After more than four decades, 38 Special continues to blast Southern Rock around the country, playing more than 100 dates a year. The iconic 1980s group takes the stage at Sky Ute Casino on Saturday, May 21.
With sales in excess of 20 million albums and CDs, most associate the band with their arena-rock pop smashes, "Hold On Loosely," "Rockin' Into the Night," "Caught Up in You," "Fantasy Girl," "If I'd Been the One," and more.
Their big hits remain a staple on the radio and are recognizable from the first opening chords. Guitarist and vocalist Don Barnes said their live shows are all about maintaining that intensity.
"We never wanted to be one of those bands that had maybe gotten a little soft or complacent over the years," he said. "We're a team, and it's always been kind of an unspoken rule that we don't slack up, we stack up. We go out there every night to win."
Completing the team is guitarist/vocalist Danny Chauncey, bassist Barry Dunaway, drummer Gary Moffatt and keyboardist/vocalist bobby Capps.
In addition to their long history of classic songs, there is some surprisingly fresh new material.
Since 1976, the band has released more than 15 albums. The latest, "Live from Texas" was released in 2011.
"And the magic's still there," adds Barnes. "It's an emotional high for us to keep 'bringing it' after all these years. That's what you hear on the new live stuff, that sense of urgency and power."
VIP and reserved tickets are sold out for May 21. General admission tickets are still available for $20, but the show could sell out this week.
Tickets are available at the casino or online at www.skyutecasino.com.
