38 Special

Hold on loosely, but don’t let go. 38 Special took Southern rock to the top of the charts with two drummers, big guitars and hooks you can’t shake, and they’re still out there bringing it every night. Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio wouldn’t be the same without them.

▶ Hear 38 Special on Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio, live and free, 24/7

38 Special rocks the Power Rock n’ Roll Radio Show (9 am–6 pm ET).

What’s new with 38 Special

• A new album. Milestone, their first album since 2004, came out in September 2025, produced by Jim Peterik, co-writer of “Hold On Loosely.”
• The 50 Year Legacy Tour rolls through the West and Midwest this fall, including an October 30 show with Foreigner.
• Sharing stages. In 2026 they toured with Kansas and joined Lynyrd Skynyrd for two September shows.

Station picks: the 38 Special songs to start with

Our five essentials:

1. Hold On Loosely (1981). The riff, the chorus, the advice. A perfect rock single.
2. Caught Up in You (1982). Their signature hit, and pure heartland rock.
3. Rockin’ into the Night (1979). The song that launched them on rock radio.
4. Second Chance (1989). A heartfelt ballad and their highest-charting single.
5. Back Where You Belong (1984). Synth-kissed ’80s rock at its catchiest.

Three deep cuts worth your time:

1. Wild-Eyed Southern Boys (1981). The swaggering title track.
2. Chain Lightnin’ (1982). A slow-burning blues-rocker.
3. Twentieth Century Fox (1982). A gritty Special Forces album track.

If you like 38 Special, try

• Lynyrd Skynyrd: the Van Zant family’s other legendary band
• Foreigner: radio-ready rock for the ages
• ZZ Top: Southern-fried boogie
• Styx: arena-rock hitmakers of the same era

38 Special on tour

Last verified October 12, 2026. Always confirm with the official site before buying tickets.

More legends on the road: Classic Rock Concerts & Tours 2026–2027.

38 Special quick facts

• Formed: 1974, Jacksonville, Florida, by Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes
• Lineup: Don Barnes, Bobby Capps, Jerry Riggs, Barry Dunaway and Gary Moffatt
• Signature albums: Rockin’ into the Night (1979), Wild-Eyed Southern Boys (1981), Special Forces (1982), Tour de Force (1983)
• Latest album: Milestone (2025)
• Official site: 38special.com

38 Special FAQ

Is 38 Special related to Lynyrd Skynyrd?
Yes. Co-founder Donnie Van Zant is the brother of Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant and Johnny Van Zant.

Is 38 Special touring?
Yes. The 50 Year Legacy Tour runs through November 7, 2026.

Where can I hear 38 Special?
On Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio, free and live 24/7 on the web and in our iPhone and Android apps. Want a favorite? Request it here.

Sources: Ultimate Classic Rock (tour), Ultimate Classic Rock (Milestone), 38 Special (band). Last verified October 12, 2026.