You know that opening riff of "Hold On Loosely"? It’s iconic. It’s the sound of the late 70s and early 80s bleeding into each other. But if you look at the stage today, you might notice something a bit different than the guys you saw on Solid Gold or MTV back in the day. Keeping track of the members of 38 Special is a bit like trying to follow a high-stakes game of musical chairs that has been running since 1974.
Don Barnes is still there, of course. He’s the engine. But the roster has shifted so many times that the history of the band is basically a map of Southern Rock’s evolution.
It started in Jacksonville. Everything great in Southern Rock seems to start in Jacksonville. Donnie Van Zant—brother of the legendary Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd—teamed up with Don Barnes. They were neighbors. They were friends. They wanted to make music that had that Skynyrd grit but with a polished, melodic edge that could actually survive on FM radio. It worked. But getting to that "Wild-Eyed Southern Boys" era required a lot of trial, error, and a constant shuffling of the lineup.
The Founding Fathers and the Early Chaos
In the beginning, it wasn't just a band; it was a neighborhood project. The original members of 38 Special were Donnie Van Zant, Don Barnes, Jeff Carlisi, Ken Lyons, Jack Grondin, and Steve Brookins.
They had two drummers. Why? Because the Allman Brothers did it, and it sounded massive. Having Jack Grondin and Steve Brookins locked in together gave the band a rhythmic wallop that most "arena rock" bands lacked. It wasn't just about keeping time; it was about texture.
Ken Lyons didn't stick around long, though. He left before they really hit the big time, replaced by Larry Junstrom in 1977. Now, if you're a Southern Rock nerd, that name should ring a bell. Junstrom was a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. He played bass on all those early rehearsals before Leon Wilkeson took over. Bringing Junstrom into the fold gave 38 Special a direct DNA link to the kings of the genre. He stayed for 37 years. Think about that. Thirty-seven years of touring, recording, and living on a bus. That’s longer than most marriages.
The Barnes Departure That Almost Broke Everything
Most people don't realize that the "classic" era almost ended in 1987. Don Barnes, the guy singing "Caught Up in You," left. He wanted to try the solo thing.
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This was a crisis.
To fill the void, the band brought in Max Carl. Max was a soul singer, basically. He had this gritty, R&B-inflected voice that was a total departure from Barnes’ clean, melodic rock style. Along with Max, they brought in Danny Chauncey. While the Max Carl era gave us the hit "Second Chance," it felt like a different band. It was good, sure, but it wasn't the 38 Special that owned the airwaves in 1981. Barnes eventually realized the solo grass wasn't greener and came back in 1992. Since then, he’s been the undisputed leader.
The Modern Lineup: Who is On Stage Now?
If you catch them on tour this year, the members of 38 Special look a lot different than the 1980 lineup. The biggest absence, the one that still hurts for long-time fans, is Donnie Van Zant.
Donnie had to call it quits in 2013. It wasn't drama. It wasn't a "creative differences" blowout. It was health. He was dealing with inner-ear issues and nerve damage, and his doctors basically told him that if he didn't stop performing, he was going to lose his hearing entirely. He’s still "around" in the sense that he’s family, but the stage belongs to Barnes now.
Today’s roster is a blend of long-tenured veterans and "new" guys who have actually been there for decades:
- Don Barnes: Lead vocals, guitar, and the heartbeat of the group.
- Danny Chauncey: He’s been the guitarist since 1987. At this point, calling him a "new member" is ridiculous. He’s played on more 38 Special records than almost anyone else.
- Bobby Capps: He joined on keyboards in 1991. He actually shares lead vocal duties on some songs, providing that powerhouse range that helps the band maintain their massive sound.
- Gary Moffatt: The man behind the kit since 1997. He replaced the two-drummer system with a single, incredibly powerful style that fits the modern touring circuit.
- Barry Dunaway: The "newest" veteran on bass. He stepped in for Larry Junstrom (who passed away in 2019) after having played with everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Pat Travers.
Honestly, it’s rare to see a band survive the loss of a founding frontman like Van Zant, but Barnes has managed to keep the brand's integrity intact. They don't sound like a tribute act. They sound like the record.
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Why the Jeff Carlisi Exit Mattered
Ask any guitar player about the "38 Special sound," and they’ll point to Jeff Carlisi. He was the architect of those signature licks. When he left in 1996, it marked the end of the "guitar army" era of the band. Carlisi wasn't just a player; he was a songwriter who understood how to marry a pop hook to a Marshall stack.
The transition to Danny Chauncey taking over all those lead duties was seamless to the casual listener, but for the die-hards, Carlisi’s departure was the end of an era. He went on to do "Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp" and other projects, but his thumbprint is still all over the hits they play every night.
The Bassist Who Stayed: Remembering Larry Junstrom
We have to talk about "The Big Man." Larry Junstrom was the anchor. When you listen to the bass line in "Fantasy Girl," that’s all Larry. He wasn't a flashy player. He didn't need to be. He provided the "thump" that allowed the guitars to soar.
When he retired in 2014 due to a hand injury, it was the end of a legendary run. His passing in 2019 was a massive blow to the Southern Rock community. He was the bridge between Skynyrd and 38 Special, a guy who saw the entire history of the Jacksonville scene from the inside. Barry Dunaway has big shoes to fill, but he does it with a lot of respect for the original pocket Larry created.
Understanding the "Special" Formula
What makes the members of 38 Special different from, say, Molly Hatchet or Blackfoot? It’s the pop sensibility.
The band survived the 80s because they weren't afraid of synthesizers or big, polished choruses. While other Southern Rock bands were doubling down on 15-minute jam sessions, 38 Special was hiring Jim Vallance and Bryan Adams to help write hits.
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This caused some friction early on. Some purists thought they were "selling out." But looking back, it was a genius move. By evolving their lineup to include guys like Max Carl or keyboardist Bobby Capps, they ensured they didn't become a museum piece. They stayed relevant on the charts long after their peers had faded to the county fair circuit.
Fact-Checking the Rumors
You’ll see a lot of weird info online about who is actually in the band. Let's clear some of it up.
- Is Donnie Van Zant coming back? No. As much as fans want it, his health won't allow for the rigors of a full tour. He’s enjoying retirement.
- Did they ever actually have three drummers? No, that’s a myth. They famously used two (Grondin and Brookins) during their peak years, which was plenty loud enough.
- Is the band a "legacy act"? Technically, yes, since they haven't released a full album of new material in a while, but they tour more than almost any other band from their era. They are road warriors in the truest sense.
What to Expect If You See Them Today
If you're heading out to see the current members of 38 Special, don't expect a sleepy nostalgia trip. Barnes still has the pipes. It’s actually kind of annoying how well he’s kept his voice. Most singers from 1974 are struggling to hit the mid-notes, but he’s still reaching for those high harmonies in "If I’d Been the One."
The show is a lean, mean hit machine. They know what you're there for. You're there for "Teacher Teacher," "Rockin’ Into the Night," and "Wild-Eyed Southern Boys."
The takeaway for fans:
The lineup has changed, but the mission hasn't. It’s about that specific blend of Muscle Shoals soul, Jacksonville grit, and British Invasion melody. Whether it’s 1978 or 2026, the band stays true to that "Special" recipe.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the official tour dates: Don't rely on third-party ticket sites; the band’s official page is the only way to ensure you're seeing the real lineup and not a tribute scam.
- Listen to the "Live at Sturgis" album: If you want to hear how the modern lineup (with Bobby Capps and Gary Moffatt) handles the classics, this is the gold standard.
- Explore the "Special Forces" deep cuts: Everyone knows the hits, but songs like "Back on the Track" show the technical prowess of the original members that often gets overshadowed by their pop success.
- Follow Don Barnes on social media: He’s surprisingly active and often shares behind-the-scenes looks at life on the road, which gives you a great sense of the band's current chemistry.