Darius Rucker, Mike Mills, and Steve Gorman Launch Supergroup Howl Owl Howl

Darius Rucker, the frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish, has teamed up with Mike Mills, bassist of R.E.M., and Steve Gorman, co-founder and former drummer of The Black Crowes, to form a new rock supergroup named Howl Owl Howl. The band emerged from a series of informal jam sessions that began in 2021, following a friendship that dates back to a benefit concert in Nashville in 2019. Their debut single, “My Cologne,” is set to be released on October 31, 2025, and they will kick off their inaugural tour on November 3 at The Vogue in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Darius Rucker, Mike Mills & Steve Gorman Announce New Band Howl Owl Howl & 1st Tour DatesDarius Rucker launches rock supergroup with former R.E.M. & The Black Crowes membersHootie & The Blowfish’s Darius Rucker, R.E.M.’s Mike Mills And The Black Crowes’ Steve Gorman Take Rock Supergroup – Howl Owl Howl – On The Road In NovemberDarius Rucker, Mike Mills and Steve Gorman Form New Supergroup, Announce Inaugural Tour and Forthcoming Debut SingleRolling StoneDarius Rucker Forms Rock Supergroup, Howl Owl Howl, With Members Of R.E.M. And The Black CrowesDarius Rucker, R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, and The Black Crowes’ Steve Gorman Form New Supergroup Howl Owl Howl

Howl Owl Howl's tour will feature nine dates across the Eastern United States and Midwest, including stops in Chicago, Washington D.C., Asbury Park, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Athens, and Atlanta. The tour will showcase a mix of original songs and covers from Rucker's, Mills', and Gorman's previous bands. Tickets for the tour will go on sale on September 26, 2025.

Darius Rucker, R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, and The Black Crowes’ Steve Gorman Form New Supergroup Howl Owl HowlDarius Rucker, Mike Mills & Steve Gorman Announce New Band Howl Owl Howl & 1st Tour DatesDarius Rucker, Mike Mills and Steve Gorman Form New Supergroup, Announce Inaugural Tour and Forthcoming Debut SingleHootie & The Blowfish’s Darius Rucker, R.E.M.’s Mike Mills And The Black Crowes’ Steve Gorman Take Rock Supergroup – Howl Owl Howl – On The Road In NovemberDarius Rucker launches rock supergroup with former R.E.M. & The Black Crowes membersRolling StoneDarius Rucker Forms Rock Supergroup, Howl Owl Howl, With Members Of R.E.M. And The Black Crowes

The trio describes their sound as a fusion of organic roots rock with an alternative flair, characterized by Rucker's distinctive vocal style and the rhythmic foundation provided by Mills and Gorman. Rucker expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with Mills and Gorman, stating, “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.” Mills echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the chemistry among the band members: “You never can explain band chemistry. We all like each other. And we all admire each other musically.”

Rolling Stone

In a press release, Gorman noted the organic nature of their collaboration, saying, “The concept from day one was, ‘Let’s just write a bunch of songs together and see what we think.’” He added that the process was free-flowing and without a grand design, which ultimately led to the realization that they had created something special. Rucker also highlighted the uniqueness of their new material, stating, “The stuff we’re writing is so different than anything I’ve tried to do before.”

Darius Rucker Forms Rock Supergroup, Howl Owl Howl, With Members Of R.E.M. And The Black Crowes

While the formation of Howl Owl Howl has been met with excitement, some critics may question the necessity of another supergroup in a saturated music market. However, the members have expressed a genuine passion for their collaboration, which they believe sets them apart.

Darius Rucker launches rock supergroup with former R.E.M. & The Black Crowes members

Following the release of “My Cologne,” Howl Owl Howl will continue to develop their sound and perform live, allowing fans to experience their new music firsthand. The tour marks a significant moment for the members as they reconnect with their rock roots and share their creative journey with audiences.

Darius Rucker launches rock supergroup with former R.E.M. & The Black Crowes members