The Club Show Where A Broken String Led To The Riff For “Rock This Town”

April 1, 2025

The club was dimly lit, a small stage barely visible in the corner, but the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. It was 1981, and the place was packed with fans eager to hear the rockabilly sounds of The Stray Cats. The lead guitarist, Brian Setzer, was feeling the jitters that always came before a show. He took a deep breath, his heart racing as he glanced at his bandmates, Slim Jim Phantom on drums and Lee Rocker on bass. They were ready to rock, but little did they know, fate was about to throw them a curveball.

As the band kicked off their first song, the energy in the room surged. The crowd danced and cheered, completely absorbed in the music. But just a few minutes into the performance, disaster struck. With a loud twang, one of Brian’s guitar strings snapped, sending a shockwave of panic through him. The string flew up into the air like a firecracker, and for a brief moment, silence fell over the club. Brian’s heart sank; he could feel the eyes of the crowd on him, waiting for what would happen next.

In that moment of uncertainty, Brian took a deep breath and decided not to let the setback ruin the show. He quickly adjusted to the unexpected break, experimenting with the sound of his remaining strings. As he began to play a simple, yet catchy riff, something magical happened. The crowd, initially concerned, began to sway and clap along, feeding off his raw energy. With each note, he felt a spark of inspiration. What started as a moment of panic turned into an opportunity for creativity.

As the night wore on, Brian and his band turned that broken string into the backbone of something new. The catchy riff evolved into what would become their iconic song, “Rock This Town.” By the time they finished their set, the crowd was electrified, chanting for an encore. The band left the stage that night not just as performers, but as creators of a fresh sound that would define their career.

In the weeks and months that followed, “Rock This Town” shot up the charts, propelling The Stray Cats to fame. The song became an anthem of resilience and passion for music. Brian often reflected on that fateful night, sharing the story of the broken string with fans, emphasizing how sometimes, the best things come from unexpected moments.

The experience taught him that resilience is crucial in the world of art and music. No matter the obstacles faced, creativity and passion can transform any misfortune into a beautiful opportunity. The Stray Cats became a symbol of that belief, inspiring countless musicians to embrace the unexpected and continue chasing their dreams, no matter how dire the circumstances may seem. And every time Brian played “Rock This Town,” he was reminded that sometimes, a broken string can lead to something extraordinary.