A look back at Darius Rucker's series on Absolute Radio Country
One of the biggest stars in country music hosted his own radio show
Last updated 25th Mar 2025
Country star Darius Rucker hosted his very own series on Absolute Radio Country earlier this year! The series of shows started on Sunday 23rd February at 7pm, with the Grammy Award-winning singer presenting four two-hour shows sharing the country music tracks that mean the most to him - whilst also sharing his own incredible stories of life as a musician.
While staying in the UK, writing and recording for an upcoming project, it was the perfect time for country icon Darius Rucker to head into the Absolute Radio Country studios to bring you four incredible shows. Join us as we take a look back at some of his best moments...
As well as working in the UK, Darius also hosted the CMA Songwriters Series at the O2 in March, before he sets off on his UK arena tour this September/October - with support from Jake Owen and The Shires.
Darius said: 'I wanted to make the most of every minute that I'm spending here in the UK so when Absolute Radio County came calling and asked me to do these new shows I couldn't say no. Join me from 23rd February when I'll be sharing stories and songs I love from the music genre that I love - can't think of a better way to be spending my Sunday evenings...'
When was Darius Rucker on Absolute Radio Country?
Darius hosted four two-hour shows right here on Absolute Radio Country on Sunday 23rd February, Sunday 2nd March, Sunday 9th, and Sunday 16th, at 7pm.
Ricky Marshall, Head of Content for Absolute Radio Country said prior to the series: 'We're so happy that Darius has joined the Absolute Radio Country family for this special series of shows whilst he's here in the UK. He's a true country trailblazer and our audience have loved his music for years. To get the chance to hear the stories from his incredible career and have him handpick his favourite songs is something really special.'
Darius first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide.
Listen to Absolute Radio Country
WATCH: Darius Rucker chats with Tyler Hubbard
'Dancin' In The Country' star Tyler Hubbard popped in to chat to Darius - with the pair discussing travelling over to the UK to perform. Prompted for a memory or feeling from the first time he came to the UK to perform his music, Tyler told Darius: "It's surreal. You get on an airplane for 10 hours, and come over across the ocean and land and people know your songs - and that is really incredible".
"The power of music is really a gift", he continued, before adding: "It's really cool to see, and I'm reminded of that every time I travel internationally".
Check out the full clip below.
Darius discusses performing with Morgan Wallen
Before playing one of Morgan Wallen's most popular songs 'Love Somebody', Darius reflected on the moment he joined his buddy on stage, whilst Morgan was completing his incredible world tour, and breaking records in the process!
Darius Rucker's friendship with Taylor Swift
Having known Taylor Swift since she was just starting out, Darius discussed one of his career highlights performing with her.
Listen back to Darius Rucker's shows
You can listen back to Darius' shows here on Absolute Radio Country on the Rayo website, and Rayo app.
Since releasing his first Country album in 2008 - titled 'Learn to Live' - he has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart. With his second country album, 'Charleston, SC 1966', being RIAA Gold-certified, and his third country album 'True Believers' 2x Platinum, it comes as no surprise that he's also racked up 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits.
Inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012, it wasn't long before Darius won his third career Grammy Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of 'Wagon Wheel' - one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time.
It's a big year for Darius, with the country star set to embark on his UK arena tour from September 2025. With very special guests Jake Owen and The Shires, he'll be heading through Belfast, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London. Shows will run from Monday 29th September 2025 through to Sunday 5th October.
Check out these huge country tours and festivals coming to the UK this year:
Max Mcnown - December
24-year-old Max Mcnown has risen to fame in the last few years, following the release of his 2023 single 'A Lot More Free'. So much so, he's added additional dates to his December tour, due to unprecedented demand. Max is now set to perform on the 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th December, visiting Glasgow, Manchester and London.
Buy tickets here!
Drew Baldridge - December
Drew Baldridge will be going on tour in December, performing four gigs in the UK, in Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and London, starting on Friday 5th December.
Drew's song 'She's Somebody's Daughter' helped him make history. This debut song became the first self-released debut song to reach Number 1 in the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart.
Here You Come Again (musical) - 2026
If you can't catch the iconic Dolly Parton live in person - then why not treat yourself to the next best thing? That's right, for the first time ever, all of the legendary country singer's biggest and best hits were experienced in the new 'rollicking and joyous' musical comedy Here You Come Again! After an incredible run in 2024 and 2025 - which saw the show feature hits such as 'Jolene' and 'Islands In The Stream' - the musical is continuing into 2026.
Buy tickets here!
Nashville in Concert - February 2026
The stars of Nashville will be returning to the UK for a 2026 tour - two years after they were last on tour! Starting in Newcastle on 6th February, and travelling through Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, London, Cardiff and finally Bournemouth on 15th. 'The Encore Tour' will see stars Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio, performing songs from the hit TV show, along with some of their own original material.
Buy tickets here
Tyler Childers - March 2026
Tyler Childers, the singer behind the new album 'Snipe Hunter', has announced that he will be coming to the UK, as part of his 'On the Road Tour'. The newly announced shows will bring the acclaimed singer-songwriter to some huge venues, including Glasgow's OVO Hydro and Manchester's AO Arena in March 2026.
Kezia Gill - February 2026
Kezia Gill is set to head on her 'All On Red Tour' in February 2026, kicking off in Leeds on Tuesday 17th. She'll be joined by special guest Alyssa Bonagura as she visits Glasgow, Newcastle, Nottingham, Manchester, Norwich, London, Exeter and Portsmouth. She'll then conclude the tour in Bristol on Sunday 1st March.
Buy tickets here!
Jordan Davis - February/March 2026
In August 2025, Jordan announced he would be coming to the UK as part of his 'Ain't Enough Road Tour'. He will be performing across Europe, including Manchester, London, Glasgow and Birmingham.
C2C Country To Country - March 2026
Following another hugely successful year in 2025, C2C Country To Country will return in 2026, over the weekend of 13th-15th March, with headliners Zach Top, Keith Urban and Brooks & Dunn. Also performing will be Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson, Drake Milligan and more.
C2C will take place at London The O2, Glasgow OVO Hydro and Belfast SSE Arena.
Buy tickets here!
Tucker Wetmore - April 2026
Tucker Wetmore will be gracing the UK with FOUR tour dates in April 2026, performing in Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and London. The singer, best known for 'Wine Into Whiskey', 'Wind Up Missin' You' and '3, 2, 1', released his debut album 'What Not To' in April 2025 - which peaked at Number 4 on the US Country charts. He also performed at the incredible Country 2 Country Festival in March 2025, sharing the bill with the likes of Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley and Cody Johnson.
Highways Festival - May 2026
Highways Festival will return to the Royal Albert Hall in May 2026, with a huge line-up on the bill. Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce and Emmylou Harris will headline, joined by Corey Kent, Kaitlin Butts and more from 15th-17th May.
Buy tickets here from 28th November
Garth Brooks 2026 - June 2026
Performing in the UK for the first time in three decades, country star Garth Brooks will headline BST Hyde Park in the summer. Known for putting on huge productions, Garth will take to the iconic stage on 27th June 2026, supported by soulful country singer Ashley McBryde and Zac Brown Band.
Buy tickets here!
Zach Bryan - June 2026
Zach Bryan will bring 'With Heaven On Tour' on to UK for four dates next summer. From Friday 12th June, he'll begin the UK leg in Liverpool, before heading through Edinburgh and London, concluding on Wednesday 17th June. He'll be supported by Dijon and Fey Fili.
Buy tickets here from 5th December
StateFayre - June 2026
A brand new festival celebrating Americana, rock and barbecue will come to Chelmsford in the summer. Headlined by Kings of Leon, Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts and The Lumineers, the festival will also feature Max McNown, The Black Crowes, Kingfishr, Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton, Counting Crows, Amble, Dylan Gossett, Sierra Ferrell and more.
Buy tickets here from 28th November
Luke Combs - July/August 2026
Luke Combs will bring his 'My Kinda Saturday Night Tour' to the UK in the summer of 2026, visiting London and Edinburgh for a total of five dates between 24th July and 2nd August. He'll be joined by special guests Thomas Rhett, Ty Myers and The Castellows in Wembley, and The Teskey Brothers, Ty Myers and The Castellows in Edinburgh.
The Long Road Festival 2026 - August
August Bank Holiday 2026 will see the return of the three-day The Long Road Festival - celebrating the music, lifestyle and influences of Country! From Friday 28th - Sunday 30th August 2026, the festival returns to Stanford Hall estate in Leicestershire with a range of incredible artists across the five stages. The first headliner has been announced as Bailey Zimmerman, who will be taking to the stage on the Saturday night.
Buy tickets here!
Brothers Osborne - December 2026
Brothers Osborne will support The Darkness on their December 2026 UK tour, visiting seven arenas. From Tuesday 8th, they'll head to Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Brighton and London, concluding on 16th.
Buy tickets here from 28th November
Now read:
The Grand Ole Opry: A detailed look at the legendary Country show
Opry 100: Everything you need to know about The Grand Ole Opry's anniversary
Your ultimate guide to the Country To Country Festival 2025