Stereo Embers The Podcast 0493: Don Barnes (38 Special)

“Milestone”

It all started over 50 years ago in Florida and decades later with sales of close to 25 million albums under their musical belts, 38 Special remain one of the most enduring rock and roll bands of all time. Formed in the early ’70s by the core unit of Don Barnes and Donny Van Zandt, 38 Special from the very beginning evinced a steely work ethic. It also demonstrated their versatility–although they were a hard playing southern rock band, they were able to shape shift perfectly and found themselves opening for everyone from Peter Frampton to Kiss and appearing on bills with everyone from Triumph to AC/DC to Motorhead. The ’70s were a dogfight for the band who put out great albums like Special Delivery and Rockin’ Into The Night, but they felt they were grinding out the yardage and just trying to survive. MTV hits in the ’80s like “Caught Up In You” and “If I’d Been The One” changed everything and albums like Tour De Force and Special Forces changed everything and made them bona fide superstars. Although Barnes remains the only original member, the band has recently put out their first new album in 21 years called Milestone and they’re playing 100 shows a year across the country. Barnes is a lovely guy and this is a great conversation about persistence and endurance. And his cat makes a special appearance, too.

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