38 Special's Don Barnes Goes To Rock & Roll High School

Don Barnes of .38 Special is the featured guest on the latest episode of Pete Ganberg's Rock & Roll High School podcast, which is part of the show's special Southern Rock Trilogy.

The show shared the following about this new episode with Barnes: In this episode, Don takes us inside the 50th anniversary of .38 Special-from their Jacksonville beginnings and relentless touring years to their breakout success and lasting legacy, which includes their latest album, Milestone. We talk about the band's songwriting approach, the importance of structure and craft in building hits, and how they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with peers like Lynyrd Skynyrd while pushing the sound in an even more melodic, accessible direction.

We also get into longevity-what it takes to sustain a career over decades, how these songs continue to connect across generations, and why that balance of grit and precision still resonates today.

On touring extensively with the likes of Iron Maiden, Beach Boys, REO Speedwagon, Rush, KISS, STYX, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bon Jovi and many more...

"We kind of took the Lynyrd Skynyrd attitude to go out there like a football team and win, win the night, be triumphant. That carried through all those tours.. I don't care who has to follow us, God help them, cause we are going to slay this crowd. In those days, you're highly competitive with all these other bands. I see these guys now and we're all good friends now because we all survived those years. Back then you were highly competitive and kind of sharp elbowed, got to get your position on the charts, and all that."

This episode also continues our Southern Rock Trilogy-a three-part series exploring the artists, sounds, and stories that shaped one of rock's most enduring movements. Be sure to check back next week as we continue the journey with legendary artist manager (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Otis Redding) and Capricorn co-label head Alan Walden. Stream the episode below or via other platforms here

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