.38 Special
Tour 2027

.38 Special -- Five Decades of Southern Rock and Still Going Strong

Formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1974, .38 Special has been one of Southern rock and arena rock music for close to 50 years. The band was founded by guitarist and vocalist Don Barnes and drummer Steve Brookins, with the original lineup rounded out by guitarist Jeff Carlisi, bassist Larry Junstrom (who had previously played with Lynyrd Skynyrd), and vocalist Donnie Van Zant -- younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant. From the very beginning, .38 Special carved out a sound that blended the grit of Southern rock with the polish and hooks of arena rock, creating a crossover appeal that made them one of the biggest acts of the early 1980s.

The band hit their commercial peak with a string of hit albums and singles in the early to mid-1980s. Wild-Eyed Southern Boys (1981) and Special Forces (1982) produced the iconic singles Hold On Loosely and Caught Up In You, both of which became top-40 hits and classic rock radio staples that still get heavy rotation today. Follow-up albums Tour de Force and Strength in Numbers kept the momentum going with hits like If I Had Been The One, Back Where You Belong, and Second Chance. The band was a fixture on the arena circuit throughout the decade, touring relentlessly and building a devoted fan base that has stayed loyal through every chapter of their career.

In 2025, .38 Special released Milestone, their first studio album in over two decades. The album was met with enthusiastic reviews from fans and critics alike, proving that the band still has the songwriting chops and musical chemistry that made them famous. Tracks like Making Up For Lost Time capture the classic .38 Special formula -- big hooks, driving rhythms, and vocal harmonies that stick in your head for days -- while bringing a modern production quality that keeps things fresh. The album gave the band a whole new batch of songs to weave into their already stacked setlist.

Today, .38 Special continues to tour extensively, playing theaters, casinos, festivals, and amphitheaters across North America. The current lineup is anchored by founding member Don Barnes on vocals and guitar, and the band consistently delivers a tight, high-energy show that covers all the classics plus selections from Milestone. They frequently share bills with other classic rock acts like Kansas, REO Speedwagon, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, making for can-not-miss double-header events. For a full list of upcoming dates, check the official .38 Special tour page.

If you are looking for .38 Special Tour 2027 tickets, BigStub has verified seats at every price level. With over 20 years connecting fans with live events and the highest Trustpilot rating in the resale industry, BigStub is a trusted choice for locking in your seats to see one of Southern rock and roll best live acts.

How to Buy .38 Special Tour 2027 Tickets

Where can I buy .38 Special concert tickets?

Tickets for .38 Special shows may be available through venue box offices and primary sellers like Ticketmaster. You can also check the official .38 Special website for tour dates and links. Verified resale tickets are available on BigStub, a trusted marketplace with no hidden fees and a buyer guarantee on every order.

What is the .38 Special 2027 tour schedule?

.38 Special plays a full calendar of shows each year at theaters, casinos, amphitheaters, and festivals across North America. Check the schedule above for the latest confirmed dates, venues, and cities. New dates are added regularly as the band continues to book shows throughout the year.

What songs does .38 Special play in concert?

A typical .38 Special setlist features all the classic hits including Hold On Loosely, Caught Up In You, Rockin Into The Night, Second Chance, If I Had Been The One, and Back Where You Belong. The band also mixes in tracks from their 2025 album Milestone, including Making Up For Lost Time. Expect a high-energy show that runs about 90 minutes to two hours.

Are .38 Special resale tickets legitimate?

Yes, when purchased through a verified resale platform like BigStub, your tickets are guaranteed to be valid. BigStub has been connecting fans with live events for over 20 years and carries the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry. Every purchase is backed by a 100% buyer guarantee and supported by a dedicated customer service team.

What if I cannot attend a .38 Special show after buying tickets?

If your plans change, most resale platforms allow you to list your tickets for other fans to purchase. Check the terms of the platform where you bought your tickets for details on resale and transfer options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is .38 Special still touring in 2027?

.38 Special has been one of the most active touring acts in classic rock for nearly five decades. Check the schedule above for the latest tour dates and availability for upcoming shows.

Who is the lead singer of .38 Special?

Don Barnes is the lead vocalist and guitarist of .38 Special. He is a founding member of the band and has been the driving force behind their music since the 1970s. His vocals are featured on all of the band classic hits.

What is the Milestone album?

Milestone is .38 Special first studio album in over 20 years, released in 2025. The album features new original songs including Making Up For Lost Time and has been praised by fans and critics for capturing the classic .38 Special sound with a modern production quality.

How long is a .38 Special concert?

A typical .38 Special show runs approximately 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the venue and whether they are headlining or co-headlining. The band plays a packed setlist of hits and newer material with very little downtime between songs.

How much are .38 Special concert tickets?

Ticket prices vary depending on the venue, seat location, and demand. Check the listings above for current pricing on all available shows. Prices tend to range from affordable general admission at smaller venues to premium seating at larger theaters and amphitheaters.

Does .38 Special play with other bands on tour?

.38 Special frequently co-headlines with other classic rock acts such as Kansas, REO Speedwagon, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. They also play festivals and multi-act bills throughout the year. Check the event details in the schedule above to see if special guests or co-headliners are listed for specific dates.

Is .38 Special related to Lynyrd Skynyrd?

Yes, there is a family connection. .38 Special vocalist and co-founder Donnie Van Zant is the younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant. Additionally, original .38 Special bassist Larry Junstrom was a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd before joining .38 Special.

What genre is .38 Special?

.38 Special blends Southern rock with arena rock and pop-rock sensibilities. Their sound features driving guitars, tight vocal harmonies, and catchy hooks that have made them a crossover favorite on both rock and pop radio since the early 1980s.

Where is .38 Special from?

.38 Special was formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1974. Jacksonville has been a hotbed for Southern rock music, also serving as the hometown of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts.

What are .38 Special biggest hits?

.38 Special biggest hits include Hold On Loosely, Caught Up In You, Rockin Into The Night, Second Chance, If I Had Been The One, and Back Where You Belong. Hold On Loosely and Caught Up In You remain among the most-played classic rock songs on radio to this day.

Can I buy .38 Special tickets on BigStub?

Yes, verified .38 Special tickets are available on BigStub for all upcoming tour dates. BigStub has been in the ticket business for over 20 years and every order is backed by a 100% buyer guarantee with no hidden fees. Check the listings above for current availability and pricing.

Will .38 Special play Hold On Loosely at every show?

Hold On Loosely is a staple of every .38 Special setlist and is virtually guaranteed to be played at every show. The song is typically one of the final numbers in the set and consistently gets the biggest crowd reaction of the night.