Copyright syracuse.com
A reunited rock band has canceled its first U.S. tour dates this fall due to “serious illness.” The Stray Cats scrapped performances scheduled for Oct. 25 in Michigan and Oct. 26 in Illinois after lead singer-guitarist Brian Setzer said he got sick. “I’m heartbroken to share, due to serious illness, I am unable to perform,” Setzer wrote in a statement. “I know this affects so many people and I am devastated to have to deliver this news. I’ve been trying to do everything I can to go on and do this show, but it is just not possible. I’ve been looking forward so much to being on stage with my bandmates again and playing for all of our amazing fans, and I’m gutted.” Fans can get refunds at the point of purchase. Setzer, 66, did not elaborate on his health issues. Earlier this year, he said he had been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that made him unable to play guitar. “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,” Setzer said in February. “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.” Stray Cats are next scheduled to perform Tuesday night in Louisville, Kentucky. Upcoming tour dates include multiple shows in New York state: Nov. 5 in Westbury, N.Y.; Nov. 8 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.; and Nov. 9 in Port Chester, N.Y. Tickets for the Turning Stone Event Center concert are still available via Ticketmaster starting at $40.50. Fans can also find tickets through Vivid Seats, StubHub and Seat Geek. Setzer reunited with original Stray Cats bandmates Lee Rocker (upright bass, vocals) and Slim Jim Phantom (drums, vocals) in 2024 for their first tour in five years. The rockabilly group is best known for ‘80s hits and fan favorites like “Stray Cat Strut,” “Rock This Town,” “Runaway Boys,” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” and “I Won’t Stand in Your Way.” Setzer is also known for his work as a solo artist and as the frontman for the ‘90s swing revival band, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, which won a Grammy Award for its 1998 cover of Louis Prima’s “Jump, Jive an’ Wail.”
