38 Special, often stylized as .38 Special or spelled out as Thirty-eight Special, is an American rock band formed by singer-guitarists Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1974.
They are known for their hit songs, including “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up in You”, among various other Top 40 hits on the US Billboard Hot 100 during the 1980s and early 1990s, including “Rockin’ into the Night”, “You Keep Runnin’ Away”, “If I’d Been the One”, “Back Where You Belong”, “Teacher, Teacher”, “Like No Other Night”, “Second Chance” and “The Sound of Your Voice”.
In 2007 .38 Special was the opening act on Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr.’s Rowdy Frynds Tour. Also, on September 27, 2008, they filmed a CMT Crossroads special with country singer Trace Adkins, performing both artists’ hits from over the years.
In 2009 .38 Special opened for REO Speedwagon and Styx as part of the “Can’t Stop Rockin’ Tour”.
Van Zant missed a handful of shows in 2011, and in 2012 a notice was posted on 38 Special’s website saying Donnie Van Zant would not tour with the band due to health issues related to inner-ear nerve damage, although he would continue to write and record with the band. In 2013, after nearly a year of missing performances, Van Zant officially left 38 Special after 39 years and retired from music.
In 2012 original bassist Ken Lyons died at age 59.
In 2014 longtime bassist Larry Junstrom was replaced by Barry Dunaway (a veteran of many classic rock groups, including Pat Travers Band, Yngwie Malmsteen and Survivor). Dunaway had previously filled in for Junstrom for a handful of shows in 2011, and a few shows in 2013 as well. Junstrom was then forced to retire due to a hand injury that required surgery.
Since 2019, the band’s lineup has consisted of Don Barnes, keyboardist/vocalist Bobby Capps, drummer Gary Moffatt, Dunaway, and guitarist Jerry Riggs. This leaves Don Barnes as the only original member, although Barnes was absent from the band from 1987 until 1992.
Don Barnes – lead and backing vocals, lead and rhythm guitar, harmonica, mandolin, keyboards (1974–1987, 1992–present)
Bobby Capps – keyboards, backing and lead vocals (touring member 1987–1992; 1992–present)
Gary “Madman” Moffatt – drums, percussion (1996–present)
Barry Dunaway – bass, backing vocals (2014–present; touring substitute 2011, 2013)
Jerry Riggs – lead guitar, backing vocals (2019–present)
Donnie Van Zant – lead and backing vocals, guitar (1974–2013)
Jeff Carlisi – lead guitar (1974–1997)
Jack Grondin – drums, percussion (1974–1991)
Steve Brookins – drums, percussion (1974–1987)
Ken Lyons – bass (1974–1977; died 2012)[10]
Larry Junstrom – bass, occasional guitar (1977–2014; died 2019)
Steve McRay – keyboards, harmonica, backing vocals (1986–1987)
Max Carl – lead and backing vocals, keyboards, guitar (1987–1992)
Danny Chauncey – lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards (1987–2019)
Scott Meeder – drums, percussion (1991–1992)
Scott Hoffman – drums, percussion (1992–1997)
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