Stray Cats Cancel 21-City U.S. Tour Over Setzer Illness

The Stray Cats canceled their entire 2025 fall 21-city U.S. tour after frontman Brian Setzer, 66, said he is unable to perform due to a serious autoimmune illness that caused hand cramping and impaired his guitar playing. Ticket refunds are being issued at point of purchase and will be processed according to vendor policies. The trek — the band’s first since last summer — included stops at Westbury, Columbus (Mershon Auditorium), Foxwoods, Phoenix and multiple California dates. The announcement came days after the trio released two new studio tracks, the original “Stampede” and a cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Teenage Heaven,” their first studio recordings since 2019. Setzer had sought treatment, including care at the Mayo Clinic, and had reported making progress, but two shows had already been postponed before the full cancellation. The band said it is prioritizing Setzer’s recovery.