From an unmistakable chemistry at a casting call to live gigs before their streaming series debut, The Runarounds arrived at Irving Plaza as a band whose success has been built both on screen and on stage.
What began as an open call for a television feature brought these five musicians together. It did not take long for Axel Ellis, William Lipton, Jeremy Yun, Jesse Golliher, and Zendé Murdock to realize their chemistry extended beyond the screen. After playing smaller gigs, a studio cast them as the main attraction on the big screen once again.
The Runarounds show, starring the band members playing a fictional version of themselves, follows a group of recent high school graduates as they chase stardom. After the September 2025 premiere, audiences fell in love with a fictional band that doubled as a real one. Not long after, the group announced tour dates, giving fans the chance to see their favorite TV band step off the screen and onto a stage of their own with The Minivan Tour.
By 10 am on Wednesday, fans were already lined up outside Irving Plaza in Manhattan. One group saw the Boston show, then traveled to New York by 11 a.m. to secure their spot. Devoted viewers of the series and longtime supporters who know the members from other projects make up the bulk of their fanbase. Ellis is also the frontman of Ax and the Hatchetmen, while Lipton has built an acting career alongside music.
Opening the night was Atlanta-based singer, songwriter, and producer Aestrea. Making her New York debut, she floated onto the stage bathed in deep blues and purples, twirling in a polka dot dress and flower-shaped sunglasses. Her sound was all things ethereal, dreamy, and spacey. She performed fan favorites “Prey” and “Siren Song,” along with a dreamy cover of “Space Song” by Beach House.
As anticipation built for The Runarounds, a familiar face appeared on the balcony. Series producer Jonas Pate waved down at concertgoers, prompting immediate chants of “Season 2.” But when the lights dimmed, and the glowing neon “The Runarounds” sign illuminated the stage, the focus shifted. From the first chord, the crowd sang every word. “Beautiful Stranger” and “Hope You’ll Stay” turned the venue into one large sing-along. Lipton paused to tell the crowd, “New York, you sound beautiful.” The band even debuted an unreleased track titled “Bleachers.”
It’s not every day your favorite television band steps off the screen and onto a sold-out stage. But if the chants to the balcony were any indication, this band’s story is just getting started.
I’m a Brooklyn based photographer originally from Texas. I found a love for photography when I was in High School and was able to take classes in college to further my skills. I love the outdoors, hiking, reading, and finding new music. Some of my favorite artists are The Band Camino, Coldplay, RHCP, and Phoebe Bridgers.
