The Stray Cats announced disheartening news about their upcoming tour on Tuesday.
The 1980s band best known for hits such as “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town” have cancelled their remaining U.S. concert dates due to guitarist and lead vocalist Brian Setzer’s “serious illness,” sharing the decision in an Instagram announcement yesterday.
“The Stray Cats have cancelled their fall cross-country tour due to serious illness. Refunds will be available at the point of purchase,” the announcement read.
In his own statement just below the news, a “devastated” Setzer explained that his illness is the reason for the cancellation.
“I’m heartbroken to share, due to serious illness, I am unable to perform and very regrettably have to cancel our Stray Cats tour,” Setzer wrote. “I know this affects so many people and I am devastated to have to deliver this news. I’ve been trying everything I can to go on and do these shows, but it is just not possible. I’ve been looking forward so much to being on stage with my band mates again and playing for all of our amazing fans, and I’m gutted.”
The Stray Cats’ tour was supposed to kick off last Saturday in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, but the group canceled that show, plus the ensuing one on Sunday in Rockford, Illinois before scrapping the tour altogether.
The band last played to a live concert audience in August 2024.
A setback for the legendary Setzer
Setzer, 66, has been dealing with the effects of an autoimmune disease, a plight he revealed to fans earlier this year.
“Towards the end of the last Stray Cats tour, I noticed that my hands were cramping up. I’ve since discovered that I have an autoimmune disease. I cannot play guitar,” Setzer announced back in February.
“There is no pain, but it feels like I am wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play. I have seen some progress in that I can hold a pen and tie my shoes. I know this sounds ridiculous, but I was at a point where I couldn’t even do that. Luckily, I have the best hospital in the world down the block from me. It’s called the Mayo Clinic. I know I will beat this, it will just take some time.”
One month later, Setzer said he was “getting better day by day” and eventually shared footage of himself playing guitar in April. However, this latest piece of news indicates he is still battling with the disease.
