Wild Eyed Southern Boys

Cheap tickets, 80s hits, and a good dose of Southern Rock that did not include confederate flags: WIN!

Even the tickets are nostalgic: paper!

.38 Special were hit a hit machine back in the day. Pretty much Journey or REO Speedwagon with a southern drawl that went mainstream. This is another case of a "band" that really boils down to one guy. Don Barnes was and still is the signer, songwriter, guitar player, frontman, only one that really matters in this outfit, and he's still there doin his thing. And he somehow sounds better than ever. Usually bands like this tune down their instruments to make the high notes a little easier for the singer to hit. But Barnes actually sounds like he sings in a higher register now. Very unusual, but good.

I mean, c'mon. I know, I've said this before, but So. Many. Hits!

Jenny's hands in the air (like she just don't care).

Like Styx, REO & Journey, .38 Special is a repeat going forward. Whenever they're in town: 👍

Ok, so where .38 Special is just The Don Barnes Band and that's fine, the situation with Kansas is a little more... iffy. Yes, they're also down to just one original. But, it's not the main guy. Or the second most main guy. Or arguably even the third.

Rich Williams (far left, in the shadows, barely mobile, barely noticeable) and the fill ins that carry the Kansas banner these days.

Very similar to the Foreigner situation from last year (ZERO original members, complete cover band), Kansas calling this their 50th anniversary tour feels pretty disingenuous.

Having said that... they were good. So 🤷

Surprisingly good actually! We had a great time with whoever these guys are, and came away with two thoughts: 1. I had no idea early Kansas was so musically prog rock, and 2. they sound just like Styx. (I mean, like, if you're a Styx fan who wishes they would make another album, just become a Kansas fan and you're all set.)

Only a handful we knew, but alot we enjoyed.

Also of note... While taking in the show, Jenny & I both vaguely remembered seeing Kansas in concert before. Knowing that there's no way we'd have ever paid for it though, I did some research. I think this was it: Kansas @ Dallas Alley, July 27, 1992. It was part of a free outdoor concert series outside West End Marketplace put on by KZPS. And if my memory is correct, it was the sight of the infamous "Someone is grabbing my butt!" incident. (better told than written, ask if ya wanna know)