38 special strength in numbers tour

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How .38 Special Reached a Chapter’s End on ‘Strength in Numbers’

.38 Special evolved beyond their Southern rock roots to achieve mainstream success in the early '80s, and the hits kept coming in as the decade wore on. Unfortunately, exhaustion and creative differences were also starting to set in.

Fans had no way of knowing it, but the group's first incarnation was nearing the end of a chapter with its seventh studio album, Strength in Numbers . In the decade since releasing their debut, the band members had worked at a feverish pace, releasing nearly an album a year while racking up countless road miles along the way. The radio-friendly overhaul .38 Special had given their sound with 1981's Wild-Eyed Southern Boys yielded immediate commercial dividends, but the changes didn't come without difficulties.

The band's biggest problem was arguably simply keeping up with the demands of the marketplace — continuing to churn out new albums every year or two while keeping busy on the road. They'd always been open to covers and co-writers, but with Strength in Numbers , it was more apparent than ever that .38 Special were looking for outside help to stay on the charts. A number of the album's tracks boasted three, four or even five credited writers — and each song included contributions from at least one songwriter outside the band.

Using professional songwriting ringers wasn't anything new for .38 Special: They'd turned to Survivor co-founder Jim Peterik for help with their first few hit singles. But the Strength in Numbers liner notes belied a literal approach to the album's title, in terms of writing as well as recording.

Producer Keith Olsen enlisted a number of session vets to bolster the band's sound, including Toto bassist Mike Porcaro and Heart drummer Denny Carmassi, and frequent co-writers included lyricist John Bettis and Bryan Adams collaborator Jim Vallance.

Watch .38 Special's Video for 'Like No Other Night'

The result was a record perfectly in keeping with the mainstream rock sound of the era — and once again, sales followed accordingly. Released in April 1986, Strength in Numbers gave .38 Special their fourth consecutive Top 40 LP, and added another gold record to their stack of RIAA certifications. The album also included a trio of rock Top 40 singles in "Heart's on Fire," "Somebody Like You" and "Like No Other Night" — the latter of which also hit No. 14 on the pop chart.

Yet while they racked up the hits, it was getting harder to ignore how far .38 Special had come from where they started — and not necessarily in a good way. Donnie Van Zant was arguably the most audible example of the evolution, as his singing and writing contributions steadily dwindled during the '80s. Don Barnes, the creative driving force behind many of their biggest singles, was now taking a bigger share of the spotlight.

As it turned out, Strength in Numbers would be the last full-length LP recorded by this version of the group. Barnes, along with second drummer Steve Brookins, departed the band the following year, and 1987's "Back to Paradise" — a soundtrack cut recorded for Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise — served as the final .38 Special song Barnes would sing on for a decade.

When the band returned for 1988's Rock and Roll Strategy , it would be with a revamped lineup that included singing keyboardist Max Carl contributing in Barnes' place.

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38 Special: Discography

Ride the storm.

“Over two decades ago, with years of success as lead singer and guitarist with 38 Special, I was given an opportunity by A&M Records to create a side solo project as an artist. A&M suggested putting several top-rated musicians in the studio with me and I would write and co-produce the project. I set about co-writing songs and was honored to have some of the industry’s top musicians join me in the recording.

All of these players were extraordinary talents in the music business; the great Jeff Porcaro along with his brother Mike, respectively the drummer and bassist from the band Toto - and the best 'bottom-end foundation’ for any session - came on board to help forge a great rock record.

We also had the masterful veteran drummer Denny Carmassi from the band Heart, noted session keyboardist and composer Alan Pasqua from the band Giant on keyboards...along with another music titan, virtuoso guitarist and now-producer Dann Huff, all of whom brought such excellence and talent to the sessions that I just can't find enough words of praise and appreciation for them.

Additionally, I was privileged to work and collaborate with two extremely talented producers - Martin Briley and Brian Foraker - both of whom brought a wealth of experience and cool vibe to our sessions. We had always felt that the combination of these powerhouse players together created a very special album, a unique ‘rock classic.' Many who have heard the album say that description still remains true today.

Unfortunately, unexpected situations arose in the record business at that time and corporate transitions got in the way of the release date. The album was finished, mixed, and ready to go, but what started out as a great rock record turned into a series of disappointing twists and turns. Just as it was ready to be released, A&M Records was sold through a huge global acquisition and the company changed hands several times over the years. The new company and staff had their own difficulties getting accustomed to the transition and my project was put aside without a release date. My solo album became one of those music stories of a great rock record that started in one direction but had corporate business dealings move it to some other outcome. 

I'm proud to finally present my solo album, complete with extras like the 3 additional recordings in demo form left off of the original group of songs, along with a second full CD of alternate mixes. 

We had a great time recording these big, explosive songs, all presented here with newly re-mastered technology. You’ll hear the intensity and spirit of the songwriting, the excellence and power of talented players, and the absolute force we delivered on the recordings. 

This album and these songs made it through a rough storm and they rock stronger than ever today. Turn it up and enjoy a great ride.”

- Don Barnes, May 2017.

Live From Texas

For LIVE FROM TEXAS, 38 Special carried their digital recording equipment on tour, playing to massive, enthusiastic crowds across Texas. The classic songs shine in an enhanced live fashion with the band finally able to deliver the live 38 Special concert experience.

• Something I Need
• Hurts Like Love
• Haley's Got a Harley
• Make Some Sense of It
• The Squeeze
• Bad Looks Good on You
• Trooper With an Attitude
• Hiding from Yourself
• Sheriff's County Line

A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night

Live at sturgis.

• Fade To Blue
• Just Can't Leave You Alone
• Deja Voodoo
• Find My Way Back
• Changed By Love
• After The Fire Is Gone
• Miracle Man
• Homeless Guitar
• Saving Grace
• She Loves To Talk
• Shatter The Silence

Bone Against Steel

Rock & roll strategy, flashback: best of, strength in numbers, tour de force, special forces, wild-eyed southern boys, rockin' into the night, special delivery.

Strength in Numbers (38 Special album)

1986 studio album by 38 special / from wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, dear wikiwand ai, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:.

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Strength in Numbers is the seventh studio album by the southern rock band 38 Special , released in 1986 . This album was the last one to feature the founding member and co-frontman Don Barnes , until he rejoined the band in 1992.

Strength in Numbers

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Strength In Numbers

January 1, 1986 10 Songs, 39 minutes ℗ 1986 UMG Recordings, Inc.

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• All setlist songs  ( 1869 )

Years on tour

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Show all tours

• 2011 Simple Man Cruise  ( 5 )
• 38 Special  ( 28 )
• Bone Against Steel  ( 16 )
• Can't Stop Rockin'  ( 47 )
• Ghost Riders  ( 1 )
• Gods & Guns World Tour  ( 31 )
• Rock & Roll Strategy  ( 19 )
• Rockin' into the Night  ( 60 )
• Rowdy Frynds Tour 2007  ( 1 )
• Southern Spirit Tour  ( 25 )
• Special Delivery  ( 7 )
• Special Forces  ( 74 )
• Strength in Numbers  ( 73 )
• The Last Rebel  ( 1 )
• Tour De Force  ( 64 )
• Vicious Cycle Tour  ( 1 )
• Volunteer Jam 2001  ( 3 )
• Wild Southern Nights  ( 1 )
• Wild-Eyed Southern Boys  ( 83 )
• Avg Setlist
• Concert Map

Average setlist for tour: Strength in Numbers

Note: only considered 6 of 73 setlists (ignored empty and strikingly short setlists)

• Rough-Housin' Play Video
• Take 'Em Out Play Video
• Back on the Track Play Video
• Once in a Lifetime Play Video
• Stone Cold Believer Play Video
• You Keep Runnin' Away Play Video
• Wild-Eyed Southern Boys Play Video
• Like No Other Night Play Video
• Chain Lightnin' Play Video
• Against the Night Play Video
• Teacher, Teacher Play Video
• Somebody Like You Play Video
• Back Where You Belong Play Video
• Twentieth Century Fox Play Video
• Caught Up in You Play Video
• I Been a Mover Play Video
• Rockin' Into the Night Play Video
• Hold On Loosely Play Video
• Travelin' Band ( Creedence Clearwater Revival  cover) Play Video

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