Stray Cats cancel fall US tour as Brian Setzer battles illness

The Stray Cats have canceled their planned fall United States tour after frontman and guitarist Brian Setzer said he is battling a serious illness, the band announced Tuesday. The tour had been scheduled to begin Oct. 25 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and include roughly 21 stops across the country through late November; refunds are available at point of purchase, officials said.

In a statement shared on the band’s and his own social media pages, Setzer said, "I'm heartbroken to share, due to serious illness, I am unable to perform and very regrettably have to cancel our Stray Cats tour. 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." The announcement followed the quiet shelving of the tour’s opening weekend dates in Michigan and Illinois.

Earlier this year, Setzer disclosed that he had been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that affected his hands and temporarily left him unable to play guitar. At the time he described the condition this way: "There is no pain, but it feels like I am wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play." He also said he was...