You’re at a county fair or a mid-sized theater, and the opening chords of "Hold On Loosely" start ripping through the PA system. The energy is there. The guitar tone is unmistakable. But you look up at the stage and realize something: there aren't many familiar faces from those 1980s MTV videos left.
It’s a weird thing with legacy bands. We want them to stay frozen in amber, but life—and four decades of touring—doesn’t work that way. Honestly, if you haven't checked the roster lately, the current members of 38 Special might surprise you. They aren't just a "tribute" act with one original guy; they’re a hardened unit that has, in some cases, been together longer than the original lineup that made them famous.
The Last Man Standing: Don Barnes
Don Barnes is the engine. Period. While many casual fans associate the "Van Zant" name with the band, it’s Barnes who has been the primary voice behind hits like "Caught Up in You" and "If I'd Been the One." He’s the only original member still on the tour bus.
There was a brief period in the late '80s where he stepped away to try the solo thing, but he came back in 1992 and never looked back. Seeing him on stage in 2026 is actually kind of wild. The guy is well into his 70s, but his voice still hits those high notes without sounding like he's straining through a tin can. He’s often joked in interviews that the secret to his longevity is just staying active—though he did mention to Tru Rock Revival that he moves around more on stage now just to keep his back from stiffening up.
It’s a funny image: a rock legend shimmying not for the "show," but for the lumbar support.
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The Modern Lineup: More Than Just "Replacements"
When people talk about the current members of 38 Special, they often overlook the "new" guys. But here’s the kicker—most of these "new" guys have been in the band for 20 or 30 years. That’s longer than most modern bands even stay together.
Bobby Capps (Keyboards & Vocals)
Bobby joined in 1991. If you’ve seen the band live in the last three decades, you’ve heard him take over lead vocals on "Second Chance." He’s got that soulful, slightly smoother edge that balances out Barnes’ rock grit. He’s also a powerhouse behind the scenes, co-owning Rivergate Studios in Tennessee.
Gary Moffatt (Drums)
Gary has been the "monster" behind the kit since 1997. He replaced several drummers from the early '90s era and brought a heavy, progressive rock influence to the Southern rock swing. He’s known for doing extended solos that actually keep the audience's attention—a rare feat in 2026.
Barry Dunaway (Bass)
Barry is a journeyman in the best way possible. He officially took over the bass slot around 2014 after the legendary Larry Junstrom had to retire due to health issues. Before 38 Special, Barry played with everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Pat Travers. He brings a technical precision that keeps the bottom end incredibly tight.
Jerry Riggs (Guitar)
The most recent addition is Jerry Riggs. He’s a virtuoso who joined the fold to fill the massive shoes of Danny Chauncey (who had been with the band since 1987). Riggs has his own history as a frontman and a session player, and his chemistry with Barnes during those twin-guitar harmonies is what keeps the "Southern Rock" label authentic.
Why Donnie Van Zant Isn't There
This is the big one. This is what everyone asks at the merch table. "Where's Donnie?"
Donnie Van Zant, brother of the late Ronnie (Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Johnny, was the co-founder and the heart of the band's wilder side. He officially stopped touring around 2013. It wasn't some big "creative differences" blowout or a legal fight. It was biology.
Donnie suffers from inner ear issues (specifically related to Meniere's Disease) and nerve damage that made the high-decibel environment of a rock stage dangerous for him. He still writes, he still communicates with Barnes constantly—Don calls him his "brother from another mother"—but he just can't be under the lights anymore.
The 2025-2026 "Milestone" Era
Surprisingly, the band didn't just stop at playing the hits. In late 2025, they released Milestone, their first studio album in over two decades. It was a huge deal for the current members of 38 Special because it proved they weren't just a nostalgia act.
The album featured collaborations with people like Pat Monahan from Train and Jim Peterik (the guy who co-wrote "Hold On Loosely" and "Eye of the Tiger"). It actually hit the Top 10 on various rock charts, which is almost unheard of for a band celebrating its 50th anniversary. It’s got that classic AOR (Album Oriented Rock) feel but with 2026 production values.
What to Expect If You See Them Now
If you’re heading out to a show this year, don't expect a sleepy performance. They still do the "Wild Eyed Southern Boys" routine with a lot of volume.
- The Vocals: Don Barnes still carries the heavy lifting, and he sounds remarkably similar to the records.
- The Setlist: It’s hit-heavy. They know why you paid for the ticket. "Caught Up in You," "Rockin' into the Night," and "Back Where You Belong" are locks.
- The Vibe: It’s more "professional" now. Less of the 1970s Jacksonville bar-fight energy and more of a precision-tuned musical machine.
Putting It Into Perspective
Is it "really" 38 Special without Donnie Van Zant or Jeff Carlisi? Some purists say no. But when you have a lineup that has stayed largely intact for 30 years, you’ve earned the name.
The current version of the band is arguably more technically proficient than the original six-piece from 1975. They’ve survived the death of bassists, the retirement of founders, and the total collapse of the traditional music industry.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to hear the new material, check out the Milestone album on streaming platforms—it's the best way to hear what the current lineup sounds like in a controlled studio environment. Also, keep an eye on their official tour schedule; they are currently middle-deep in their 50th Anniversary Tour, hitting a mix of theaters and festivals through the end of 2026.
Check your local listings for "An Evening with 38 Special" to see the Barnes-led lineup in person. It’s worth the ticket price just to hear those opening chords of "Fantasy Girl" played by the guys who have been keeping the flame alive since the Clinton administration.