Hittin’ And Runnin’

Alright, Zoo Freaks, it’s your favorite hippie DJs from The Zoo Crew, spinning some righteous vinyl for you on THE ZOO radio station! We’re cranking up “Hittin’ And Runnin’” by .38 Special from their killer 1981 album, Wild-Eyed Southern Boys. This track’s got that Southern rock swagger, but did you know it almost didn’t make the same splash as their monster hit “Hold On Loosely”? According to a 2021 interview with guitarist Jeff Carlisi on Velvet Thunder, the band was riding high after “Hold On Loosely” became one of the first songs played on MTV’s launch day in 1981. “Hittin’ And Runnin’” was a deeper cut, but fans loved its raw energy, with lyrics about a fleeting romance that Carlisi said captured the band’s “rebel spirit.” Fun fact: some fans on .38 Special Fans Facebook Group swear the song’s gritty vibe was inspired by the band’s early days dodging trouble in Jacksonville dive bars!

Now, let’s talk about that song’s place on Wild-Eyed Southern Boys. The album was a turning point, blending Southern rock with a slicker AOR sound, thanks to co-writes with Survivor’s Jim Peterik. In a Ultimate Classic Rock feature, Don Barnes, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, called the album a “send-up” of the Southern rock label they were boxed into. “Hittin’ And Runnin’” stands out for its bluesy riffs and tale of a love-’em-and-leave-’em attitude, which one fan on .38 Special’s X account described as “the ultimate road trip anthem for heartbreakers.” There’s also a bit of mystery—some Zoo Freaks on the .38 Special Fan Club site claim the song’s protagonist was based on a real-life groupie the band met on tour, though Donnie Van Zant’s never confirmed it. Spin that tale at your next juke joint, Freaks!

So, how did .38 Special get their start? Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, the band formed in 1974, born out of the gritty Southern rock scene. Fronted by Donnie Van Zant, the younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant, they carved their own path with a mix of blues, hard rock, and a touch of country soul. As noted on their official Facebook page, the band’s name came from a wild story: during an early rehearsal in a warehouse, cops showed up after noise complaints, and one officer shot a padlock off with a .38 Special revolver, inspiring the name. Early gigs were rough—think sweaty bars and endless touring with a six-piece lineup, including dual drummers Steve Brookins and Jack Grondin. By 1977, they landed a deal with A&M Records, dropping their self-titled debut, which started building their cult following, as detailed on their Instagram.

The road to Wild-Eyed Southern Boys wasn’t easy. Their first three albums, like 1979’s Rockin’ Into the Night, had modest success, but they were often overshadowed by Skynyrd comparisons. Don Barnes, who shares lead vocals with Donnie, told Kent Amplin Vocal Academy that the band “wanted to be more than just another Southern rock act.” Their breakthrough came with Jim Peterik’s songwriting, which gave them a radio-friendly edge without losing their roots. Today, .38 Special still tours, rocking stages with hits like “Caught Up in You.” Want more? Check their official website for tour dates, hit up their Facebook or Instagram for behind-the-scenes vibes, or join the .38 Special Fans Facebook Group to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks. You can also dive into fan stories at 38specialfanclub.com or follow their X account for the latest buzz. Keep it wild, Freaks!