Brian Setzer’s Diagnosis
Brian Setzer, the iconic frontman of the “Stray Cats,” has revealed that he has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, which has unfortunately left him unable to play the guitar.
Announcement on Instagram
The renowned singer and guitarist, who is also known for leading the Big Band Revivalists, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, shared the news via an Instagram post at the beginning of this month.
“I just wanted to check with all of you,” he wrote on February 13. “At the end of the last round with the ‘Stray Cats,’ I noticed that my hands were narrowing. Since then, I have learned that I have an autoimmune disease. I can’t play the guitar.”
“There is no pain, but it feels like I’m wearing a couple of gloves when I try to play,” he added. “I’ve seen some progress; I can hold a pen and tie my shoes. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I was at a point where I couldn’t even do that. Luckily, I have the best hospital in the world just a quarter mile from me. It’s called the Mayo Clinic. I know that I will overcome this; it will just take some time.”
Formed in 1979 in Massapequa, New York, the Stray Cats features Roker on bass and Slim Jim Phantom on drums. Their music had deep roots in 1950s rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly, and they played a pivotal role in reviving the latter style in the early 1980s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbayj1h9vi0
They are best known for their hits “Stray Cat Strut,” “Sexy + 17,” and “Rock This Town.” Although they disbanded in 1984, the band has reunited several times across the decades, being together again since 2018. Their latest studio album, “40,” was released in 2019.
The Brian Setzer Orchestra was established in 1992, revitalizing the Big Band sound in the 90s. Their breakout album, ‘The Dirty Boogie,’ released in 1998, featured a full horn section and combined the energy of rock ‘n’ roll with the grand style of Big Band music.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/stray-cats-brian-setzer-reveals-autoimmune-disease-has-left-him-unable-to-play-guitar-3840463?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stray-cats-brian-setzer-reveals-autoimmune-disease-has-left-him-unable-to-play-guitar
