38 Special's Don Barnes talks Hold on Loosely

[@hinch1775]

This guy is a rock ICON - 38 Soecial should be in the Rock Hall of Fame !!

[@themarkman8822]

yeah 99 stencil should be in the Eale hall Rock of Fale !! my sentimants ezzactly !!

[@walterostrander9085]

AMEN!!!!!

[@SecsSells]

@@themarkman8822 sorry I disagree. TRRHOF is a watered down frat club that only allows their faves in the door. Just read some of the members. It will give a Rock fan diarrhea. Personally I am happy they have avoided that charade.

[@kasenbanks8985]

Damn Strait!

[@raydanielz9408]

What the.. Aren't they yet🤔

[@aliasunknown6972]

Should be in the Hall of Fame! One of my favorite's of all time.

[@dougpeters1625]

Nice guy. Definitely paid his dues. Outstanding speaking voice and a great singing voice!

[@gregorywheless3064]

Don Barnes , right up there with Paul Rogers , Robert Plant

[@scottrowland8295]

Amen Hall of Fame along with many more who is been overlooked and slighted.

[@thomasodetinape4180]

I never meant to, but I saw them 6 times. The loudest band I ever heard and one of the best. They never did a half ass show. 100% in, everytime.....

[@billybatson8657]

They were THEE band in the early 80's! My wife and I finally got to see them in 2009 at Wheeling Island. Phone video was fairly new then, but there are still videos from that show on youtube. I can see clips of my fat balding azz in like the 4th row in front of the stage lol. With Styx and REO, it was probably my favorite concert yet, and I've been to quite a few.

[@thomasodetinape4180]

@@billybatson8657 lol, I was born in Wheeling. The island that stays flooded.

[@susycue3]

With ya there. Still touring!

[@Tonetwisters]

Right there with you on the loud! Saw Eddie Money in the old Jacksonville Coliseum. He was the loudest band I had ever seen/heard. Then .38 Special came on and was EVEN LOUDER! So loud, the PA system would intermittently cut off. But they were fabulous.

[@billsciamanna7580]

I have seen 38 Special 35 times since 1982. They still can rock. Their music is timeless. My wife and I even saw them on our honeymoon. Love you guys keep rocking.

[@bethepperson5363]

I have lost track of the times I have seen them, ALWAYS an awesome show!

[@MultiEviscerator]

Cool!

[@billsciamanna7580]

@Scott HI Scott, actually saw them 3 more times since this original post a year ago. So I am at 38 times now. Can't wait to see them again in 2023. Merry Christmas.

[@jwprimetime9795]

@@billsciamanna7580missed them in Clearwater a few weeks ago. Seen them a lot but regretting it.

[@socialmaven3346]

Listen up, children! This is what real music and singing is. One of the best groups of all time, and I'm 68. Still listening to them today. LOVE how they got their name!

[@steveponder4842]

Great singer and guitarist is Don Barnes!!!!!

[@gsmith207]

Wonder how many kids are walking on this earth that were conceived to this guys voice and the bands music! Haaaa! Thank you!

[@richardleerodgers5303]

Don has a powerful great voice

[@TheLoner70503]

Don is one of the best rock music composers i've ever heard.

[@jimoffutt9156]

Amazing voice

[@goopah]

Yes. He could easily narrate documentaries. Great speaking voice as well as singing.

[@colico14]

Great story as to how they got their name! "Hold On Loosely" is an absolute classic.

[@greggfeingold5629]

Totally underrated. Absolute classics.

[@iDONTdoFacebook]

.38 Special: Kings of Rock! Don Barnes, one of the greatest voices of Rock! These guys were a powerhouse and they created and performed some of the most timeless classic pieces of music that will be enjoyed for generations to come!

[@dallasj3028]

Agreed 100%

[@gregtennessee8249]

Truth: trump lost

[@iDONTdoFacebook]

@@gregtennessee8249 Greg Tennessee (bright individual that he is) interrupted the conversation about .38 Special with this - “Truth: Trump lost” - an opinion that has nothing whatsoever to do with the topic at hand. But in his timidity and being of a weak wishy-washy character, he apparently deleted it, not being proud of his own stand I suppose. My message to Greg is, go to a forum and thread where those things are discussed. Don’t be a common rude Democrat with no civility or manners and interrupt a conversation others are having about other things.

[@gregtennessee8249]

@@iDONTdoFacebook one term twice impeached January 6 Raided by the FBI in a search Warrant signed by a trump appointed Federal Judge finding boxes of evidence. Obstruction Espionage Act. Mishandling Classified Nuclear Documents. And his cult following still defends the most corrupt "president" in USA history. Just say that the election was corrupt and leave the rest to me and the REPUBLICAN congressmen. And plead the 5th. I just need 11,000 votes? Give me a break,fellas.

[@imflyinlow]

I've seen them from 1981 to 2019. Their dual drummers from the early days was beyond compare. I lived 'Rockin' into the night' back in 1980 verbatim and I really wish we all didn't have to get old. Really love that band.

[@acgillespie]

*Eh Sonny.. can ya text a little bolder*

[@billyzincke8701]

I saw them with duel drums too! Bozeman… their music is mainly on my playlist… saw them 4 times…

[@elainekline2168]

This kind of music never dies, love Don

[@snake9911]

I like to say thank you to Don Barnes. .38 Special is and will always be great. When hold on loosely came out in 1981, I was only 18 years old. Once again Thank You Don Barnes and the rest of .38 Special. Thanks for posting this 👍.

[@acgillespie]

But did you listen? Did you pay attention to his message? I didn't... Wish now though I had

[@snake9911]

@@acgillespie It's been a while since I have heard this message of his talk about the song, I would have to watch it again.

[@acgillespie]

@@snake9911 .LOL.. I'm talking about the "Just hold on loosely" part. ya know.. not get all crazy over the girls?

[@snake9911]

@@acgillespie I know that you were only talking about the hold on loosely part of the interview. I didn't figure that you were talking about the girls from the interview.

[@michaellnbnj]

Love 38 & Don Barnes! Melody & Muscle. What a band! Don & Donnie rhythm guitars. Jeff Carlisi lead guitar. And Don's vocals always hit the mark.

[@daniellapp7309]

There's a freakin BASS PLAYER in there also,Larry is killer

[@sandrasmith8365]

Why are they not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? No excuse.

[@davidrosato864]

They should be in but the RRHOF is clueless. The band had a slew of great songs over a decade!

[@louiszippittelli9345]

Danm right they should b

[@jimmyz2098]

Honestly.... because the R&R HOF is a total joke. That's why.

[@goopah]

Some great bands in the HOF, but NONE of them are my favorite ones...Well, I guess Rush finally did get in, but no 38 Special, no Thin Lizzy, no UFO, etc. etc.... I gave up on the HOF years ago. I guess my own HOF is my record collection, and that will have to suffice.

[@goopah]

Someone really should just start a Rock and Roll Underdogs Hall Of Fame. It would probably be more popular than "that other one".

[@neilouellette3004]

Followed and saw .38 Special 3 times between 81-86. Their glory years from opening act to headlining arenas & civic centers. Killer lineup back then w/Barnes, Van Zant, Carlisi, Junstrom and dual drummers Brookins & Grondin. It was lead guitarist Jeff Carlisi that gave them that killer guitar sound back then.

[@nmjazz09]

You can tell Don is a great guy. God bless him...

[@mahatmagandhi7588]

I think Don Barnes has a great voice!! Great Band!

[@alishataylor6017]

& he is handsome in this interview

[@gw5309]

Wife and I saw them twice in the last year Don STILL has it. Just awesome

[@TheCream14]

What a nice guy. So talented! HOF material if there ever was one.

[@keetah99k7]

I have every song your band has made.... Love 38 Special!

[@gregdolecki8530]

The real 38 Special

[@finaljesus]

i have always loved this band and this song especially the solo damn that solo kicks ass

[@Otis_symbol]

I was seven years old.... 1987..... Revenge of the nerds... Nerds in paradise.. I've been a big fan of .38 special since then.

[@patrickcasey357]

interesting he doesn't mention Jeff Carlisi who also co wrote it. Came up with that signature riff and killer solo at the end.

[@kencraig7308]

I was hooked after that 1st Riff. And then the solo at the end became my new air guitar favorite.

[@taproom113]

Brian May from Queen said the Carlisi riffs from 'Hold on Loosely' was one of his all time favorites. I agree wholeheartedly!!! ^v^

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

his big head ego won’t let him

[@dbcb4146]

Not so. I’ve heard him mention and credit Jeff many times in interviews.

[@dennehy69]

Exactly!!!

[@effiegerosfakinou454]

Omg, I was in love with him, he was so hot!!! Especially his voice!!Long hair and all!!! God bless him❤️🙏😇

[@alishataylor6017]

Effie Geros Fakinou I agree

[@alishataylor6017]

Redrum ok

[@effiegerosfakinou454]

Huh, 🙄I'm a girl! Peace out✌️

[@catlover0728]

He went to my grandmas middle school in 1965!!!

[@JenLoAdaM]

He was totally hot - DAMN!

[@miguelfiguereo6112]

Pure class...love them!

[@kevinwatts5929]

When my 22 year old son says when I hear this song every time it is like hearing it the first time...LOVE IT!

[@jamesdewer]

I was stationed in Norfolk aboard a destroyer in 1981. Southern rock was HUGE. 38 Special was a big, big favorite. I'm a California boy but I learned southern defiance, and stubborn attitude from this stuff. we'd be changing transmissions in the dirt parking lot at Norshipco. We wore that cassette out. .

[@1203catciao]

one of my favorite songs of all time.

[@sonjajohnson6086]

He's still at his best

[@scottrobbins6216]

Good to hear from you Don

[@kendonnelly3248]

My Favorite song. My band played it a lot. Saw them Last night at the paramount in huntington NY. Still got it.

[@marcsmith3881]

I heard they were here but I never made it to see them. That is literally about 15 min from my house.

[@mylesakatrm4388]

38 Special is one of the most I see rated bands in history! Amazing band! ✌

[@charlenelongo6914]

I just saw 38 Special @ the NY State Fair. I loved it, it was a superb concert. The band really maintains such high energy & great quality! Jerry Riggs performed the best guitar solo that I've ever heard in my life. It was such a privilege to be there & hear them play. Thanks, guys, for visiting us here in Central New York. Hope you return again soon! God bless you all.

[@scottjohnson3226]

One of my all time favorite songs! After all of these years it holds the test of time.

[@Allan-et5ig]

Those were the days.

[@edwardiverson7353]

When I and my best friend drove around we listen to 38 special wild eyed southern boys and REO Speedwagon all the time back in the good old days!!!!!!

[@sallybac]

Wow! Great stories! Don Barnes has an amazing voice! I'd love to see him on Broadway. His voice is still strong and clear, and he looks great. Rock on, Don!

[@jimmyc2895]

I got to see 38 special back in 96.Was a great show

[@mayermanopla4710]

I've been a big fan ever since,,,loved the history lesson and especially love the way the music makes me feel when I'm jamming out. Thanks for continuing to rock us...

[@Tonetwisters]

Loved your vocal on this Don! And I played in those EM clubs, probably even before you did! The band I was in, played "Loosely" and we had a BLAST with it! You guys were my favorite Jacksonville band, and I even dug your earliest, blues album.

[@CGC1954]

He was awesome then and still is ❤️❤️

[@SonnyGTA]

Me and my buddy played this song every night on our way out to drinking back in 1995 on the Jersey shore. Awesome times.

[@DavidHukill]

Love this guy’s voice!

[@Kacee2]

I met all of the guys in 38 special after a concert in league city, Texas around 1998. They invited me and my son to their bus. We just sat and shot the breeze for about an hour. They were all very unassuming, humble and as nice as any people I've ever met. The drummer gave my son a set of sticks because he found out that he played drums. I was waiting for them to give me a guitar because I play guitar.....lol. anyway, great guys with great music.

[@yeahright302]

don barnes is a good man for sure.seen them many times!!

[@rhondalott5112]

My fav band of all time and my fav song! Have seen them six or seven times, got to meet them after a couple of concerts in Huntsville, Al, super nice guys. I love y’all!!

[@xvsj-s2x]

Love that song !❤️ Thank You for sharing the back story including the birth of the band name 👍

[@stevebubar6129]

My second concert with eddy money as the opener. What a amazing show!

[@randysimmons9838]

The whole album is great!

[@TheMrmack070]

Feb 19 2020 they played live at Saratoga casino in NY at the Vapors nightclub. I was front stage and can tell you they still sound like they did in the early days.

[@michaelratliff9449]

A great band, I saw them several times ..a truly amazing Southern Rock band,..and this is my favorite tune of .38 Special!..Salute!!

[@daphnie7]

Love this ! Thanks for posting.

[@Tungoon]

Absolute favorite band of my youth . Met the band at a hotel in Poughkeepsie NY night before show very down to earth guys they gave us back stage passes and Rocked into the night ! Will never forget that night . When I hear them it always brings me back !

[@randywiley66]

38 special the best thx

[@intsccents]

Always loved the song and now more after wathcing the video...

[@tinazaccagna1459]

Just saw them tonite in Nj . Loved it ! Great show ! ❤

[@MrRjones1970]

Our cover band still plays Hold On Loosely at our shows! My favorite!

[@stevenkrupka3670]

Great band, all of the guys are phenomenal musicians. Thanks fellas!

[@wileybird69]

Seems like real down to earth guy👍

[@johninwaynenewjersey5253]

Love you Don and of course the rest of the gang. Saw you guys in 1981 at 'The Round Up' in JFK stadium in Philly and a few years ago at Empire City Casino in Yonkers, NY and you guys clearly still have 'it'. Great stuff!

[@jeffreymilosevich1957]

thank you shareing !

[@tonycopeland1889]

LOVE it!!!! One my all-time favs!

[@Longisland95]

Love the background story. Amazing talented band and vocalist.

[@skeim5620]

38 special is one of the best there is………….

[@tommcdonough6086]

The first time I heard Hold on loosely I was like 12 playing with my parents stereo when they were not home it came over the local rock station , gave it some volume.......I was hooked , music was àllways my first love, 54 now and 38 Special is still one of my favorite bands out there. Still remember that day summer day in 1980, or 81 whan I shook my parents house with this song, I feel Mr. Barnes is one of biggest talents out there and 38 Special needs and deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the band had so much character and great songs!

[@dascoentertainment]

Southern Rock...Department of the US Navy..

[@luckypenny4263]

Great band great singer

[@in2livinit]

The solo is Smokin 🔥 Jeff Carlisi is also a blazing guitarist, great writer, and a humble nice guy. He deserves a lot of credit for the success and popularity of 38 Special.

[@sandyhanson6082]

My band years ago did a show at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano Ca. with 38 Special. You talk about a kick ass band?... and some of the nicest down ta earth people ?.. these guys brought it!! Absolutely love them!! Keep rockin' guys!!

[@jonthomsen7433]

There best song ever is still so caught up in you

[@sherrytrenner9452]

I love you Don !!!!

[@JustMeNoOther]

I miss those years =( So much. I need a time machine, someone?

[@RosieHWeinstein-vl1nm]

I love this song

[@CGC1954]

Absolutely the best band ever😘

[@loveall8704]

Great musician... They a Humble band and guys like him help me play better and write better....

[@arthurharpjr7974]

They should be in the rock hall of fame as well as REO

[@reston81]

Need a new rockk and roll hof current o e blo

[@lonesomelooser3510]

38 special you rock 🪨 pure classic

[@lindaferrer4598]

Just saw them Dec 10 for my 2nd time. I agree whole heartedly with HINCH & Sandra: They belong in the RnR Hall of Fame!!!

[@Arthagnou]

I was a little kid when it came out. as I look back, such an innocent time, relative to the bizzaro world we live in now.

[@in2livinit]

Maybe innocent NSM 🤣🤣🤣 But Def more fun, hopeful, sensible & totally less cynical. 👍 Saw them live at a summer "Day on the Green" Concert in 81' shortly after it came out. Good Times ✌️

[@wildimpo]

Seen them live at the star plaza theater, fanfreakinstastic!

[@edwardlee9025]

Great song

[@terrymertz1923]

Saw them at Billy Bob's in fort worth. So much fun

[@rogerrude313]

My uncle Dorman took me to a Rockin On The River concert of 38 Special in Detroit in the mid 2000s and they were an awesome live band. They sound the same in person as they do on record.

[@Jamestele1]

Jim Peterik was EVERYWHERE! What a talented guy. He played sophisticated Jazz rock like "I'm Your Vehicle", but could write a basic tine like Eye of the Tiger, and then every time I think I know everything about his music history, he surprises me. 38 Special was a great 80s variation of "Southern Rock". They were really great at playing radio-friendly, but kick ass, melodic rock.

[@WhyTheHorseface]

@2:50 “What is it about people that can’t seem to celebrate their differences and support each other, and give each other space to breathe and be themselves?” Wisdom can be found in the unlikeliest of places. Treat others how you want to be treated, people.

[@sofieabrams1649]

They still have it today!🤘🏼🔥

[@Droptineful]

The very first concert I ever saw at Rider College, NJ!

[@michaelthorpe1869]

what a cool voice

[@JayDogTitan-he6wo]

WRQX Q107 in Washington DC played the heck out of Hold on loosely in 1981 and I admit that I didn't know who 38 Special was, I immediately went and bought Wild eyed southern boys, Terrific album, one of the best ever.

[@dipdo7675]

On my must see list ASAP!! Fricking pandemic is killing me!! NOw gotta wait till October for local. But Key West in April looking tempting!! Also, check out their website tour section and check out the 80’s cruise in 2022!! Mucho 80s bands!! Looks fabulous!!

[@michaelcarmean4906]

38 Special 🎸 Signature Sound… Great Music

[@rosstaylor6499]

strange, i have listened to the songs for 40 years ,and just now learning their names and hearing them speak

[@kathyeverhardt5412]

BEST TIMES OF MY LIFE

[@martincalder6121]

I feel bad that they came to my city, and I didn't pull the trigger on tickets.

[@dyer2cycle]

...I first remember seeing Don in .38 Special performances, late '70's, early '80's...I remember he looked like a real "Wooly Bugger" during this time..I thought he even looked kind of scary..and it seemed odd that that great singing voice came from that big hairy guy...now, he doesn't look scary at all, older with shorter hair and facial hair :)