When I think back to the summer of 2011, one night stands out as a highlight of live rock ‘n’ roll: seeing 38 Special tear through a career-spanning set at the Artpark Amphitheater in Lewiston, New York. This wasn’t just another nostalgia show. It was a masterclass in how a band with over three decades of history can stay tight, energetic, and completely in touch with the fans who grew up on their music. From the first crashing chords to the final, sweaty encore, the night was a celebration of southern rock’s staying power and the unmistakable 38 Special sound—a mix of boogie, pop hooks, and good old-fashioned guitar heroics.
I arrived that evening knowing I was in for a solid show, but I didn’t expect the sheer precision and firepower the band brought to the stage. 38 Special have always been the kind of act that straddles the line between the rawness of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the radio-friendly polish of arena rock, and that combination was on full display. With founding members Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant steering the ship, the group looked like a band that still lives for the stage. There was no phoning it in, no lazy greatest-hits shuffle—just a carefully crafted setlist packed with classics and deep cuts, played with a ferocity that belied their years.
Kicking the Doors Open
The band wasted no time getting the crowd moving, launching straight into “Rockin’ Into the Night.” It’s one of their signature openers for a reason: that tight, galloping groove and singalong chorus set the tone perfectly. The guitars of Barnes and Danny Chauncey locked together in that classic twin attack, while drummer Gary Moffatt’s pounding backbeat made it impossible not to nod your head.
From there, they kept the momentum rolling with “Rough-Housin’,” a deep cut that gave the diehards something to cheer about. It was clear from the start that this show wasn’t just about the radio singles—they were digging deeper into their catalog, and the crowd appreciated every bit of it.
The first big singalong of the night came with “Back Where You Belong,” a track that blends southern grit with a hooky, almost pop-rock melody. Hearing thousands of voices belt out that chorus in unison was goosebump-inducing. Don Barnes handled the vocals with the same soulful confidence he had in the early ’80s, proving that time hasn’t dulled his range or power.
Southern Swagger in Full Force
The energy stayed high as the band ripped into “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys,” a song that feels like an anthem for the band itself. It’s got that rebel spirit, a little swagger, and a chorus that practically demands fists in the air. Barnes grinned through the verses while Van Zant worked the crowd, urging them to sing along and wave their arms. The chemistry between the two frontmen was infectious—like watching old friends egg each other on to play just a little harder.
Then came one of the night’s most surprising and satisfying moments: a medley of fan favorites that included Stone Cold Believer, Back to Paradise, Somebody Like You, Honky Tonk Dancer, Teacher Teacher, First Time Around, Second Chance, and Like No Other Night. Rather than playing each song in full, the band stitched together key verses, riffs, and choruses, creating a kind of greatest-hits sampler that flowed seamlessly from one tune to the next. It was a clever move—one that allowed them to touch on a wide swath of their discography without breaking the show’s momentum. Each snippet brought a roar of recognition from different corners of the audience, proving just how deep 38 Special’s well of hits really runs.
A Band With Nothing to Prove
Midway through the night, the band slowed things down just enough to show their dynamic range. “Last Thing I Ever Do” brought a bluesy edge to the set, with Chauncey’s tasteful guitar work front and center. The soulful “Fantasy Girl” followed, its shimmering guitar textures and wistful lyrics offering a brief but beautiful change of pace. Barnes’ vocal delivery on this one was particularly striking—full of warmth and just the right touch of melancholy.
The romantic mood continued with “If I’d Been the One,” one of their most enduring ballads. Couples swayed, arms wrapped around each other, while the band played it with a delicate touch that proved they can be just as compelling in a softer mode as they are when they’re rocking full throttle.
But this wasn’t a night for sitting down too long. As soon as the last notes faded, they kicked things back into high gear with “Rebel to Rebel” and the snarling “Trooper With an Attitude.” Both tracks showcased the band’s ability to stay gritty and tough, even as the melodies remain catchy. These songs aren’t just filler—they’re proof that 38 Special can balance polish with bite, a combination that’s helped them stand apart from countless other southern rock outfits.
The Big Guns
As the night moved toward its climax, it was time for the heavy hitters. “Caught Up in You” was an obvious highlight, the crowd roaring from the first instantly recognizable guitar lick. It’s one of those songs that seems to exist outside of time—pure radio magic that still sounds as fresh today as it did in the early ’80s. Barnes’ vocals soared, the harmonies were spot-on, and the guitar solos danced with that perfect mix of flash and restraint.
After a brief exit, the band returned for the first encore, treating fans to “Chain Lightnin’,” a track that feels like a storm rolling in—moody, powerful, and impossible to ignore. The interplay between guitars and keyboards gave it a rich texture that filled every inch of the amphitheater.
But of course, everyone knew there was one more monster hit to come. The second encore delivered the knockout punch with “Hold On Loosely,” arguably 38 Special’s biggest and most beloved song. From the first ringing chords, the audience was on its feet, fists pumping, singing every word like their lives depended on it. Barnes leaned into the mic with a grin as the entire venue turned into a massive choir. It was one of those concert moments that feels transcendent—a shared joy that only live music can create.
For the grand finale, the band kept the party rolling with a raucous “Livin’ in the USA / Travelin’ Band” combo, a nod to their rock ‘n’ roll roots and a perfect sendoff for a night that celebrated the enduring power of American rock music.
The Setlist
Here’s how the night unfolded, song for song:
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Rockin’ Into the Night
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Rough-Housin’
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Back Where You Belong
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Wild-Eyed Southern Boys
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Stone Cold Believer / Back to Paradise / Somebody Like You / Honky Tonk Dancer / Teacher Teacher / First Time Around / Second Chance / Like No Other Night (Medley)
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Last Thing I Ever Do
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Fantasy Girl
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If I’d Been the One
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Rebel to Rebel
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Trooper With an Attitude
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Caught Up in You
Encore 1: Chain Lightnin’
Encore 2: Hold On Loosely
Finale: Livin’ in the USA / Travelin’ Band
Performance and Musicianship
One of the most impressive things about this show was just how tight the band sounded. Southern rock is often associated with loose, jammy vibes, but 38 Special have always prided themselves on precision. Every guitar harmony, every vocal blend, every drum fill landed exactly where it needed to. Yet it never felt sterile—the energy was raw and palpable, the kind of performance that reminds you why live music matters.
Barnes remains the band’s secret weapon. His guitar playing is tasteful but fiery, and his voice—clear, strong, and full of character—has aged remarkably well. Van Zant brought the southern charm and stage presence that kept the crowd engaged between songs, cracking jokes and sharing stories about life on the road. Chauncey, Moffatt, and bassist Larry Junstrom rounded out the lineup with a combination of technical skill and road-tested chemistry that only decades of playing together can create.
The sound mix at Artpark was spot-on. Every instrument had room to breathe, the guitars cutting through with just the right amount of crunch, while the vocals sat perfectly in the mix. Too often, amphitheater shows can turn muddy or overpowering, but this one was dialed in perfectly—loud enough to rattle your bones, but clean enough to savor every note.
Crowd Connection
What really struck me was how deeply the audience connected with the band. 38 Special might not be topping the charts anymore, but you wouldn’t know it from the reaction in Lewiston. Fans of all ages packed the amphitheater, from grizzled southern rock lifers to younger concertgoers discovering these songs for the first time. People danced in the aisles, shouted requests, and threw their fists in the air with every chorus. When the band launched into the medley, you could feel the excitement ripple through the crowd—like everyone was taking a trip down memory lane together.
During “Fantasy Girl” and “If I’d Been the One,” couples held each other close, lost in the music. When the opening riff of “Hold On Loosely” hit, total strangers high-fived and sang in unison. That sense of communal joy is something only a seasoned live act can create, and 38 Special delivered it in spades.
Final Thoughts
By the time the last chords of “Travelin’ Band” rang out, I was sweaty, hoarse, and completely exhilarated. This wasn’t just a night of music—it was a reminder of why bands like 38 Special continue to matter. They’ve weathered changing trends, lineup shifts, and the relentless march of time, yet their songs still resonate because they’re built on timeless foundations: great melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a commitment to putting on a show every bit as passionate as the ones they played in their youth.
Walking out of Artpark that night, I felt the kind of buzz only a great concert can deliver. 38 Special didn’t just play the hits—they breathed new life into them, proving that southern rock isn’t a relic of the past but a living, breathing force. For anyone who ever turned up the radio when “Caught Up in You” came on, or sang along to “Hold On Loosely” in their car, this show was pure magic. Over three decades into their career, 38 Special remain a band that knows exactly who they are and exactly how to thrill an audience. And on June 12, 2011, in a little amphitheater in Lewiston, they reminded all of us why we fell in love with rock ‘n’ roll in the first place.