Rucker recalls beer-payment gigs

Darius Rucker recalled that Hootie & The Blowfish's first 10 to 15 gigs were played strictly for beer, and that the band once stole a PA system from the University of South Carolina because it couldn't afford one.

Key points Rucker recalls beer-payment gigs
  1. Darius Rucker recalled that Hootie & The Blowfish's first 10 to 15 gigs were played strictly for beer, and that the band once stole a PA system from the University of South Carolina because it couldn't afford one.
  2. Rucker, a proud South Carolina graduate who has lived most of his life in the state, said he owes much of his success to the school and that his life would be 'absolutely different' without it.
  3. He also said any final Hootie & The Blowfish show would have to be at Williams-Brice Stadium in South Carolina.
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Whiskey Riff

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Mowry wins barrels opener

Reigning world champion Kassie Mowry and Force The Goodbye won the first round of the Boot Barn Pro Rodeo Barrels at the WPRA World Finals in Waco, Texas, with a 15.627-second run worth $2,315.

Key points Mowry wins barrels opener
  1. Reigning world champion Kassie Mowry and Force The Goodbye won the first round of the Boot Barn Pro Rodeo Barrels at the WPRA World Finals in Waco, Texas, with a 15.627-second run worth $2,315.
  2. Haiden Thompson of Yoder, Wyoming, is chasing a second world title, placing in breakaway, team roping and tie-down roping on the opening day.
  3. The finals continue through the weekend, with new world champions crowned Saturday at 5 p.m. in the roping arena.
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WPRA

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