The Stray Cats cancel U.S. tour months after Brian Setzer is diagnosed with autoimmune disease

by

While on tour with the Stray Cats last year, Brian Setzer first began experiencing symptoms that were later determined to be an autoimmune disorder.

Now, it seems that disorder may be keeping Setzer off the road.

The Stray Cats announced Tuesday that they’re canceling their U.S. tour this fall because guitarist Brian Setzer, 66, is dealing with a serious health issue. He was diagnosed with an illness months ago, and it’s currently unknown if this new problem is related.

Music

Brian Setzer, known for his work with the Stray Cats and his big-band orchestra, has announced he’s being treated for an autoimmune condition that’s making it difficult for him to perform music.

I’m heartbroken to share this news with everyone affected,” Setzer posted on X Tuesday. “I’ve done everything I could to try and perform the shows, but unfortunately, it’s just not feasible.

He shared how excited he was to perform with his band and for their incredible fans, but expressed deep disappointment that something had gone wrong.

The Stray Cats first canceled their concerts in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and Rockford, Illinois, and then called off the rest of their fall tour on Tuesday. Fans can get refunds from where they bought their tickets, and the band hasn’t announced any plans for future shows.

Music

British singer Lola Young has cancelled her future performances, explaining she needs to focus on her well-being after a recent onstage collapse at a show in New York.

In February, Setzer revealed he has an autoimmune disease that prevents him from playing guitar, though he says it isn’t painful.

He explained that playing felt difficult, like his hands were covered in gloves. The condition had also made simple daily activities, such as tying his shoes, challenging for a while.

The artist explained that his health was getting better thanks to the care he was receiving at the Mayo Clinic, which he called “the best hospital in the world” and noted was located nearby.

“I know I will beat this, it will just take some time,” he said. “I love you all.”

Entertainment & Arts

Rockabilly collections step well beyond ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ to find the music’s diverse voices.

The Stray Cats, originally formed in 1979 by Setzer, Lee Rocker, and Slim Jim Phantom, have broken up and gotten back together multiple times throughout the years. In 2019, the original members reunited to release “40,” an album celebrating their 40th anniversary and their first new release in 25 years.

The band released two new songs on Friday – an original track called “Stampede” and a cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Teenage Heaven.” According to the band’s website, the songs are energetic, loud, and clearly showcase The Stray Cats’ signature sound.

Jim and I recorded both songs at Terrarium Studios in Minneapolis,” Setzer explained in a statement. “‘Stampede’ started as an instrumental piece, and I later added lyrics. I essentially played the guitar part as it was originally written—it was quite innovative for its time. And ‘Teenage Heaven’ is a rare Eddie Cochran song that hasn’t been covered extensively by other artists.

Rocker explained that ‘Stampede’ captures the same energy as their debut album, while ‘Teenage Heaven’ is a beloved Eddie Cochran tune reimagined with the Stray Cats’ signature sound.

“The Cats are back and better than ever,” the bassist said.

Read More

2025-10-29 02:31