Brian Setzer reveals auto-immune disease diagnosis: “I cannot play guitar”

Rockabilly great Brian Setzer of The Stray Cats and The Brian Setzer Orchestra has revealed that he has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and cannot currently play guitar, but is hopeful for a full recovery. He shared this note on his socails:

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 gloves when I try to play. 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. 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.

We’re pulling for you, Brian. Take all the time you need.

After nearly a decade apart, Setzer reformed The Stray Cats in 2018 and have been going since.