The Runarounds Bring Their TV-Born Teenage Dream to Life at The Soundwell
- Feb 2
- 2 min read
Friday night at Soundwell felt like an adventure wrapped inside a nostalgic teenage dream. Fans packed the venue to catch The Runarounds, the Amazon Prime pop-rock breakout sensation, bringing their high-energy sound all the way from Wilmington, North Carolina, for their first-ever headlining show in Salt Lake City.
The Runarounds made their performance debut on the hit teen Netflix series Outer Banks, but their story was never meant to end there. Behind the scenes, creator, director, and producer Jonas Pate was already laying the groundwork for something bigger for the band, crafting a deliberate path to launch the group beyond Outer Banks and into their own central storyline.
That vision came to full fruition in September 2025 with the premiere of Amazon Prime’s The Runarounds, a scripted series inspired by the band’s real-life talent, re-imagined as fictional characters. The show follows the group through a pivotal summer after high school graduation as they relentlessly pursue musical success. The new series thrives on high stakes and wild adventures, carrying the weight of everything on the line.
For anyone skeptical of a garage band, pre-adult soap opera based on young, aspiring musical heartthrobs, don't turn your head too quickly. The Runarounds waste no time proving they are far beyond a surface-level concept. Onstage and on screen, they’re charismatic, individually gifted, and unmistakably animated performers. Their chemistry is pronounced, energy contagious, and their ability to stand out comfortably exceeds initial expectations.
The Runarounds live presence reveals a group that spent time honing in on their craft. The bandmates act as young musicians who play with an undeniable sense of showmanship. It is ever-present that their momentum is built on substance and passion, not just storyline.
Watching the crowd sing along to every word was one of the night’s undeniable highlights. Each song seemed to carry its own meaning to fans, as if they weren’t just hearing the music but experiencing their own personal journey behind it.
The Runarounds gave a taste of everything from Cellophane, Minivan, Sophia, Shoelaces, and their notable cover hits Are You Gonna Be My Girl by Jet and Amy Winehouse’s famous Valerie. The night was perfectly paired with opening act Back Alley, who set the tone for an energetic, dance-filled, unforgettable evening. The Runarounds are an act we hope to see over and over again in Salt Lake City.
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