Copyright syracuse.com
A rock band has canceled all of its fall reunion tour dates due to “serious illness.” The Stray Cats announced Tuesday that the rest of its concert schedule is being scrapped due to lead singer-guitarist Brian Setzer’s health issues. The group initially axed just the first two shows, then pulled out of two dozen other shows including a Central New York stop. “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 said in a statement. “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.” Refunds will be available at the point of purchase for all canceled shows, including a concert that was scheduled for Nov. 8 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The Stray Cats also had New York dates booked Nov. 5 in Westbury, N.Y., and Nov. 9 in Port Chester, N.Y. The Turning Stone stop would have been the Stray Cats’ first Upstate New York performance since 2024, when they reunited for the first time in five years to play the Artpark Outdoor Amphitheater in Lewiston. The scrapped fall concerts would’ve been the second leg of the reunion tour in the U.S. 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. The Stray Cats are a rockabilly group 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.” The lineup features Setzer on guitar with Lee Rocker on upright bass and Slim Jim Phantom on drums. 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.” “I’m sad but you need to take care of yourself first. Hope you are better and ready to rock this town soon,” one fan wrote on Facebook. “So very sad to hear this. I have autoimmune too and arthritis in hands,” another said. “Keep working at it and take care of yourself. Hope to see you back on the Rooftop pier in NYC. Best concert I have seen. It is my top 3 of all time. And I have seen many!!” “Get better buddy! We’ll be here when you’re good to go! Cats got 9 lives!” joked Pittsburgh-based band Built for Speed. “Get well Brian Setzer, your health is more important! Your fans will be ready when you are!” a fan added.
