[PICS] .38 Special Review From Batavia Downs

Spotty weather didn’t damper what was the biggest show of the year for Batavia Downs. 38 Special made their back around after a sold-out show in 2022. That feat was nearly matched again but fell short probably due to the uncertainty of the weather.

Nevertheless, the weather ended up holding up and the band was back to deliver a solid performance. .38 Special takes me back to the early MTV days when “Caught Up in You” and Hold on Loosely” were staples on rotation. In all my years of covering shows, I believe this to be the 1st time I have taken in seeing the band live. So, you can say I was eager to see what they would bring to the table.

The band took the stage at 8 pm and kicked into “Rockin’ Into the Night.” Probably the most appropriate song the band would open up with. Led by original member Don Barnes, the band continued the momentum with a few more hits in “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys” and “Back Where You Belong.” I forgot the amount of hits the band has had throughout its 45-plus-year career. They also had a few hits that were used in movies like “Back to Paradise,” which was used in ‘Revenge of the Nerds Part II’ soundtrack. Also, “Teacher, Teacher” was used in the 1984 film, ‘Teachers.” Both songs were played and got a great audience reaction. Speaking of movie soundtrack songs, guitarist Jerry Riggs took lead vocals on a song called “Radar Radar,” which was used on the ‘Heavy Metal’ soundtrack. For “Fantasy Girl,” keyboardist Bobby Capps and bassist Barry Dunaway came to the forefront of the stage to help with the vocals on the song. Capps handled lead vocals on “Gonna Have a Good Time Tonight.” It showed the overall versatility of the band members. 38 Special ended their set with another barrage of hits that included the songs I wanted to hear the most in, “Caught Up In You” and “Hold on Loosely.” They ended their set with a cool cover of the Creedence Clearwater song “Travelin’ Band.”

I have to say I was impressed by the vocals of Barnes, it seems he hasn’t lost much (or anything at all really) on his range and delivery. The band sounded tight on all fronts too. I was glad I finally got to see them and frankly, it was long overdue. Check out the band when they come to your town, you won’t be disappointed.

Setlist:

Rockin’ Into the Night

Wild-Eyed Southern Boys

Back Where You Belong

The Sound of Your Voice

Back to Paradise

Honky Tonk Dancer

Rough-Housin

Teacher, Teacher

You Keep Runnin’ Away

Somebody Like You

Second Chance