Brian Setzer of Stray Cats fame reveals autoimmune disease's toll: ‘I cannot play guitar'
For rockabilly musician Brian Setzer, his hands 'cramping up' while on tour with Stray Cats last year was an early sign of a larger health issue.
The 65-year-old rocker got candid about his health Thursday, writing on social media that he discovered after returning from tour 'that I have an auto-immune disease.' Setzer, the pompadoured vocalist who rocks with drummer Slim Jim Phantom and bassist Lee Rocker for Stray Cats and also runs his own big-band orchestra, said Thursday, 'I cannot play guitar.'
'There is no pain,' he reassured fans, 'but it feels like I am wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play.'
Setzer did not share additional details about his condition but said that for a while it was so bad he couldn't hold a pen or tie his shoes. Since then, he said, he has 'seen some progress' and can now perform those daily tasks. The three-time Grammy winner told followers he has been receiving care at 'the best hospital in the world down the block from me.'
'It's called the Mayo Clinic,' he said. 'I know I will beat this, it will just take some time.'
Setzer, prior to sharing his health update, had been promoting both Stray Cats' and his own solo work, including a remastering of his 2000 album 'Vavoom!' Stray Cats kicked off their 2024 summer tour in July and concluded the circuit in mid-August. Months after hitting the road with the Cats, Setzer announced in October that he would hit the road on his own for a solo road trip.
'Going to head up north on the back roads traveling through Field and Farm and enjoying God's beautiful country,' he wrote on Instagram. 'When it gets too cold, I'll turn around. Hopefully the songbird will visit me, and I'll have some new tunes for us soon, God bless you!'
Setzer is the latest musician to reveal how their health has affected their ability to make music. In January, Eagles guitarist Steuart Smith, 72, announced he would take a break from performing with the 'Hotel California' group due to a diagnosis of Parkinsonism. Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, 76, also revealed in January that he 'can't walk' amid his battle with Parkinson's disease, which he publicly disclosed in 2020. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, confirmed the Prince of Darkness' condition, telling the Sun in a recent interview that the disease 'affects different parts of the body and it's affected his legs.'
Still, she said, her husband's 'voice is as good as it's ever been' and he is 'very emotional' about his impending final bow with Black Sabbath later this year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
GloRilla Attends First Wedding As Bridesmaid: 'I Love Love'
GloRilla shared her first experience at a wedding where, the Memphis rapper served as a bridesmaid as one of her close friends tied the knot. In images and clips shared across social media, the 25-year-old performer stunned in a rich, blue gown, tousled up-do ,and declared her affection for love. 'My bi**h just got married,' professed the 'LET HER COOK' rapper in a TikTok clip from a table, seemingly at the event's reception. 'I love, love. F**k these ni**as but I'm happy for my girl. She is happily married. That's my homegirl! In additional footage shared on GloRilla's social media, she highlighted details of her inclusion in the affair. The clip was reposted to YouTube by the BangyShorts platform. 'I am a bridesmaid today,' reflected the Grammy nominee in a mirror selfie video. 'My homegirl is getting married today. This is my first time going to a wedding, and I'm a bridesmaid. I'm so excited.' The wedding comes amid the self-proclaimed 'Ghetto Philosopher's' busy schedule. The rapper appeared at the 2025 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia last weekend, performing on the muddy festival's main stage. This week, GloRilla is set to headline the 2025 BET Experience in Los Angeles, where she will be joined by BossMan Dlow, Crime Mob, Mario, Amerie, and Anycia. GloRilla also joined the lineup of performers named for the 2025 BET Awards, which air live on the network on Monday, June 9, 2025, where she is also nominated for six awards, including Album of the Year, Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, and Best Collaboration. More from Roots Picnic 2025 Lineup Includes Maxwell, GloRilla, Jeezy, Lenny Kravitz, And More GloRilla Changes Profile Picture To Michael Jackson After Nose Job Allegations GloRilla Clarifies Tory Lanez Repost After Social Media Assumes Rift With Megan Thee Stallion
Boston Globe
2 hours ago
- Boston Globe
BET Awards bring star power as Doechii, Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey shine in 25th anniversary show
After being named best female hip-hop artist — her first-ever BET Award — Doechii acknowledged her fellow nominees, then shifted the spotlight to the issues unfolding outside the venue. Advertisement 'There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,' said Doechii, who Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'Trump is using military forces to stop a protest,' she said. 'I want you all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that?' Doechii's words drew applause from the audience at the Peacock Theater, where the awards aired live. 'People are being swept up and torn from their families,' she continued. 'I feel like it's my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people. … We all deserve to live in hope and not fear. I hope we stand together.' Advertisement Ultimate Icon Award honorees Jamie Foxx accepts the ultimate icon award. Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Foxx, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg and Kirk Franklin received the Ultimate Icon Award. They were selected due to their impact on entertainment as well as their community impact and advocacy. Foxx was the first to receive his award. He was visibly moved during a heartfelt moment at the awards, being brought to tears while accepting his trophy after surviving a life-threatening health scare in recent years. The Oscar and Grammy winner reflected on watching the in memoriam tribute from his seat. 'When I saw the memoriam, I was like, 'Man, that could've been me,'' said Foxx, who was hospitalized in 2023 after suffering a stroke. In an interview with The Associated Press, he recalled the severity of the moment: 'The thing was almost a wrap. Every prayer counted.' Foxx was presented the award by music legend Stevie Wonder, adding even more weight to the emotional moment. As he stood on stage, his voice cracked with gratitude. 'I don't know why I went through what I went through. But I know my second chance — I won't turn it down,' Foxx said, as his two daughters and sister wiped away tears from the audience. 'I have so much love to give. Just give me one more crack at this. Whatever reason you put this on me, I promise I'll do right. … You can't go through something like that and not testify.' Carey said this was her first time collecting a trophy at the BET Awards. The singer said she became emotional after Busta Rhymes introduced her. Advertisement 'It took me a while, but I finally realized that life is far too short to live for anyone else's approval, which is something I always did,' said Carey, a five-time Grammy winner. 'I decided to own who I am.' Dr. Dre presented the award to Snoop, who walked onstage with his wife Shante Taylor. In his speech, he paid homage to Carey, Franklin and Foxx before thanking the many others who helped him throughout his life. 'Hip-hop gave me a voice. It gave me a purpose,' he said. 'It gave me a way out and a way into homes, hearts, cultures and countries I'd never thought I would even touch. Being an icon isn't about fame. It's about legacy. It's about what you build, what you leave behind and who you lift up along the way.' Franklin expressed gratitude for the honor, admitting he's far from the perfect Christian, husband, father or artist. He joked, 'I can't even sing.' 'Which makes this award so amazing, because what I do really don't make sense,' he said. 'If you're listening to this, that's when you know it's God.' The show's host pokes fun at honorees Host Kevin Hart speaks during the BET Awards. Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Hart kicked off the awards with a flurry of jokes, poking fun at everything from celebrity names to slippery afterparties. 'There won't be any afterparties tonight. Things could get slippery,' he quipped, referencing baby oil that's been frequently mentioned in the criminal case against Diddy. Hart set the tone for a night full of humor and on a night honoring the awards show's 25th anniversary. The comedian also joked about the pronunciation of GloRilla and Snoop's real names, drawing laughs from the crowd before turning sincere. Advertisement Hart paid tribute to Foxx and teased gospel star Franklin. 'When you get your award tonight, don't come up here front twerking,' Hart said, as the crowd erupted in laughter. The jab was a nod to Franklin's viral moment when he playfully twerked on gospel legend Jacky Clark Chisholm during a live performance. 'Don't come up here poppin',' Hart added, as cameras caught Franklin bowing his head and chuckling. 'Don't try to blame it on the Lord. The Lord didn't ask for that. Put it away, Kirk.' Who won album of the year? Kendrick Lamar accepts the award for album of the year for "GNX" during the BET Awards. Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Kendrick Lamar took home album for his critically acclaimed project 'GNX.' Lamar made waves with his Grammy triumph, winning song and record of the year for 'Not Like Us.' He followed up with a groundbreaking halftime show, becoming the first solo hip-hop performer to headline the coveted slot. The rap megastar is currently on the Grand National Tour with SZA. Who were the show's performers? Mariah Carey performs during the BET Awards. Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Amerie, Jim Jones and Teyana Taylor were some of the performers who hit the stage. Other performers included Babyface, Ludacris, Tank, Jennifer Hudson, Teddy Riley, T-Pain, Doug E. Fresh, Craig Robinson, Playboi Carti and singer Leon Thomas. Were there any tributes? The BET Awards offered tributes to former popular hosts and performances, including the network's once-flagship program '106 & Park. ' The weekday show launched in 2000 and lasted for more than a decade. It thrived with a video countdown, interviews and performances. The show reunited past hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz and Terrence J. The tribute will feature performers such as Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I. and Mr. 106 & Park.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Taylor Swift files restraining order against man who claims she had his baby
Taylor Swift has been granted a temporary restraining order against a Colorado man who insisted she's the mother of his child. The pop star filed the order alleging that Brian Jason Wagner "made various statements about living at my property"; "being in a relationship with me"; believing I am the mother of his son"; and "needing to see me in person", according to documents obtained by Page Six. "All of which are untrue and disconnected from reality." Swift claimed Wagner first turned up at her Los Angeles home in 2024 and returned several times that July. "On at least one of the occasions in July 2024, Mr Wagner was carrying a glass bottle that could have been used as a weapon," the documents read. The Lover singer claimed Wagner again visited her home in May 2025, stating he "was there checking on a friend (again, this is entirely untrue)". Swift's security team uncovered that Wagner had been in jail and had allegedly written lengthy letters to the Grammy winner about his infatuation with her, a romantic relationship with her (which does not exist), and other fabricated stories about his involvement in Swift's personal life. The filing states that Wagner allegedly found a way to put the Cruel Summer singer's address on his driver's license and attempted to send her mail to his home. The temporary restraining order was granted on Monday and will expire on 30 June.
