But there has been another sad loss for the melodic world – long time 38 Special bassist LARRY “L.J.” JUNSTROM.
The band posted this tribute:
“The Big Man on the Big Bass has left us.
He rocked arenas all over the world and succeeded in living his dream.
He was truly one of a kind, a congenial traveling companion and a great friend to all with a humorous slant on life that always kept our spirits high - a kind man with a big heart for everyone who crossed his path. There will never be another like him.
We are sending our devoted love, strength and comfort to his wife Thania and Larry’s family. We will miss our friend and partner.
Larry “L.J.” Junstrom
1949 – 2019.”
Longtime 38 Special band collaborator Jim Peterik also left a heartfelt message:
“The rock world lost a giant with the passing of Larry "LJ" Jungstrom, the original and long standing bass man of 38 Special. Larry added his bass signature to their amazing song catalogue in the 80's including all their biggest hits.
He had a style that added that authentic Southern swagger to every track. As the co-writer of many of their hits in the early 80's I would always look forward to hearing the final recording once it was finished. I especially loved LJ's “walking” bass at the outro to "Hold On Loosely." He didn’t much care if the technique was in or out of style- as long as it felt right.
His Southern wisdom was priceless.
“Jim, I just don’t get that one line you wrote in "Fantasy Girl" -- what’s a "Mind’s Eye" anyway? Is that like a brain’s eye?" I had to chuckle. Was he putting me on? Guess I’ll never know. But LJ was a classic and the bass foundation of the 38 Special sound. He will be missed by all that knew him, personally and through his music.
Jim Peterik.”
RIP Larry.
