By Mike McKenney, Rock At Night New England
Venue: Twin River Casino, Lincoln, Rhode Island-Saturday April 20, 2019
From the opening notes of “Rockin Into the Night”, rock and roll mainstay .38 Special had the sold out Twin River audience on their feet and in the palm of their hands.
After more than four decades, 38 Special can still rock their hallmark brand of Southern Rock, playing all their signature hits to their enthusiastic fans. With so many recognizable songs from their Gold and Platinum selling albums, 38 Special kept the crowd dancing and singing in the aisles all night.
As with most bands that started in the 70’s, 38 Special has had their share of personnel changes over the years with Don Barnes remaining as the only original member, (although even Barnes was absent from the band from 87’ till 92’).
In addition to Barnes (guitar/vocals), this current lineup consists of Bobby Capps (keyboard/vocals), Gary Moffatt (drums,) Barry Dunaway (base), and Jerry Riggs (guitar) all playing to their strengths and keeping the music honest.
Powerhouse hits “Back Where You Belong”, “Teacher Teacher”, and “Fantasy Girl” invoke the early MTV days where 38 Special videos where prominently played. Keeping things fresh, 38 Special mixed in a few covers, “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day” (Chicago), “Good Times” (Easy Beats), and “Travelin’ Band” (CCR) were all well received and an honest to goodness drum solo by “Monster” drummer Gary Moffatt brought a roar from the crowd.
A tight band that play loose, Don Barnes along Jerry Riggs’s scorching guitar, proved an emblematic staple of Southern rock. The fantastic keyboardist, Bobby Capps, proved to be a great vocalist as well singing “Second Chance”.
Energetic, hard rocking, and full songs we still want to hear, 38 Special is still a damn good band, and a great show to experience!
38 Special Setlist:
Rockin’ Into The Night
Rough Housin
Back Where You Belong
Wild-Eyed Southern Boys
Back To Paradise
Sound Of Your Voice
Somebody Like You
Honky Tonk Dancer
Teacher Teacher
You Keep Runnin’ Away
Second Chance
Like No Other Night
Feelin’ Stronger Every Day (Chicago Cover)
Ride The Storm
If I’d Been The One
Fantasy Girl
Good Times (Easy Beats Cover )
Trooper With An Attitude
Drum Solo
Caught Up In You
[Encore]
Chain Lighting
Hold On Loosely
Travelin’ Band (CCR Cover)
PHOTO GALLERY
Mike McKenney is an award winning professional photographer and current New England Correspondent for Rock At Night magazine.
With his years of experience and passion for Concert Photography, Mike has photographed many of the famous acts in the world today.
Rock Icons such as Sting, Peter Gabriel, Dave Matthews, and Fleetwood Mac along with Country artist Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney,and Jason Aldean have all appeared before Mike’s camera.
"My goal is always to present the experience truthfully so fans can feel the energy and emotions the Artists convey. It’s a tremendous honor and responsibility to be allowed to create art while blending my two passions, music and photography”
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