Thank God for all he missed because watching Darius Rucker take the stage at the NIU Convocation Center, “it all made perfect sense.”

Thompson Square kicked off the concert Saturday with some “Rock N’ Roll” energy with their rendition of a Led Zeppelin classic. Thompson Square also performed their own chart-topping single, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not.”

Justin Moore, the second opener, paid tribute to some folks who have gone before him with performances of “Grandpa” and “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.”

The concert drew in fans from all over Illinois. Some were fans of Rucker’s from his Hootie and the Blowfish days, while some liked his new country style. Others just came out to have a good time with some old “high school chums.”

After graduating high school in Stockton, Ill, Sycamore resident Patti Brescia said she and her five girlfriends get together a couple times a year to catch up and have “slumber parties.”

“We’ve been getting together for just about 20 years now,” said Machesney Park resident Jan Schiro.

Brescia said she goes to most of the concerts at the Convocation Center, and when she heard Rucker was performing, she suggested to her friends that they should go.

For other fans, this wasn’t the first time they had seen Rucker in concert.

Abby Frideres, of the Quad Cities, said this was her second time seeing Rucker.

“He was pretty awesome,” Frideres said. “He has a great personality on stage.”

When Rucker came out on stage, the audience roared with applause as he belted out his country crowd-pleaser, “This.” Although Rucker has been in the country music scene since 2008, he wasn’t donning the typical plaid shirt and cowboy hat attire. He wore a black Jamaica T-shirt and a baseball hat.

Rucker gave homage throughout the night to everyone who came out to see him, especially his newer country music fans.

“With the way the world is and the way the economy is, thanks for paying your hard-earned money to come out,” Rucker said. “To all you country music fans, thanks for letting me into your world.”

Rucker performed a variety of songs from his first and second albums, from Hootie and the Blowfish and to a few surprise renditions. Rucker, who was previously on tour with fellow country artist Brad Paisley, got his “Brad Paisley fix” midway through his performance by singing “Ticks.” Rucker ended the show with his encore performance of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Rucker signed his hat and threw it into the crowd.

After the show, Freeport resident Nadine Cassidy said although she is not a necessarily a country music fan, she enjoyed Rucker’s version of other artists’ favorites.

“It was something unexpected,” Cassidy said.

Batavia resident Amy Howat said she loved Rucker’s performance.

“I’m glad he’s back,” Howat said.