The Stray Cats have canceled their 2025 tour due to singer and guitarist Brian Setzer’s “serious illness.” The “Rock This Town” band announced the tour’s cancellation on Tuesday, just days after having to call off the first two dates, which were scheduled to kick off on Saturday in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
Setzer shared his feelings in a statement, saying, “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 cross-country tour was originally planned to include 21 dates, concluding on November 23 in Wheatland, Calif.
Stray Cats fans quickly expressed their support and well wishes for Setzer in the comment sections. One fan wrote, “Hope you get well soon @briansetzer59! Please take care of yourself, your health is first! Don’t worry about us, we will support no matter what!” Another user echoed, “Get well soon @briansetzer59 Wishing y’all nothing but the best.”
Other fans assured Setzer they were behind him during this difficult time. One commented, “Stay strong, Brian we’re all with you! This is just a rain check!” Another added, “We will miss seeing you but the MOST important thing is you get well and take care of yourself. When you are ready, we will be here!!”
Setzer had previously announced on social media in February that he could no longer play guitar after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. He noticed his hands “were cramping up” during last year’s tour, which prompted further medical evaluation.
Through treatment at the Mayo Clinic, Setzer revealed in the subsequent months that he had seen progressive improvements. In August, the Stray Cats announced a fall tour featuring Setzer alongside his fellow bandmates, bassist Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom.
Despite his health struggles, Setzer remained optimistic at the time of his original diagnosis. He assured fans, “I know I will beat this, it will just take some time.” He signed off his message with, “I love you all, Brian.”
https://popculture.com/music/news/devastated-classic-rock-group-cancels-2025-tour-due-to-serious-illness/
