Hey music fam! Are you ready to howl with excitement? Because there's a new supergroup in town, and they're here to shake things up! Meet Howl Owl Howl, featuring Darius Rucker from Hootie and the Blowfish, Mike Mills of R.E.M., and Steve Gorman from The Black Crowes. These rock legends have been crafting some magic together for over five years, and even though their album isn't completely done yet, they're hitting the road anyway!
Why tour without a full album? Because they don't need to follow any boring old rules. "We don’t care," Mills says on the latest episode of the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast. "We’re not doing this for money or for career revivals. We just love playing music, and that's enough." Talk about #goals!
Want to hear the whole crazy story? Tune in to their podcast interview with Brian Hiatt where they chat about their album, how the band formed, and soooo much more. Trust us, it's a must-listen!
So how did these icons come together? Steve Gorman spills the tea: It all started with a frantic text about a school gig gone wrong. Darius jumped in to help, suggesting that Mike Mills also join in, and the rest is history—or at least, the beginning of this awesome project.
Their band name, Howl Owl Howl, might sound quirky, but it’s got a story! Michael Stipe (yes, the Michael Stipe) suggested it, and while Gorman and Rucker weren’t fans at first, it grew on them like a catchy song you just can’t skip. Now, they're totally owning it!
Their debut single "My Cologne" is a cheeky nod to Ariana Grande's perfume named after R.E.M. Mills assures fans it's all in good fun. "It's supposed to be funny. I hope Ariana has a laugh when she hears it." Fingers crossed for a giggle from the pop queen!
And for all you R.E.M. hopefuls, sorry, but a reunion's off the table. Mills explains that they ended on a high note, and even a one-song gig at the Songwriters Hall of Fame wasn’t a complete reunion. It's just how this iconic group chose to say goodbye.
As for Hootie & the Blowfish fans, Rucker is keeping it real. Future tours aren't in his plan, although you'll catch them at Stagecoach this year. "The fans wanted it," he says. "But after this, we're taking a break."
So there you have it—Howl Owl Howl is here to reignite your love for rock and roll, and they’re doing it on their own terms. Get hyped for the tour and let loose with their new jam, "My Cologne!"