Stray Cats’ Brian Setzer Gives Health Update After Autoimmune Disorder Diagnosis: “Getting Better Day by Day”
Last month, the Stray Cats guitarist Brian Setzer revealed that he is being treated for an autoimmune disease which has left him currently unable to play guitar. Today, the 65-year-old gave fans an update on Instagram.
He wrote, “I just want to let you all know that I’m getting better day by day. The progress I’m making is excellent! My dream is to visit Japan, the States, and Europe with Stray Cats, and of course, one of my biggest thrills would be bringing back the BSO Christmas show tradition. Thank you all for your love and support—it truly means the world to me. I was deeply touched. I love you guys, and only we can truly understand what this sound means to us! Love, Brian 🎸🎸”
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The rocker previously said, in a February 13 Instagram post, that at the end of the band’s 2024 tour, he noticed that his hands were cramping up and described the sensation as not painful, but like “wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play.” In the same post, Setzer confirmed that he was getting treatment at the Mayo Clinic and shared, “I have seen some progress in that I 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.”
Setzer has not confirmed what specific type of autoimmune disease he has been diagnosed with or the timeline that he may be able to play guitar again, although he seems confident that he will recover and be able to perform in the future. There are over 100 autoimmune diseases, which occur when a person’s immune system attacks other bodily systems.
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We’re wishing him a speedy recovery!
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February 2024
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