As Iconic Band Close Out Summer At Riverfront Revival, Drummer Looks to Future Endeavors

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Hootie & the Blowfish are one of the biggest bands to emerge out of the 1990's. Their 1994 album 'Cracked Rear View' is one of biggest debut albums of all time, spawning four Top 40 hits including time honored songs 'Let Her Cry', 'Hold My Hand', and 'Only Want To Be With You'. To date the album has sold over 20 million units. 

While the band's flame may have withered over the past 30 years, they continue to have a strong following, bringing contentment to fans on occasion with awesome summer tours, with 2024 being one of those fandom experiences. Earlier this summer Hootie set out on their Summer Camp With Trucks tour, partnering with fellow 90's superstars Collective Soul and Edwin McCain. 

According to longtime Hootie drummer Jim Sonefeld the tour and the camaraderie has been a blast. "It's been absolutely fabulous. Such a great line-up, with great synergy, and great for fans of all three bands." As the tour winds down, Hootie and Collective Soul will bring their shows to North Charleston. "It's only fitting that we end the tour at the Riverfront Revival, because honestly, this has been an incredible 90's revival." The festival takes place Oct 11th and 12th.

Sonefeld admits it's the tour has been somewhat comfortable this time around. "All total I think it's going to be 46 shows, and they've all been on the weekends. It's really along the lines of luxury touring. We've done Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. That allows us to see family and to rest up."

He draws the comparisons between 1994 and 2024. "Back when our album (Cracked Rear View) broke and we became an overnight success, we were all willing to work hard at it. In fact we had done that for five years leading up to our big breakthrough. When you're you young your body can take it. We would play dives, clubs, and then do four or five concerts a week."

 Sonefeld goes on to say. "People think touring is easy, but it can take a toll on you if you're hitting the stage night after night. I'm going to be 60 (Oct 20th) in a couple of weeks. I like the pace we're doing now."

Notwithstanding, the tour has drawn record crowds. "It's truly been awesome. We've been playing anywhere from 8K to 18K amphitheaters and arenas. We (Hootie) did this back in 2019 on the 25th anniversary of the album and got the same response. Now this year it's been 30 years and we're getting the same respect."

He admits there are several reasons Hootie couldn't tour on an annual basis. "For the most part there are three factors preventing us from touring year after year. First off, there has to be a need in the market. We hit big time in 1994 and had what I would call a very successful run in the 90's. At this point we're basically a nostalgia band." Secondly, "There has to be a driving desire from everyone in the band. We all have things we're involved in, and taking us in different directions."

The third reason is perhaps the most obvious. "Working around Darius' schedule is challenging. He continues to have a successful run in country music, and we couldn't be happier for him. For him to put his solo career on hold for any amount of time says something about his commitment to the legacy of Hootie & the Blowfish."

How does Sonefeld explain the bands attraction. "I think we're survivors. We've rolled with the changes, and haven't tried to re-invent ourselves. We give the fans exactly what they come out to see. We play our hits, an occasional new song, a few of the well known covers we've done for years, and add a few of Darius' favorites. All in all it's a great show, and a lot of fun."

The crowds this time out on tour vary. "It runs the gamut. We have the fans that always try to see us when we play through their town. We get younger people who've heard our songs on the radio and realize we're a really fun band."

He adds, "Then we have the bucket list fans, who never got a chance to see us back in the 90's and they go out of their way to make sure they see us." Even if they have to travel from far away. "I've heard of people coming from South America to see us this year. That sounds insane, but on the other hand it's really cool."

Sonefeld says three decades down the road, while the band's commitment to the fans and the songs remains the same when they tour, the overall agenda for each band member is different whether on the road or off.

"We're all different. Obviously there's a lot of attention on Darius (Rucker) due to his solo career. He's more in a bubble when we're out on tour. Everybody wants a piece of him. Dean (Felber) on the other hand has always been a little reserved, but he does have this new foundation called Dean's Dogs which helps local shelters rescue dogs and find homes for them as well." Check it out here https://deansdogs.org/

As for Mark Bryan. "Mark's in his own niche. He's the most active and animated on stage. He loves touring. He loves the band, and he loves playing our songs. He just loves playing live music overall. He's in an REM cover band, and plays with several bands in and around Charleston including Occasional Milkshake. In fact, Mark has a new CD out. Much of Mark's life revolves around music."

Sonefeld has his own passions on and off the road, with a lot of it surrounding his 2022 autobiography 'Swimming with the Blowfish: Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride', a story of redemption and his own path to spiritual awakening. "I do spend time in the crowd promoting the book. For me, writing it was a labor of love." He's been taking time on tour to meet fans and promote his book. 

He welcomes sharing his story and experiences of overcoming addictions and finding true purpose in his life which includes a relationship with Jesus Christ. "It's easy when I'm out on the road because I have an audience. When you're young you imagine it won't end. But the truth is, there's a lot of fragility in this business and being a touring band. Like many I got caught up in the stardom and let the addictions tear me away from everything that truly mattered."

His role nowadays is to bring his positive message of recovery to whoever will give him audience. "I do public speaking. I've been doing it since the book came out. However, this is the last year of me booking myself. I'm tired of being my own agent."

Taking it to the next level is his hope and prayer. "I'm partnering with a speaking bureau that will hopefully put me in front of bigger audiences. I can book myself at churches and recovery groups, and I don't charge them, but it's time to branch out to bring my inspirational story to colleges, companies, and organizations."

As if his todo list wasn't busy enough Sonefeld records his own faith based music, and often gets to share a song or two in concert, although more often he sings on the church circuit. "Happy to do it." Although he's more comfortable behind the drum kit, he's not afraid to take the mike. "I'd be the first to say I'm not the world's best singer. I do okay, but I'm just happy to get my message out through my songs. I have nothing but admiration for guys like Darius, and anyone who's a lead singer."

All that aside, he will be offering up a Christmas album this holiday season. "I've been writing a few new original Christmas songs about the birth of a savior." Adding, "A couple of the songs might be more light-hearted. Basically the EP will celebrate the same spirit of Christmas I experienced growing up as a kid, and with my family today."

Coming full circle Jim Sonefeld does all that he does i.e. touring, recording, and speaking for his family. "Every now and then I get to do a really cool thing like going out on the road with my brothers. I get to travel and write. And the best thing is I have the respect of my kids. I am so blessed. God is good." 

Fans of Sonefeld and his bandmates in Hootie & the Blowfish will be able to catch them live as they close out the two day Riverfront Revival on Saturday night. Their performance will bring an end to their extended Summer Camp and Trucks summer tour. "It's been a great ride. Really one of the best tours I've ever been on with Hootie. Who knows maybe five years from now we'll do it again." Long live rock n' roll.