A curious Steven Van Zandt received quite the shock along with his results from a recent DNA test. By 1987, Don Barnes had decided to leave the band to go out on his own. Why did Donnie Van Zant leave 38 Special? Because they got busy and were going in different directions and stuff, and there wasnt much rhyme or reason to it. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). --- As many of you already know, Donnie Van Zant has not been able to join the band's performances for the past 6 months. [9], In 2014 longtime bassist Larry Junstrom was replaced by Barry Dunaway (a veteran of many classic rock outfits, including Pat Travers Band, Yngwie Malmsteen and Survivor). 'Caught Up In You': A Soft Rock Delicacy From 38 Special Lowell Fulson, Saturday at B.L.U.E.S. Don Barnes of 38 Special. In accordance with his doctor's strict orders and due to health issues related to inner-ear nerve damage, he will not be able to join 38 Special onstage in the foreseeable future. The Legends of Southern Rock Series. Donnie is an avid fan of Jackson Jaguars a football franchise from his hometown of Jacksonville. When Junstrom (Born June 22, 1949) made the fateful decision to leave Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band he joined early on and pass on to his eventual successor Leon Wilkeson, the choice likely saved his life. "We were more into country and blues influences in the beginning, but around the time of the third album we sort of re-evaluated things. Childhood Jacksonville Home of Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special Singers, Now But slicker production, English lyrics and occasional flashes of pop catchiness on the album and this groundbreaking American headline tour make him more likely than most to succeed with U.S. audiences. We went on the radio afterwards and explained to everybody what happened. Are there any original members of 38 Special? He was in a chartered plane along with five members of his band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. "Our sound has definitely changed," Carlisi said. He can play piano and drums, apart from guitar. And that was the first day we met Jim. "Ronnie's meanness, they all have it," remembers Jeff Carlisi, a neighbour of the Van Zants, and bandmate of Ronnie's younger brother, Donnie Van Zant, in .38 Special. Not something Id highly recommend. So by all this I mean, if the sun shines on you, be happy. With those kinds of numbers, fans might not want to miss this rare visit. His younger brother, Jhonny, is now the lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd. However, they again took a break after 2001. . There was my place on stage, my microphone, my amps and we just picked it up from there, getting the old magic back again. With fellow founding members Donnie Van Zant and Jeff Carlisi exiting the band in 2013 and 1997 respectively, Barnes remains the sole original member in .38 Special. Its then, Barnes offers what he says is new insight on what makes 38 Special songs, well, special. Van Zant was buried in Orange Park, Florida, in 1977, but .