Posted on 02/25/2025 10:59:19 AM PST by Red Badger
“There is no pain, but it feels like I am wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play"
Brian Setzer, the frontman of Stray Cats, has revealed he has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that has left him unable to play guitar.
The singer and guitarist, also known for his time fronting the big band revivalists The Brian Setzer Orchestra, shared the news in a post on Instagram earlier this month.
“I just wanted to check in with you all,” he wrote on February 13. “Towards the end of the last Stray Cats tour I noticed that my hands were cramping up. I’ve since discovered that I have an auto-immune disease. I cannot play guitar.”
(Excerpt) Read more at nme.com ...
Damn... he was one of the greats. Made a lot of amazing music. We’ll see what he does next.
Well that’s most unfortunate.
I saw both acts live.
The Stray Cats were a fun rockabilly show, good in their style.
The big band show was most memorable. This was his Christmas show, which actually had little to nothing to do with Christmas, but the music... a big band show with a full complement of horns, all world class studio musicians... one will probably never see anything like it again. It was that good, except for having nothing to do with Christmas, honestly.
Godspeed, Brian Setzer. Maybe this would be a good time to get right with him.
“Stray Cat Strut” was one of the classics back in the day. Maybe he can get over this and play again?
Very sad. Like many other bands, the Stray Cats belong in the stupid RRHOF. Setzer did so much. So much that it’s incredible.
I’m glad Brian recorded for the last 45 years. We will always have his best. Thanks Brian.
Easily one of the first players I think of in the hollowbody guitar world.
The wife and I got to see him last year, with his drummer and upright bass guy. They put on one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen.
I hope he is getting real care and not just standard medical care.
meaning, relaxing the muscles of fingers arms shoulders. Years of playing likely created overwhelming muscle tightness and weakness patterns. Even years of sleep position or daily repetitive habits can lead to this.
I am not discounting autoimmune disease, but massage therapy and finding simple ways he can help stretch and release areas himself at home goes a longggg way in helping many of these sorts of things. Find a good personal trainer too for help with any weak muscle areas.
It’s sad when people just live with limitations or get procedures that don’t help if the root tightness or weakness is not properly addressed.
I wonder if Brian Setzer got the clot shot.
Bummer... awesome guitar player and great music.
That is one band (Orchestra) i always wanted to see live.
Damn shame. Stray Cats were a big part of my teenage years, and his playing was very influential though I didn’t go in the rockabilly direction. I hope he can recover his playing ability. 😼🎸
I would bet he did..............
Mr. Setzer, we will keep you in our prayers.
We have enjoyed your music and your perfomances for decades.
Off topic really, but one can't help but suspect that Brian is a jab casualty, unfortunately.
Have watched several BSO videos on you too. They’re excellent.
Really now. I hadn’t thought to look there for more.
Thanks for the tip, I’ll check it out.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.