Photojournalist: Sophia Bronwyn

Last Friday night, February 6, 2026, The Runarounds brought an electrifying blend of youthful alt-rock energy to the iconic First Avenue stage in Minneapolis. This five-piece band, consisting of Axel Ellis, Jesse Golliher, Jeremy Yun, William Lipton, and Zende Murdock, has been lighting up stages across the country, and their Minneapolis stop was no exception. 

From the moment The Runarounds launched into their opening song “Ghost,” it was clear the crowd was in for something special. Their sound struck a satisfying balance between punchy guitar-driven rock and anthemic pop hooks, a mix that feels both fresh and familiar. The band’s hooks hit hard and often, and songs about youth, friendship, and longing resonated with the packed room. 

Front to back, the performance was high-octane. Lead vocals cut through the driving rhythms with clarity and confidence, and every member seemed to feed off the crowd’s energy. Between songs, the band kept things loose and grateful, pausing to take in the sight of the sold-out First Ave, a milestone moment for any rising act. And in a venue with as much history as this one, that matters. You don’t just play First Avenue. You earn it. And Friday night felt like proof they belong on that stage.

One of the standout moments of the night came during “Arrhythmia (I Hope You Stay),” easily my favorite song of their set. Live, it hit even harder than expected. There’s something about the way the melody swells against the vulnerability of the lyrics that just lands, especially in a room that size with everyone singing along. It felt intimate and explosive at the same time, the kind of song that reminds you why you fell in love with a band in the first place. You could feel the shift in the crowd: phones in the air, voices louder, a shared moment that didn’t feel manufactured.

And that’s the thing about this band: there’s something refreshing and genuinely new about them. In a scene that can sometimes feel recycled or algorithm-built, The Runarounds feel organic. Earnest. Like they’re still discovering their own sound in real time and inviting you along for it. It doesn’t feel overpolished. It feels alive.

By the end of the set, the cheers and applause were as enthusiastic as any First Avenue crowd I’ve seen in recent memory, a testament to the band’s growth and connection with fans. If this night was any indication, The Runarounds are poised to keep making noise well beyond this tour. 

Bottom Line: Energetic, engaging, and undeniably fun, The Runarounds at First Avenue delivered a memorable rock show that felt just as much like a celebration as a performance. The Runarounds’ tour continues through June. You can find tour dates, tickets, and the trailer for their show on their website.

Watch all of Season One of The Runarounds on Amazon Prime Video.

photos by Sophia Bronwyn