Donnie Van Zant - guitar, vocals; Don Barnes - guitar, vocals; Jeff Carlisi - guitar; Larry Johnstrom - bass; Jack Grondin - drums; Steve Brookins - drums
.38 Special were at the peak of their popularity when they recorded this show for the King Biscuit Flower Hour. Following a format that blended Southern rock with a rock-tinged country sound, the band had carved a niche´ spot on FM play lists that embraced a well-polished production value.
Opening with the rockin' original "Take Em Out," .38 Special presents a solid show that is high on musicality as this specific lineup had been together for over five years. One listen and it shows that the band members were seasoned road warriors by this point.
Recorded in Long Island, NY, a stronghold for the band for many years, the group blasted its way through a solid set of best known songs. Carlisi introduces Van Zant as "the hardest working man in show business," which James Brown would've obviously taken exception to. Still, both Van Zant and Barnes deliver unmistakably powerful performances, especially on such up-tempo rockers as "Rough Housin'," "Stone Cold Believer," and the radio favorite, "Caught Up In You."
After the mid-80s, it seemed as though .38 Special had run its course as chart toppers. The band dropped in popularity and subsequently failed to recapture its early '80s hit-making magic. In spite of that, they have remained a solid current touring act.
Other highlights of this show include "Wild Eyed Southern Boys," "Hold On Loosely," and the anathematic rock standard, "Rockin' Into the Night."