About .38 Special

Loaded with talent, the southern rock band .38 Special still delivers a refined sound with a balance of precision vocals and rock solid instrumental arrangements that transcends their genre and pleases audiences with memorable songs. Neighborhood friends Don Barnes, guitar, and Donnie Van Zant (one of the famous three Van Zant brothers, whose older brother Ronnie co-founded Lynyrd Skynyrd, who younger brother Johnny currently sings for), on vocals and guitar, formed .38 Special in 1975 and recorded two albums, 38 Special in 1977 and Special Delivery in 1978, both sticking close to the southern rock roots. The band broke out, though, when they switched up their sound, crossing over to a more rock flavor for their third album, Rockin' into the Night in 1980, which ushered in a succession of hits, including the title track. With the release of Wild-Eyed Southern Boys in 1981, they zoomed up the charts and started packing stadiums, especially when the single 'Hold On Loosely' took the Number 1 spot on Billboard charts. The hits continued with the 1982 album Special Forces, featuring 'Caught Up in You' then Tour de Force in 1984, with 'If I'd Been the One' and 'Back Where You Belong.' Since then, .38 Special has released six more studio albums as well as several compilations, including their most recent, Drivetrain in 2004. With Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant still fronting the band, .38 Special has continued to adapt in order to remain a vibrant touring act, and .38 Special tickets are a chance to see a band that has taken a seat among the classic rock bands.