Brian Setzer is gearing up for a busy summer, with plans for motorcycle rides and a road tour alongside his iconic band, the Stray Cats. This might sound like business as usual for the legendary guitarist, but it represents a remarkable comeback. Just months ago, Setzer, 67, faced a severe health crisis that left him struggling with basic daily tasks, let alone playing his beloved guitar.

A Debilitating Autoimmune Disease

In October, Setzer was forced to cancel the Stray Cats’ planned U.S. tour due to a debilitating autoimmune disease. The condition severely impacted his hands, making even simple actions incredibly difficult. “It was the strangest thing,” Setzer recalled. “It started about two years ago, around the end of 2024, and before you knew it I was having trouble holding a toothbrush, a fork. I couldn’t button my pants. There was no pain, but my hands just wouldn’t work. Of course, there was no way I could play the guitar, which was pretty scary.”

The three-time Grammy winner sought treatment at the Mayo Clinic, located near his home in Rochester, Minnesota. His doctor diagnosed the condition, explaining that while there wasn’t a straightforward cure, a treatment plan aimed at restoring his ability to play was in place. “When my doctor diagnosed my condition, he told me there was no real cure, so it wasn’t a slam-dunk that I would see results,” Setzer explained. “But his plan A was to get me playing again.” He humorously added that he was unaware of any backup plans, expressing relief that the primary strategy was successful.

Setbacks and Recovery

The treatment process for Setzer’s condition spanned nearly a year and involved regular infusions at the Mayo Clinic. During this challenging period, Setzer found perspective by observing others facing more severe illnesses. “It’s easy to feel bad about yourself, but I remember lying in bed at the hospital and right next to me is a guy with cancer,” he said. “At that moment, you realize how lucky you are, and you become pretty grateful. I didn’t have anything that bad. At least what I had was thought to be treatable.”

Gradually, Setzer’s condition improved, and his playing ability returned. This progress was significant enough for him to greenlight the rescheduled tour. However, his recovery faced an unexpected hurdle. While sober for 14 years, Setzer tried an energy drink containing kratom, which he encountered in a smoke shop. “Big mistake,” he admitted. “I got hooked on it. They advertise it as safe, and yeah, it gives you a lot of energy. You feel like mowing the lawn that you’ve been putting off. But it totally messed up my immune disorder, and my hands went back to the bad state they were in. I was in a tailspin. I messed myself up and had to clean up.”

This relapse led Setzer to enter the Hazelton Betty Ford Clinic in Minnesota for a 30-day rehabilitation program. He highly recommends the facility, stating, “It’s one of the best places around. If there’s anybody out there dealing with similar problems, I recommend it.” Following this, Setzer reported that his autoimmune condition went into remission. “I feel 98 percent now. I don’t want to say 100 percent because the darn autoimmune thing could strike again, but right now I’m feeling really good, and I’m playing as well as ever.”

New Music and Band Dynamics

With his health stabilized and his playing ability restored, Setzer and the Stray Cats are releasing new music. Their upcoming releases include a new single titled “Stampede” and a cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Teenage Heaven.” Setzer recorded these tracks approximately three to four months prior to the interview, emphasizing the importance of touring with fresh material in today’s music landscape. He noted that the economics of album production have shifted, making it more practical to release new songs to accompany tours rather than full albums.

Describing “Stampede,” Setzer likened its energetic sound to a “revved-up Bo Diddley.” He explained that the song is built around a riff from an instrumental by the Scarlets, a band he admired for their guitarist. “I heard the song and thought the guitarist was so good. I said, ‘I want to play that!’ There wasn’t enough of a song there, but I loved the riff, so I basically wrote a song around it.”

Reflecting on the Stray Cats, who formed in the 1970s, Setzer discussed the evolution of the band’s dynamic. He described their early days as being like a “gang,” driven by shared interests in fashion and music. As the members grew older, married, and had families, their lives naturally diverged. However, Setzer feels the current iteration of the band is motivated by a desire to preserve their unique sound, particularly his signature Gretsch guitar played through a Fender Bassman amplifier. “I’m telling you, when I get on stage and I hear that guitar sound no-one else really plays… Except for me, I don’t know anybody else who plays a Gretsch through a Fender Bassman. That sound is so unique, and I want to keep it alive.” He also expressed joy in performing with drummer Slim Jim Phantom, finding the experience deeply rewarding.

Guitars, Gear, and Musical Influences

Setzer remains fiercely loyal to his Gretsch guitars but recently explored other instruments. He acquired a 1959 Gibson Flying V and a 1959 Les Paul, curious about their renowned status. While he found the Les Paul to be a beautifully crafted instrument, it didn’t produce his desired tone. In contrast, the ’59 Flying V surprised him with its sonic similarity to his Gretsch. “The only other guitar that could take the place of the Gretsch would be an older Flying V. It sounded so similar – I couldn’t believe it. It had the balls, it had that twang.” He admitted, however, that the Flying V’s significant value makes him hesitant to take it on tour.

Regarding amplification, Setzer continues to favor his Fender Bassman amps, particularly those from the early 1960s, which he finds tighter-sounding than some 1950s tweed amps. He also mentioned a new Echo Fix EF-P2 Spring Reverb pedal, which he finds impressive for its faithful emulation of the Roland Space Echo, offering a reliable touring alternative.

Setzer also recalled touring with Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1989, describing the experience as challenging due to audiences primarily there to see Vaughan. “The crowds hated us. [Laughs] They hated us! They were only there to see Stevie Ray, and they didn’t give us a chance.” He expressed admiration for Vaughan’s unique sound, noting that even when handed a Stratocaster by Vaughan himself, he couldn’t replicate the iconic tone. “I was like, ‘Well, this is interesting. Stevie sounds like he does because it’s all in his hands.’ He was phenomenal.” Setzer also remembered Vaughan’s struggles with alcoholism during that period, acknowledging the difficulty of such battles.

The Enduring Legacy of Rockabilly

When asked about emerging guitarists, Setzer admitted a lack of familiarity with the current rockabilly scene, stating, “Who’s rockabilly? I don’t even know! I mean, rockabilly is really only alive for us.” He finds new talent primarily through platforms like YouTube, specifically mentioning RJ Ronquillo and Marcus King as impressive players.

Setzer reflected on the Stray Cats’ decision to pursue their career in the U.K. during the punk and new wave era, a move that initially seemed counterintuitive to friends and family who saw their growing popularity in New York. He explained that the British music scene was more receptive to their sound. “In England, the guys want to be me. They want to be Scotty Moore. They want to be Cliff Gallup. Here in America, guitarists want to be Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. It’s just how it is.” He described Jimi Hendrix as an outlier, a unique talent who transcends such comparisons.

Addressing comments made by Keith Richards about shred guitarists, Setzer expressed a broader appreciation for all musical styles. “I don’t laugh at any guitar player. I mean, I have very varied tastes, and I like all styles of music.” While he doesn’t dismiss shredders, he suggested that incorporating blues elements could broaden their musical horizons.

Brian Setzer’s journey through illness and recovery, coupled with his continued passion for music and performance, highlights his resilience and enduring talent. His return to the stage and the release of new material with the Stray Cats mark a significant chapter in his storied career.