The Stray Cats Cancel U.S. Fall Tour Due to Brian Setzer’s ‘Serious Illness’

The entire fall US tour by The Stray Cats has been canceled due to a serious health issue affecting guitarist and lead vocalist Brian Setzer. In a personal statement, Setzer conveyed his profound disappointment, revealing that a major illness has made it impossible for him to perform. "I am completely devastated to share this news, knowing how many people it affects," he said. "We explored every option, but going ahead with the concerts is just not possible. I was incredibly excited to get back on stage with the band for our amazing fans, and this is a crushing outcome."

This announcement follows a previous health update from Setzer, who shared on social media that an autoimmune disorder impacting his hands has left him unable to play guitar. He first became aware of the problem—a cramping feeling—as the group’s last tour was concluding. Setzer described the sensation as akin to "wearing gloves" when attempting to play, clarifying that while there is no physical pain, the condition has stripped him of his technical facility. This development deals a heavy blow to the rockabilly community, where Setzer’s innovative guitar style has been a cornerstone for over forty years. As Dr. Anya Sharma, a neurologist specializing in musicians' health, commented, "Autoimmune conditions affecting fine motor control can be particularly challenging for instrumentalists, often requiring extensive and unpredictable recovery periods."

The tour was scheduled to commence recently, but the initial performances in Michigan and Illinois were canceled without warning. The extensive routing would have taken the band nationwide through late November, with stops in major hubs including Las Vegas and Cincinnati, and was supposed to finish with a final concert in Wheatland, California, on September 23. Refunds for all tickets will be processed automatically at the original point of sale.

This cancellation is especially disheartening given the band's history of intermittent activity. The Stray Cats—comprising Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker, and Slim Jim Phantom—formed in 1979 and spearheaded the 1980s rockabilly resurgence with timeless hits like "Stray Cat Strut." Following a split in the 1990s, the trio has reunited for various projects, most recently in the late 2010s to release "40," their first album of new material in 26 years. They marked their 40th anniversary with a tour in 2019 and performed again last summer, making this new cancellation a significant interruption in their sporadic but cherished comebacks.