The Handwritten Setlist From 1970 That Just Read: “Let’S Play Like This Is The Last One”

April 1, 2025

In the summer of 1970, a small, dimly lit club in San Francisco buzzed with excitement. The air was thick with anticipation as the crowd gathered to hear a band that had been gaining popularity for their raw, energetic sound. At the heart of this band was a charismatic lead singer named Jack, whose voice was both powerful and soulful. The night was special. It was just another gig, but for Jack and his bandmates, it felt different. They could sense that something magical was about to happen.

Hours before showtime, Jack scribbled a setlist on a crumpled piece of paper. It was just a few words, but they carried a heavy weight: “Let’s play like this is the last one.” These words were not just a reminder to give their all; they encapsulated the essence of rock and roll—living in the moment and pouring every ounce of emotion into the music. Jack knew that every performance could be their last, and he wanted to remind his band to leave everything on the stage. The thrill of being young and full of dreams filled the room as they rehearsed, laughter and tension blending into a hopeful symphony.

That night, with the stage lights glaring down, the atmosphere was electric. The audience swayed, eyes wide with expectation as the band launched into their first song. Jack poured every bit of his heart into the lyrics, his voice echoing off the walls like a passionate declaration. As each song followed, the crowd united, singing along and dancing as if they were all part of something greater. It was pure magic, a bonding experience that would last a lifetime for everyone in that room. Jack felt invincible; the music took over, and for those fleeting moments, nothing else mattered.

But the night did end, as all good things must. After the final chord rang out, the crowd erupted in cheers, but behind the applause, Jack felt a twinge of dread. What if they never got to play like that again? The next day, the band would head into the studio, and the pressures of fame and the music industry would begin to change everything. The handwritten setlist, now scribbled and rumpled, became a symbol of that unforgettable night—a reminder to always embrace the present.

Over the years, Jack held onto that piece of paper, a little crumpled and frayed at the edges, but it carried a tremendous weight. It inspired him through tough times—the long nights spent in studios and the struggles of navigating the music business. As the band faced challenges, that simple message reminded him of their roots and the pure joy of making music. It fueled his passion and pushed him to create songs that resonated with others, songs that spoke of resilience and hope.

In the decades that followed, Jack’s career soared, filled with both triumphs and tribulations. But he never forgot that night in San Francisco or the feeling of playing like it was their last show. The handwritten setlist served as a talisman, reminding him to approach each performance with the same fire and urgency as that fateful summer night. Jack learned that music, much like life, is fleeting, and it’s the love and passion that we pour into each moment that truly matters.