Southern rock legends 38 Special have dropped their latest single, “Slightly Controversial,” featuring Train frontman Pat Monahan, on August 15, 2025. This track marks the second single from their upcoming album Milestone, set for release on September 19, 2025, celebrating the band’s 50th anniversary and their first new music in over 20 years.
Slightly Controversial
Listen to Slightly Controversial on Spotify. Song · 38 Special, Train · 2025
“Slightly Controversial” is a high-energy, guitar-driven anthem that blends 38 Special’s signature southern rock sound with a modern edge. The song, co-written by frontman Don Barnes, keyboardist Bobby Capps, and R. Wilson, tells the story of a mysterious woman who keeps people guessing for her own emotional protection. Barnes shares, “This song is wrapped around a mystery woman who’s been through a few things in her life. She wants to keep people talking about her every move.” Monahan’s powerful vocals complement Barnes, creating a dynamic duet that elevates the track’s intensity. Monahan, a longtime fan, said, “It’s a great honor to sing on a track from one of my favorite bands.”
The collaboration came about after Barnes heard Monahan’s cover of 38 Special’s classic “Hold On Loosely” with Joe Bonamassa. Impressed, Barnes reached out, and the two quickly bonded, laying the groundwork for future co-writes. The single is accompanied by an official lyric video, amplifying its bold, anthemic vibe.
Milestone promises to bridge 38 Special’s classic sound with a fresh approach, featuring additional collaborations with Randy Bachman and longtime songwriting partner Jim Peterik. Fans can stream “Slightly Controversial” now and pre-order Milestone ahead of its release. With their relentless touring schedule and this new music, 38 Special proves they’re still a force in rock.
2025-2026 Tour Dates
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Aug 15, 2025: Brown County Fairgrounds, Aberdeen, SD (with Uncle Kracker)
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Aug 16, 2025: Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, WI (Free entry)
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Aug 22, 2025: Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, VT (with Loverboy)
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Aug 24, 2025: The Theater at MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD (with Kansas, Jefferson Starship, The Outlaws)
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Sep 5, 2025: Spokane Live at Spokane Tribe Casino, Airway Heights, WA
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Sep 6, 2025: Chinook Winds Casino, Lincoln City, OR
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Sep 8, 2025: Grandstand at Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup, WA
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Sep 13, 2025: Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds, Helena, MT
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Sep 16, 2025: Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA
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Sep 18, 2025: Pechanga Resort Casino, Temecula, CA
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Sep 19, 2025: Spotlight 29 Casino, Coachella, CA
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Sep 20, 2025: The Event at Graton Resort & Casino, Rohnert Park, CA
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Sep 21, 2025: Hard Rock Live Sacramento, Wheatland, CA
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Sep 26, 2025: Azura Amphitheater, Bonner Springs, KS (with Kansas)
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Sep 27, 2025: Fabulous Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO (with Kansas, Jefferson Starship)
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Oct 3, 2025: Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, Shipshewana, IN
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Oct 4, 2025: Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, IL
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Oct 10, 2025: Belcher Center, Longview, TX
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Oct 12, 2025: Barton Coliseum, Little Rock, AR
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Oct 16, 2025: State Theatre, New Brunswick, NJ
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Oct 17, 2025: Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA
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Oct 18, 2025: Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Charles Town, WV
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Nov 7, 2025: Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, Bowling Green, KY
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Nov 13, 2025: Tuacahn Center for the Arts, Ivins, UT
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Nov 14, 2025: Gila River Resorts & Casinos, Chandler, AZ
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Nov 15, 2025: Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino, Santa Fe, NM
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Feb 11, 2026: Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, TN
Tickets are available through TicketNetwork, use code LITEHOUSE for 20% off!
With their relentless touring schedule and this new music, 38 Special proves they’re still a force in rock.
