Instagram<\/a>. \u201cI know this affects so many people, and I am devastated to have to deliver this news. I\u2019ve been trying everything I can to go on and do these shows, but it is just not possible. I\u2019ve been looking forward so much to being on stage with my band mates again and playing for all of our amazing fans, and I\u2019m gutted.\u201d<\/p>\nFans were quick to offer their support.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYour well-being is the most important thing!\u201d one fan commented. \u201cYou\u2019ve given a lifetime of music to us! We got you!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease take care of yourself, your health is first!\u201d another wrote. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about us, we will support no matter what!\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Setzer revealed he had been diagnosed with an\u00a0autoimmune disease.<\/p>\nThe\u00a0Stray Cats\u00a0have canceled their U.S. tour due to frontman Brian Setzer\u2019s ongoing health issues.\u00a0 Tom Sweeney\/TNS via ZUMA Press Wire \/ Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSetzer rose to fame in the 1980s with his band, The Stray Cats, playing\u00a01950s-inspired rockabilly. HUGO MARIE\/EPA-EFE \/ Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIn a post to Instagram, Setzer shared close-up pictures of his hands playing guitar, explaining, \u201cTowards the end of the last Stray Cats tour I noticed that my hands were cramping up. I\u2019ve since discovered that I have an auto-immune disease. I cannot\u00a0play guitar.\u201d<\/p>\n
He continued, \u201cThere is no pain, but it feels like I am wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play. 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\u2019t even do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Setzer thanked the Mayo Clinic for working with him on treatment, writing, \u201cLuckily, I have the best hospital in the world down the block from me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know I will beat this, it will just take some time. I love you all,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n\u201cI\u2019m heartbroken to share, due to serious illness, I am unable to perform and very regrettably have to cancel our Stray Cats tour,\u201d Setzer, 66, said in a statement posted on\u00a0Instagram. Instagram\/straycatsmusic<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBrian Setzer is playing guitar while Slim Jim Phantom plays drums during a \u201cStray Cats\u201d performance. Richard Young \/ Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSetzer rose to fame in the 1980s with his band, The Stray Cats, playing\u00a01950s-inspired rockabilly. <\/p>\n
After the group disbanded in 1984, Setzer went solo and later formed the Brian Setzer Orchestra in the 1990s, a 17-piece big band ensemble.<\/p>\n
Setzer has regularly toured over the years, completing a run of shows last summer, and last released a solo album in 2023, \u201cThe Devil Always Collects.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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