Stray Cats cancel tour, including Westbury show, citing Brian Setzer's 'serious illness'
Slim Jim Phantom, left, Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker of Stray Cats were planning to headline a show at Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair on Nov. 5. Credit: Suzie Kaplan
The Stray Cats were preparing to rock Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair on Nov. 5 for the first time in their career, but the rockabilly trio from Massapequa on Tuesday announced the cancellation of their fall cross-country tour.
"I’m heartbroken to share, due to serious illness, I am unable to perform and very regrettably have to cancel our Stray Cats tour," lead singer-guitarist Brian Setzer, 66, said in a statement. "I know this affects so many people and I am devastated to have to deliver this news. I’ve been trying everything I can to go on and do these shows, but it is just not possible. I’ve been looking forward so much to being on stage with my band mates again and playing for all of our amazing fans, and I’m gutted."
Earlier this year Setzer was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that caused him to experience cramping in his hands and drastically impacted his guitar playing.
"Brian is the type of guy who plays the guitar all the time," drummer Slim Jim Phantom, 64, told Newsday last week. "For him not to have that outlet is like a fish who can’t swim."
When asked if his autoimmune disease returned, Setzer’s representative, Mitch Schneider, stated, "We haven’t been given other information to report."
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Famers, including bassist Lee Rocker, 64, are known for their hits "Rock This Town," "Stray Cat Strut" and “(She’s) Sexy + 17," and rose to fame in the early ’80s during the dawn of the MTV era. Although the Cats first broke in the U.K., their roots are on Long Island playing local gigs at Arthur’s Pub in Massapequa, TK’s in Amityville, Arrows in Bellmore and Heckle and Jeckle’s in Massapequa Park.
Ticket refunds for the Nov. 5 show are available at the point of purchase.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
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