Arts
www.SanTanSun.com
March 21 - April 3, 2015
59
38 Special’s career comes full circle BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Seeing Led Zeppelin perform in concert was a pivotal moment in the life of a young Don Barnes. “I remember seeing Jimmy Page,” he says. “I was about 100 feet from him. I remember thinking, ‘How do I cross that 100 feet to do what he does?’” He learned it takes commitment, sacrifice and hard work to achieve that golden ring. He was willing to do it, after watching Led Zeppelin and the fans highfiving each other. Barnes was encouraged to start what would become 38 Special. Going on its 41st year, 38 Special doesn’t see itself slowing down. “When I crank the guitar up to 10, it’s like you’re 19 years old again,” he says. “It’s still fun. We actually all still get along. We still like each other. It’s a great job. It’s the best kind of joy to give to people every night. We see the instant reactions” 38 Special is scheduled to play Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino at 8 p.m. Friday, March 27. Barnes says fans can expect to hear hits like “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” “Fantasy Girl,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You Belong,”
“Chain Lightnin’,” and “Second Chance.” “We come out strong and let the (the music) climb a little higher, get a little break in the middle with the ballad ‘Second Chance’ and end on a big bombastic note there,” Barnes says. “We put a medley together of songs that we did for movies and things, too.” Barnes feels fortunate for his career; one that includes about 24 top radio hits. The audience has evolved as much as 38 Special has. “It’s just amazing,” 38 Special plays at Wild Horse Pass, Friday, March 27, 2015. Submitted photo he says. “I hear people tell me that But life has come full circle for Barnes for more information. they raised their kids on our and 38 Special. music, too. A lot of young “The 14 and 15 year old boys are high Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the kids, they’ve learned the fi ving each other when their songs come executive editor of the SanTan Sun songs through ‘Rock Band’ on—just like I did with Led Zeppelin.” News. She can be reached at christina@ and ‘Guitar Hero.’ santansun.com. “Now I see boys who are 38 Special performs at 8 p.m. Friday, 14, 15 year old high fiving March 27, at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and each other when their song Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., comes on. I’m thinking, ‘You like this Chandler, $32 to $77. Call (800) 946-4452 song? You weren’t even born yet.’”