Stray Cats Forced to Cancel Tour Dates Due to Unexpected Setback

Rockabilly legends the Stray Cats have announced the cancellation of their entire fall tour after frontman and guitarist Brian Setzer revealed he is battling a “serious illness.”

“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 onstage with my bandmates again and playing for all of our amazing fans, and I’m gutted.”

The announcement comes shortly after the group canceled its first two scheduled shows on Oct. 25 and 26. A concert in Louisville had been planned for the following Tuesday before the full tour was officially called off.

Refunds for all affected dates will be available at the original point of purchase, according to the band’s press release.

New Music Cut Short by Health Setback

The cancellation arrived just as the Stray Cats had returned with their first new music in five years. The band released two songs — “Stampede” and “Teenage Heaven” — to coincide with the start of the tour, which was slated to kick off in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

The now-canceled tour had been scheduled to run through Nov. 23, wrapping up in Wheatland, California, with additional stops planned in Cincinnati, Kansas City, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

Setzer’s Health Struggles

While neither Setzer nor the band has specified the exact nature of the illness prompting the cancellation, the musician has previously spoken about developing an autoimmune disorder that interfered with his ability to play guitar.

“Towards the end of the last Stray Cats tour, I noticed that my hands were cramping up,” Setzer revealed earlier this year. “I’ve since discovered that I have an autoimmune 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,” he explained. “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.”

Though disappointing for fans, the decision underscores the seriousness of Setzer’s condition. For now, the Stray Cats’ long-awaited return to the stage will have to wait — but their frontman remains optimistic about his recovery and eventual comeback.

October 25 – Mount Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
October 26 – Rockford, IL – Hard Rock Casino
October 28 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
October 29 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
October 31 – Columbus, OH – Mershon Auditorium
November 1 – Gary, IN – Hard Rock Casino
November 2 – Northfield, OH – MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage
November 4 – Morristown, NJ – Mayo Performing Arts Center
November 5 – Westbury, NY – Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
November 7 – Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods Resort Casino
November 8 – Verona, NY – The Event Center at Turning Stone Resort Casino
November 9 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
November 11 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre
November 13 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
November 15 – Albuquerque, NM – Route 66 Casino Hotel – Legends Theater
November 16 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre
November 18 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
November 19 – Las Vegas, NV – The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
November 20 – TBA – TBA
November 22 – Santa Rosa, CA – Ruth Finley Person Theater
November 23 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino