Stray Cats And The Time Brian Setzer Wrote A Riff While Waiting For Laundry To Finish

April 2, 2025

Brian Setzer had always loved music, but on that rainy Thursday afternoon, he found himself sitting in a laundromat, waiting for his clothes to dry. The air smelled faintly of detergent, and the whirring machines created a rhythm that stirred something deep inside him. He was just an ordinary guy, but his passion for music had already taken him on an incredible journey. He had played with the Stray Cats, a band that had brought rockabilly back to life in the early 80s, and now he was at a crossroads, wondering how to keep that fire alive.

As he waited, Brian started tapping his foot to the sound of the spinning machines. It was like an unsung melody trying to break free, and he couldn’t help but hum a tune. Suddenly, a flicker of inspiration struck him. He rummaged through his worn-out backpack and pulled out his old guitar, a cherished companion that had seen many late-night jams and early morning practices. The laundromat was empty except for a few impatient customers waiting for their clothes. They cast curious glances at him, but Brian was lost in his own world. He began to play a catchy riff, letting the fingers of his right hand dance over the strings.

The sound was electric—a fusion of rock and roll with a hint of blues, a sound that could only be described as uniquely his. The notes soared around him, swirling through the air like the steam from the dryer vents. Each pluck of the string felt like a step forward, a reminder that creativity could come from the unlikeliest of places. Brian’s heart raced as he composed his new riff, feeling the energy of the music pulse through him. In that moment, the worries of the world faded away; all that mattered was the music.

When the laundry finally finished, Brian packed up his guitar, but the riff stayed with him. He rushed home, excitement bubbling in his chest. That afternoon’s creation transformed into the basis of a new song, one that would eventually be a highlight of his solo career. It reminded him that even in the most mundane situations, inspiration lurked nearby, waiting to be discovered. It wasn’t just about the notes he played; it was about resilience, the unwavering belief that music could change everything.

Years later, as he played that very song to a packed crowd, Brian recalled that laundromat moment with a smile. It was a testament to his journey, a reminder that creativity doesn’t wait for the perfect moment—it finds you when you least expect it. He shared his story on stage, letting his fans know that every riff, every chord, every beat was a product of determination and passion. The crowd cheered, and for a fleeting second, everyone felt the rush of inspiration that had stirred inside him that rainy day.

Brian Setzer became more than just a rockabilly star; he became a symbol of resilience and the magic of music. His unforgettable riff was not only a turning point in his career but also a lesson in believing in oneself, no matter how ordinary – or extraordinary – life may seem. And deep down, he knew that it was in the simple moments, like waiting for laundry to dry, that the greatest ideas could be born.