Stray Cats Cancel 2025 Tour as Brian Setzer Faces ‘Serious Illness’

Rockabilly legends the Stray Cats have canceled their entire 2025 tour following news that frontman Brian Setzer is battling what the band has described as a “serious illness.” The trio, known for hits like “Rock This Town” and “Stray Cat Strut”, had been scheduled to kick off their first major tour in years on Oct. 25 in Michigan, but the opening night was abruptly canceled, followed by the remaining dates.

Setzer, 66, shared an emotional message on Instagram announcing the cancellation and expressing regret to the band’s longtime supporters: “I know this affects so many people and I am devastated to have to deliver this news,” Setzer wrote. “I’ve been trying to do everything I can to go on and do this show, but it is just not possible. I’ve been looking forward so much to being on stage with my bandmates again and playing for all of our amazing fans, and I’m gutted.”

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

Setzer has previously been open about his health challenges. Earlier this year, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that affected his ability to play guitar; “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 at the time. “I know I will beat this, it will just take some time.”

It remains unclear whether Setzer’s current illness is related to the same autoimmune condition, but the announcement has raised concerns among fans who were eager to see the iconic guitarist return to the stage.

The tour cancellation comes just as the Stray Cats had begun to experience a creative resurgence. Earlier this month, the band released “Stampede” and “Teenage Heaven,” their first new tracks in six years.

“Jim and I cut both songs in Minneapolis at Terrarium Studios,” Setzer shared on the group’s website. “‘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.”

Fans had hailed the releases as a return to form for the band that helped define the modern rockabilly sound.

Formed in 1979 by Setzer, Lee Rocker, and Slim Jim Phantom, the Stray Cats brought a rockabilly revival to the MTV era, fusing vintage 1950s swagger with punk-era attitude. Their 1980s hits made them international stars, while Setzer’s virtuosic guitar work and pompadour style became synonymous with the genre’s rebirth.

The group’s last full-length studio album, 40, was released in 2019 to celebrate their 40th anniversary. They followed it with a successful 2024 summer tour, marking their first extended run together in several years.

While the band’s immediate plans remain uncertain, fans have flooded social media with well-wishes and memories from past concerts. Many hope this is only a temporary setback for the beloved guitarist and that the Cats will eventually return to the stage once Setzer recovers.

The Stray Cats’ latest singles, “Stampede” and “Teenage Heaven,” are available now on streaming platforms, a reminder of the band’s enduring spirit, even as their leader faces a difficult road ahead.