Copyright TODAY
The Stray Cats have announced they are canceling their fall tour because of frontman and guitarist Brian Setzer’s health. “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, 66, said in a statement posted on the rockabilly band’s Instagram page that was also shared by Setzer and bandmate Lee Rocker. “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 statement also said “refunds will be available at the point of purchase,” while tour dates have been removed from the band’s website. The announcement follows a statement Setzer shared in February of this year, in which he revealed he had an unspecified autoimmune disease. “Towards the end of the last Stray Cats tour I noticed that my hands were cramping up,” the Grammy winner wrote on Instagram. “I’ve since discovered that I have an auto-immune disease. I cannot 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. 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.” In March, he posted an encouraging update on Instagram. “I just want to let you all know that I’m getting better day by day. The progress I’m making is excellent!” he wrote, in part. The Stray Cats are made up of Setzer, bassist Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom. The trio has recorded such hits as “Stray Cat Strut,” Rock This Town” and “(She’s) Sexy & 17.”
