Minnesota Rocker Brian Setzer’s Triumphant Return To The Stage: Stray Cats Reunite!
🎸 The Stray Cats are back and ready to rock! Brian Setzer overcomes tinnitus to reunite with his bandmates for a 2024 tour, including two Minnesota dates! 🎉 #StrayCatsReunion #BrianSetzer #RockabillyLegends
Rockabilly Legend Overcomes Tinnitus
Golden Valley, Minnesota – Attention all rock ‘n’ roll fans! Get ready to jump, jive, and wail because the Stray Cats are back and ready to rock your world! After a five-year hiatus, the iconic rockabilly trio is reuniting for a highly anticipated tour in 2024. The band’s frontman, Brian Setzer, a long-time resident of the Twin Cities, is making a triumphant return to the stage after a challenging battle with tinnitus.
From Massapequa to Stardom
Brian Setzer, born on April 10, 1959, in Massapequa, New York, discovered his love for music at a young age. In 1979, he formed the Stray Cats with his childhood friends, double bassist Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom. The trio’s unique blend of classic rock ‘n’ roll, punk energy, and vintage style quickly caught the attention of music lovers around the world.
The Stray Cats’ meteoric rise to fame began with their hit singles like “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town,” which the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has listed as one of the songs that shaped rock and roll. The band’s success continued throughout the ’80s, with numerous hit singles in the UK, Australia, Canada, and the U.S.
Setzer’s Solo Career and Challenges
In addition to his work with the Stray Cats, Brian Setzer has enjoyed a successful solo career. He found renewed success in the early 1990s with his swing revival band, the Brian Setzer Orchestra. Setzer even made a cameo appearance as Eddie Cochran in the 1987 film “La Bamba,” showcasing his acting chops in the story of Ritchie Valens, who has a tragic connection to Iowa. Read all about that here.
However, Setzer’s music career hit a roadblock in 2019 when he was diagnosed with tinnitus following the Stray Cats’ 40th anniversary tour. The debilitating condition forced him to put his usual holiday tour with the Brian Setzer Orchestra on hold and retreat to his suburban Twin Cities home, where he has lived for around two decades with his wife, Julie Reiten Setzer, a Minnesota native.
Minnesota Dates Announced
Despite the challenges, Setzer is excited to reunite with his Stray Cats bandmates and perform for their devoted fans once again. Minnesota fans are in for a special treat as the Stray Cats have announced two outdoor shows in the North Star State. On August 8th, they’ll be playing at the Bluestem Center for the Arts Amphitheater in Moorhead, followed by a gig near St. Cloud at the Ledge Amphitheater on August 9th. Tickets for both shows go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m., with presale options starting on Wednesday. Don’t miss your chance to see these rockabilly legends in action!
A Spontaneous and Confident Reunion
Setzer, who took a first step back to touring last year with a new rockabilly trio supporting his solo album, “The Devil Always Collects,” is thrilled to be back in action with his childhood friends and bandmates. He explained that growing up in the same neighborhood has given them an instant connection when they play together, allowing them to be confident and spontaneous on stage.
Don’t miss your chance to see the Stray Cats live in 2024! Keep an eye out for ticket sales and get ready to experience the magic of rockabilly at its finest. It’s time to dust off those dancing shoes and get ready to swing! We’ll see you there!
🗣 Are you a Stray Cats fan? Love Brian Setzer? What’s your fave tune? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
