowes, featuring brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, had more than a dozen top 10 rock hits during the 1990s. Notable songs include "Hard to Handle," "Jealous Again," "She Talks to Angels," "Blackberry," "Only a Fool," "Twice as Hard," and "Remedy." More recently, Chris Robinson performed with Aerosmith guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford as The Joe Perry Project, indicating the continued activity of the Black Crowes members in other projects.
The formation of Howl Owl Howl highlights the enduring connections and creative drive among these experienced musicians. Their combined expertise promises a unique sound that draws from their rock and country backgrounds.
Anticipation for New Music
The announcement of Howl Owl Howl has generated considerable interest among music fans and industry observers. The combination of Rucker's distinctive vocals, Mills's melodic basslines, and Gorman's powerful drumming suggests a dynamic new sound. Fans are eager to hear how the different styles of these musicians will blend into a cohesive new identity.
The band's plan to perform both new material and classic hits on their tour offers a comprehensive experience. This approach allows them to introduce their new work while also honoring the legacies of their original bands. The tour is expected to attract diverse audiences, including long-time fans of Hootie & The Blowfish, R.E.M., and The Black Crowes, as well as those curious about this new collaboration.
The release of "My Cologne" on October 31 will serve as the first official taste of Howl Owl Howl's music. This single will set the tone for their upcoming album and future projects. The group's formation represents a notable development in the rock music landscape, bringing together acclaimed artists for a fresh creative endeavor.
