Friday night at Place Bell felt like a celebration of good music, good vibes, and Southern soul as Darius Rucker brought his Darius Rucker Live tour to Laval. The crowd was buzzing with anticipation long before Rucker hit the stage — and the energy never let up through his 23-song set.
The evening kicked off with two incredible opening acts who set the tone perfectly. Kashus Culpepper, from Alabama, warmed up the crowd with his soulful voice and heartfelt delivery — every note seemed to come straight from the heart. Tyler Braden, a Tennessee native, followed with a powerful set that blended country grit and rock energy. Both artists’ vocals shone brightly, and their performances were nothing short of beautiful.
Then came the moment I’d been waiting for. As a lifelong Hootie & the Blowfish fan from the ’90s, finally seeing Darius Rucker live was a thrill — and he did not disappoint. Opening with a great rendition of Forever Road, Rucker immediately had the audience on their feet. His warm, soulful tone filled the arena, and the connection between artist and fans was instant.
The setlist was a perfect mix of his solo hits and nostalgic throwbacks. The crowd erupted for the three Hootie classics — Only Wanna Be With You, Let Her Cry, and Hold My Hand — with massive singalongs, dancing, and pure joy radiating through the venue.
Before launching into Better Place, Rucker paused to share a personal moment, declaring with a grin, “Therapy is fucking awesome.” The honesty and humour drew cheers and laughter from the audience, reminding everyone just how genuine he is on and off stage.
A special highlight came when he invited Braden and Culpepper back out to join him on a rousing cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s Family Tradition. The camaraderie on stage was infectious — three voices blending seamlessly, clearly having as much fun as the crowd.
Songs like Homegrown Honey and Southern State of Mind were beautifully performed and stood out as some of the night’s most heartfelt moments, alongside the beloved Hootie hits.
Just when it seemed the night couldn’t get any better, Rucker returned for an epic encore, turning Place Bell into a full-blown party. He tore through No Diggity before closing with his signature anthem Wagon Wheel, sending everyone home singing and smiling.
From start to finish, Darius Rucker delivered a show full of warmth, talent, and joy — a perfect mix of nostalgia and new energy. For fans old and new, it was a night to remember in Laval.
Review & photos – Eric Brisson
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