The Stray Cats have canceled their entire fall reunion tour after frontman Brian Setzer revealed he is suffering from a “serious illness.” The rockabilly band announced Tuesday that all remaining concert dates have been scrapped, just days after initially postponing the first two shows.
The decision affects more than two dozen performances, including several in New York, where the group was set to play in Westbury, Verona, and Port Chester next month.
“I’m heartbroken to share that, 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 on stage with my band mates again and playing for all of our amazing fans, and I’m gutted.”
Refunds will be issued at the point of purchase for all canceled dates, including the Nov. 8 show at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. That performance would have marked the Stray Cats’ first Upstate New York appearance since 2024, when they reunited after a five-year hiatus for a show at the Artpark Outdoor Amphitheater in Lewiston.
The now-canceled fall tour was to be the second leg of their U.S. reunion run. Setzer, 66, did not specify the nature of his illness in the latest announcement. However, earlier this year, he revealed he had been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that affected his ability to play guitar.
“There is no pain, but it feels like I am wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play,” Setzer explained in February. “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.”
The Stray Cats — featuring Setzer on guitar, Lee Rocker on upright bass, and Slim Jim Phantom on drums — rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as “Rock This Town,” “Stray Cat Strut,” and “(She’s) Sexy + 17.”
Fans flooded social media with messages of support. “I’m sad, but you need to take care of yourself first,” one wrote. “Hope you are better and ready to rock this town soon.” Another added, “Get well, Brian Setzer, your health is more important! Your fans will be ready when you are.”
