’80s rock band to tour for first new album in 21 years
A distinguished Southern rock band that reached the height of its popularity in the late 1980s has recently announced plans for a tour to promote their first new album in over two decades. .38 Special is gearing up for the first leg of their 2026 tour in support of their latest album, “Milestone,” as well as celebrating their “Fifty Year Legacy.” While there are no scheduled concerts in Massachusetts at this time, additional shows are anticipated to be revealed in the near future. Notably, .38 Special had previously performed at the Topsfield Fair in 2024.
Fans eager to catch .38 Special live on stage can explore different ticket options through various reputable third-party vendors like Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, StubHub, and Seat Geek, each offering varying prices and seating choices. Renowned for their classic rock sound, .38 Special achieved immense success in the ’80s with chart-topping hits such as “Caught Up in You,” “Hold On Loosely,” “Second Chance,” “Back Where You Belong,” “Fantasy Girl,” “Rockin’ into the Night,” and “Teacher, Teacher.” The band has also shared the stage with iconic acts like Bon Jovi, Huey Lewis & The News, REO Speedwagon, and Lynyrd Skynyrd over the years.
The group’s current lineup features founding member Don Barnes, who established the band alongside fellow singer Donnie Van Zant back in 1974. Notably, Donnie is the brother of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd vocalist Ronnie Van Zant and current frontman Johnny Van Zant. In September, .38 Special released “Milestone,” marking their first album since 2004’s “Drivetrain.” This fresh collection of nine songs includes collaborations with music heavyweights Randy Bachman of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Pat Monahan of Train, and Survivor co-founder Jim Peterik, who not only produced the album but has previously contributed to .38 Special’s tracks like “Rockin’ into the Night.”
Describing the essence of “Milestone,” the band’s website explains, “Milestone showcases a group of road warriors with plenty of miles left in the tank. Fueled by snarling guitars, anthemic melodies, and a drive to push boundaries, they have revamped their sound for the 2020s, bridging the gap between the past and present while staying true to their rock roots.” The album made its debut in the Top 10 of the Rock Album chart, receiving positive feedback from both fans and critics alike.
The initial batch of tour dates for 2026 have already been unveiled, with various venues across different states set to host .38 Special in the upcoming months. From Peoria, Illinois, to Rockford, Illinois, and from Greeneville, Tennessee, to Evans, Georgia, the band is scheduled to perform at a range of locations, including festivals and performing arts centers. Additional tour dates and appearances are likely to be announced as the tour progresses, offering fans more opportunities to experience the legendary sounds of .38 Special live in concert.