Pop Rock Band Says It's Still 'Raw' to Play 40 Years Later

On May 25, Hootie and the Blowfish opened the American Music Awards with their hits. The band formed in 1986 and the award show played flash backs to when they won the award as new artists. The band talked about what it feels like to play together 40 years later.

Hootie and the Blowfish Opens American Music Awards 2026

The band played "Hold My Hand," their debut single from Cracked Rear View on stage. They then played "Only Wanna Be with You." Mark Bryan said the performance was live. "We don't get to play it together a lot so whenever we do it's still raw and fun," the guitarist told Entertainment Tonight.

Darius Ruckeris being awarded this year with the Veteran's Voice Award to recognize how he uses his platform to help those who served. "It's amazing," the front man said. "When I heard I was going to get that I felt honored is the word. Ever since we started anything we've always made a point to go out and play as many USO and shows around the world at bases and stuff that we could."

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Chris Curtin, USAA Chief Marketing Officer gave a statement about picking Rucker, 60, this year. "Behind every name we honor on Memorial Day is a family, a story and a sacrifice that should never be forgotten," he said, according to NewsNation. "Darius Rucker has long stood beside the military community, not just in words but through action, and this recognition reflects the same spirit of remembrance, service and support that defines our mission."

Rucker is currently touring on his own this year. Hootie and the Blowfish have three more shows schedule this year, according to the band's website.

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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 9:03 PM.