The Hand-Drawn Setlists That Lee Rocker Kept In A Shoebox

April 1, 2025

Lee Rocker, the dynamic bass player of the legendary band the Stray Cats, had always been passionate about his music. Years of touring the world had left him with an impressive collection of memories, but one of the most cherished pieces was a simple shoebox filled with hand-drawn setlists. Each one told a story, capturing the essence of the live shows that had electrified audiences and defined his career. The vibrant colors of the markers he used to write the song titles were fading, just like some of the memories, but the emotions they held were as fresh as ever.

As a young man, Lee had always dreamed of being a musician. Growing up in Long Island, he loved the sounds of rockabilly and punk, feeling a deep connection to the rhythm and energy of the music. He often spent hours in front of the mirror, practicing his bass riffs and imagining himself performing on stage. The Stray Cats formed in the late 1970s, and soon, they were taking the world by storm with their upbeat tunes and charismatic performances. Lee poured his heart into every show, and after each concert, he would sit down with a piece of paper, sketching out the setlist for the night. It was more than just a list of songs; it was a celebration of the moment, a tangible reminder of the energy that filled the venue.

One night, after an unforgettable performance at a packed club in London, Lee found himself alone in the dressing room, the adrenaline still pulsing through his veins. The crowd had been wild, singing and dancing along to every note. He couldn’t wait to capture that energy on paper. With each stroke of the marker, he recalled the faces of the fans, their joy and excitement feeding his love for music. As he finished writing, he carefully folded the setlist and slipped it into the shoebox. It would join countless others, each one a testament to the connection he had forged with his audience.

But life wasn’t always easy for Lee. The music industry can be a rollercoaster, and as the years went by, the Stray Cats faced challenges that tested their bond. There were moments of doubt, times when they questioned whether they still had the passion that once fueled their music. Yet, every time Lee opened that shoebox, he was reminded of why he had started this journey in the first place. The setlists served as a beacon of hope, reminding him of all the lives they had touched through their music. Each one was a reminder that they had created something beautiful together, something that had the power to uplift and inspire.

As Lee Rocker continued to make music, he found strength in those memories. The shoebox became a symbol of resilience, representing the highs and lows of an artist’s life. Whenever he faced difficulties, he would pull out a setlist and reflect on the joy of performing, the thrill of connecting with fans, and the magic of creating something that could last a lifetime. The hand-drawn setlists reminded him that passion could overcome doubt and that every note played was a chance to inspire others.

Years later, as Lee reflects on his career, he knows that the shoebox holds more than just pieces of paper; it holds fragments of his heart and soul. Each setlist tells a story not only of songs played but of the love and dedication poured into his craft. Lee Rocker may have faced ups and downs, but through it all, his passion for music never wavered. It was that passion that not only built his career but also strengthened his spirit, turning every setback into a stepping stone. And every time he picks up his bass, he remembers the joy of the stage and the connection with fans that keeps him going.