The Debate Over Whether To Open Or Close With “Rock This Town”

April 1, 2025

The air was electric with anticipation as fans filled the stadium, their excitement buzzing through the crowd like a live wire. It was the summer of 1985, and the legendary band Stray Cats was getting ready for a concert that would be talked about for years to come. Yet, backstage, a different kind of energy was swirling—one of heated debate. Should the band open with their explosive hit “Rock This Town” or save it for the grand finale? The tension was palpable as the band members huddled together, weighing their options.

Brian Setzer, the lead singer and guitarist, loved the idea of starting the show with “Rock This Town.” The song, with its catchy rhythm and infectious energy, had become a signature anthem for the band. It perfectly captured the essence of their rockabilly style and had quickly climbed the charts since its release. Brian believed that opening with the song would set the tone for the night, igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm right from the first chord. “It’s like lighting a firecracker!” he argued, his voice filled with determination. “We need to get everyone on their feet and dancing right away!”

On the other hand, drummer Slim Jim Phantom had a different vision. He argued that saving “Rock This Town” for the end would create a climactic finish that would leave fans buzzing long after the last note. “We want to give them something to remember, something to walk away singing!” he exclaimed, emphasizing the powerful impact of ending on a high note. The debate raged on, with each member of the band weighing in with their thoughts, frustrations, and aspirations. The stakes felt high—this concert could be a defining moment for their careers.

Eventually, the band decided to go with their gut and open with “Rock This Town.” As the lights dimmed and the first notes rang out, the crowd erupted with joy, singing along with wild abandon. In that moment, all the uncertainty melted away. The energy surged through the audience, and Brian felt the power of their connection to the music. He saw faces of joy and excitement, and it filled him with a sense of purpose. This was why they had dedicated their lives to music; to create moments that resonated deep within the hearts of their fans.

The concert was a resounding success, and the decision to open with “Rock This Town” turned out to be the right one. The night ended with a standing ovation, and the band left the stage with a renewed sense of hope and determination. That performance helped catapult them into even greater heights within the music industry. They would go on to secure their place in rock history, and “Rock This Town” would remain a beloved anthem, echoing through generations of fans.

Looking back, Brian often reflected on that pivotal night. It wasn’t just about the song or the concert; it was a testament to the band’s resilience and passion for their art. They had faced doubts and disagreements, but ultimately, their love for music united them. Each time they played that song, they remembered not just the thrill of the performance, but also the lesson of following their instincts and the joy it brought to those who listened. In the world of music, they had learned, it’s not just the notes that matter—it’s the heart, the connection, and the stories that they create together.