The iconic rockabilly trio, The Stray Cats, have canceled their highly anticipated 2025 tour due to a serious illness affecting frontman Brian Setzer, reigniting concerns about his ongoing health battles following an auto-immune disease diagnosis earlier this year.
Fans of the legendary 80s rockabilly band The Stray Cats are facing profound disappointment as the group has been forced to cancel their entire 2025 tour. The abrupt cancellation, announced on Tuesday, October 28, stems from a serious illness affecting the band’s charismatic singer-guitarist, Brian Setzer, rendering him “unable to perform.”
A Heartbreaking Announcement for Fans and Bandmates
The 21-date tour, which was initially set to kick off on Saturday, October 25, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, had already seen its first two dates canceled before the full announcement. Setzer, known for his distinctive guitar prowess and as the frontman of The Brian Setzer Orchestra, expressed his deep regret in a statement.
“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,” Setzer shared in an official statement via Parade.
The tour was slated to conclude on November 23 in Wheatland, California, and refunds for all purchased tickets are available at the original points of purchase.
An Outpouring of Support from Fellow Musicians and the Community
Following the initial cancellation of the opening dates, fans and peers flooded social media with messages of encouragement and sympathy. The collective concern highlights the deep respect and affection held for Setzer within the music community.
Prominent figures from various bands, including former Textones frontwoman Carla Olson and Go-Go’s guitarist Jane Wiedlin, shared their well wishes. The alternative band Garbage and Japanese guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei also expressed their support, with Hotei specifically urging Setzer to prioritize his health:
- “Hang in there Brian 🎶🌴❤️” — Carla Olson
- “Feel better Brian!” — Jane Wiedlin
- “Sending so much love to you. ❤️🔥” — Garbage
- “Please, take care and don’t push yourself too hard. Put the future of you and your bandmates first, and give your heart and body the rest they need. We’ll always be on your side, and waiting is never a burden for us. I just hope you can be free from any pain and suffering, even a little.” — Tomoyasu Hotei
Brian Setzer’s Ongoing Health Journey
This latest setback follows a challenging period for Setzer earlier in the year. In February, the musician publicly revealed a diagnosis of an auto-immune disease that initially prevented him from playing guitar. This news sent ripples of concern through his fanbase, given his central role in The Stray Cats and The Brian Setzer Orchestra.
However, there was hope for recovery. After undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic, Setzer shared encouraging updates in March and April, indicating significant progress. His dedication to recovery was so promising that The Stray Cats—comprised of Setzer, bassist Lee Rocker, and drummer Slim Jim Phantom—felt confident enough to announce the now-canceled fall tour in August. Setzer’s March post on his official Facebook detailed his journey and renewed hope for playing again, as seen on Brian Setzer’s Facebook page.
At present, it remains unclear whether Setzer’s current serious illness is directly connected to the auto-immune disease he disclosed previously. The band has not provided further details, focusing instead on the immediate necessity for his rest and recovery.
New Music, Unfulfilled Tour: A Bittersweet Moment
Adding a bittersweet note to the cancellation is the fact that The Stray Cats had just released two new songs last week. “Stampede” and a cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Teenage Heaven” marked the trio’s first new music in six years, building considerable excitement among fans eagerly anticipating the tour.
Setzer commented on the new recordings, stating, “Jim and I cut both songs in Minneapolis at Terrarium Studios. ‘Stampede’ was an instrumental that I wrote lyrics for. I basically copied the guitar part, which was pretty ahead of its time to begin with, and ‘Teenage Heaven’ is one of the few Eddie Cochran songs that has not been covered to death.”
The release of fresh material just prior to the tour’s cancellation underscores the band’s continued creative energy and the unfortunate timing of Setzer’s health relapse. While the tour is off, these new tracks offer a glimpse into the ongoing vitality of The Stray Cats‘ sound, providing fans with new content to enjoy while Setzer focuses on regaining his health.
The entire onlytrustedinfo.com community extends its deepest wishes for a full and swift recovery to Brian Setzer. The resilience of The Stray Cats through decades of music has cemented their place in rock history, and fans worldwide eagerly await the day Setzer can safely return to the stage.
