Brian Setzer's Health Update: Autoimmune Disease & Guitar Challenges - Latest News
Is the King of Rockabilly facing a challenge that could silence his guitar? Brian Setzer, the electrifying frontman of the Stray Cats and the Brian Setzer Orchestra, has revealed a health battle that has temporarily sidelined his musical career, leaving fans wondering when they'll hear those iconic riffs again.
The news, shared via social media, has sent ripples of concern through the music world. The guitarist and singer, known for his blistering guitar work and charismatic stage presence, announced that he has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. This condition has unfortunately impacted his ability to play the guitar, a devastating blow for a musician who has dedicated his life to his craft. The rockabilly icon made the news public on February 13 via Facebook, where he shared the news with his fans.
Setzer's musical journey began in New York City, where he was born on April 10, 1959. From his early days playing the baritone horn in grade school to his teen years spent exploring the jazz clubs of New York City, music has always been in his blood. This early exposure to diverse musical genres laid the foundation for his later rockabilly revival, a fusion of styles that would captivate audiences worldwide. In 1979, along with drummer Jimmy McDonnell and bassist Lee Rocker, Setzer helped found the Stray Cats, a band that played a major role in revitalizing the rockabilly sound. The group became known for hits such as "Rock This Town" and "Stray Cat Strut".
The Brian Setzer Orchestra (BSO), formed in 1992, provided another avenue for Setzer's musical exploration, this time delving into swing and jump blues. The BSO's breakout album, "The Dirty Boogie" (1998), catapulted the band to mainstream success, featuring their cover of Louis Prima's "Jump, Jive an' Wail." The song, which originally appeared on Prima's 1957 album "The Wildest!", brought a fresh energy to the classic tune and introduced the BSO to a whole new generation of listeners. This album highlighted Setzer's ability to seamlessly blend different genres, showcasing his respect for musical history while adding his own contemporary flair. "This Cat's on a Hot Tin Roof," another standout track from "The Dirty Boogie," further demonstrated his versatility and his knack for crafting infectious melodies.
The impact of Setzer's artistry extends beyond music, and he has won multiple awards for his work. In 2019, he was forced to cancel 26 dates of his Christmas tour due to health concerns. Now, with a new health issue to address, Setzer is receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic and hopes to recover soon. He recently shared that he is making progress, stating, Im getting better day by day. The progress Im making is excellent. He also shared his love for Gretsch guitars and his dream of touring with the band again, showing he's not ready to leave the stage.
The Stray Cats, with Brian Setzer at the helm, are still active. Recently, the band announced a 2024 summer tour.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brian Robert Setzer |
| Born | April 10, 1959 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Genres | Rockabilly, Swing, Jump Blues, Rock and Roll |
| Instruments | Guitar, Vocals, Baritone Horn |
| Associated Acts | The Stray Cats, The Brian Setzer Orchestra |
| Notable Albums | "The Dirty Boogie" (with The Brian Setzer Orchestra), "Stray Cat Strut" (with The Stray Cats) |
| Current Status | Recovering from an autoimmune disease |
| Awards and Accolades | Multiple awards for his musical contributions (Specific awards not detailed in original text). |
| Website (Reference) | Brian Setzer Official Website |
