38 Special is set to unveil their highly anticipated first album in over two decades this upcoming summer, promising to captivate long-time fans and new listeners alike.

Milestone is scheduled for release on September 19 and signifies the Jacksonville, Florida-based Southern rock band’s first full studio album since the debut of Drivetrain in 2004. This exciting project marks a significant moment in the band’s storied history, which began in 1974.

Last year, the band joyfully celebrated its 50th anniversary; cofounder Don Barnes expressed that this forthcoming album is a blend of their musical roots and a bold step forward into the future of their sound.

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“This is a fresh, updated approach to the sound we’ve been passionately creating together for so long,” he articulated in a recent press release announcing the album. “Why not make a big statement after all these years of dedication to our craft?”

“When you’re reintroducing yourself to the world, ‘good enough’ simply doesn’t cut it anymore. If you’re going to do it, you might as well go big and make an impact.”

Be sure to check out the video for the first single from Milestone, the engaging midtempo track titled “All I Haven’t Said,” featured below.

The album showcases impressive guest performances and collaborations with notable artists such as Randy Bachman, Train’s Pat Monahan, and Jim Peterik, the renowned founder of Survivor and the producer behind 38 Special’s latest album. Peterik has a long-standing partnership with the band, having co-written their iconic 1980 hit, “Rockin’ Into the Night.”

Discover the Latest Updates on 38 Special’s Journey

38 Special was founded in 1974 by Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant, who is the younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant. The band reached its commercial zenith in 1982 with the Top 10 hit “Caught Up in You,” and later in 1989, they achieved further success with “Second Chance,” which peaked at No. 6.

Their celebrated 1982 album, Special Forces, successfully entered the Top 10. Over the years, the band has released a total of twelve albums, including a festive holiday album, until the arrival of Drivetrain in 2004, with Peterik contributing to eight of that album’s twelve tracks.

Since the release of Drivetrain, 38 Special has remained an active live band, performing alongside legendary acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd, REO Speedwagon, and Styx. In 2013, Van Zant departed from the band due to health concerns, leaving Barnes as the sole surviving original member. Van Zant later released an album with his brother, Johnny Van Zant, titled Always Look Up in November 2024.

“Some of the ‘new’ members have been part of this family for over 30 years, and they are my brothers, too,” remarked Barnes. “We’ve forged our mission from sheer stamina and fortitude — and after all this time together, we’ve come to understand that if we’re going to pursue something, we should do so with great intensity and strive to achieve our utmost potential.”

“That’s precisely why we dedicated ourselves so thoroughly to Milestone. It pays homage to our rich history. Each song is diverse in its essence. We have powerful, in-your-face rock anthems and reflective moments that weave together seamlessly. It’s a thrilling journey.”

Recently, 38 Special has been touring as part of an exciting joint venture with Kansas and Jefferson Starship.

“We’ve heard people say, ‘Oh, those guys are still around?'” Barnes shared with a smile. “We continue to perform in 100 cities each year, bringing a vibrant, high-energy party to our audiences every time we hit the stage. We don’t take shortcuts; we give our all and continually elevate our performances.”