Hold On Loosely

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track Hold On Loosely by .38 Special from their 1981 album Wild-Eyed Southern Boys, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, a southern rock anthem, has a fascinating backstory. Co-written by .38 Special's Don Barnes and Jeff Carlisi with Survivor's Jim Peterik, the song's title came from a phrase Barnes heard on a Dinah Shore talk show, where a guest discussed giving space in relationships. Peterik, in a 2004 Songfacts interview, shared that the song was born during a spontaneous kitchen table jam session in La Grange, Illinois, with Barnes and Carlisi. The opening riff, inspired by The Cars' eighth-note style, and the bridge, influenced by The Doobie Brothers, gave it a unique blend of influences. Peterik noted the song caused tension within Survivor, as his collaboration with .38 Special preceded Survivor's first hit, highlighting the competitive rock scene of the time.

Another layer of trivia comes from fan interpretations. Some listeners, as noted in Songfacts comments, humorously speculated the song's chorus could be about masturbation, though the lyrics clearly focus on relationship dynamics, urging to "hold on loosely, but don't let go." The song's cultural impact was amplified by its early MTV exposure, being the 13th video played on the channel's launch day in 1981, as mentioned in a 2021 Velvet Thunder interview with Jeff Carlisi. This timing helped propel Hold On Loosely to #27 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its status as a classic rock staple. The song's relatable message and catchy hooks continue to resonate, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew's eclectic vibe.

.38 Special got their start in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1974, rooted in the southern rock tradition. Founded by Donnie Van Zant, younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant, and Don Barnes, the band blended gritty southern storytelling with commercial rock sensibilities. Their early years were marked by relentless gigging, as Carlisi recalled in the Velvet Thunder interview, often requiring a bus to haul their six-piece lineup, including dual drummers Steve Brookins and Jack Grondin. Their first two albums, released in 1977 and 1978 via A&M Records, sold modestly, but 1979's Rockin' Into The Night broke through with a Top 40 single. The 1981 release of Wild-Eyed Southern Boys, produced by Rodney Mills and featuring Jim Peterik's songwriting, marked a shift toward stadium rock, with hits like Hold On Loosely and Fantasy Girl pushing them into multi-platinum territory.

Fans can connect with .38 Special through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, throwback photos, and music clips. The band's official website, 38special.com, offers tour dates, merch, and band history. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The .38 Special Fans Facebook group is a hub for enthusiasts to discuss concerts, share memorabilia, and celebrate the band's legacy. Another fan site, 38special.nl, provides detailed discographies and album art, perfect for collectors. These platforms keep the southern rock spirit alive, much like the Zoo Crew's vinyl-spinning sessions.