Rucker, 41, has undergone three surgeries to clear the infection and is still trying to rehabilitate the knee, according to the band. The tour will now start August 10 on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

“It is with great disappointment we have to announce additional changes in our touring plans for 2007,” a posting on this band’s web site read.

“[Rucker’s] post-operative rehabilitation has been prolonged in order to allow full recovery and will prevent him from continuing with the tour as planned. “

The group also announced that the following concerts have been canceled rather than postponed: Suncadia Resort, Roslyn, Wash.; Britt Pavilion, Jacksonville, Ore.; Ventura County Fair, Ventura, Calif; Stanisluas County Fair, Turlock, Calif.

Hootie will honor their July 20 performance on CBS’s “The Early Show,” which will be broadcast from the band’s hometown of Charleston, S.C.