Brian Setzer has revealed that he “cannot play guitar” due to an autoimmune disease affecting his hands.
“I just wanted to check in with you all,” the Stray Cats co-founder wrote on social media. “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.”
Setzer continued by saying there’s “no pain,” but described the feeling as “wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play.” With a hint of optimism, the musician said he has progressed to the point where he can “hold a pen and tie my shoes.”
“I know this sounds ridiculous, but I was at a point where I couldn’t even do that,” he revealed. “Luckily, I have the best hospital in the world down the block from me. It’s called the Mayo Clinic. I know I will beat this, it will just take some time.”
The Stray Cats wrapped up their most recent tour in August 2024, so it appears Setzer has been fighting back against the autoimmune disease for several months now.
His most recent solo album, The Devil Always Collects, dropped in September 2023. Meanwhile, his other group, Brian Setzer Orchestra, is releasing a 25th anniversary reissue of Vavoom! (get your copy here) on March 21st.
Hi everybody,
I just wanted to check in with you all. 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. There is no pain, but it feels like I am wearing a pair of… pic.twitter.com/hjwexSXGcW
— Brian Setzer (@briansetzer59) February 13, 2025