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

The Stray Cats have announced the cancellation of their fall United States tour, citing member Brian Setzer‘s “serious illness.”

In a statement, Setzer explained, “I’m heartbroken to share, due to serious illness, I am unable to perform and very regrettably have to cancel our Stray Cats tour. 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.”

Earlier this year, Setzer revealed that he could not play the guitar due to an autoimmune disorder that affected his hands. “Towards the end of the last Stray Cats tour I noticed that my hands were cramping up,” he wrote on social media. “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.”

The Stray Cats were scheduled to kick off their fall tour this past weekend, but canceled the opening two dates in Michigan and Illinois. The group was slated to tour the States through the end of November, with planned stops in Las Vegas, Cincinnati and Wheatland, CA, where they were set to conclude the trek on Sept. 23. Refunds are available at the point of purchase.

The rockabilly band, consisting of Setzer, Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom, initially formed in 1979, releasing a string of albums in the 1980s and ’90s. Over the years, the members parted ways and reunited several times, most recently reforming in the late 2010s to release “40,” their first album in 25 years. The Stray Cats toured in 2019 to honor their 40th anniversary, and last year toured during the summer.