Brian Setzer’s Journey: From Struggles to Triumph

Brian Setzer is eagerly ⁢anticipating a summer filled with‍ motorcycle adventures,and⁣ when he’s not cruising ⁣on his bike,he’s excited to tour with the Stray Cats.​ While this may not seem especially groundbreaking, it’s worth noting that⁤ just a few months ago, the ⁢67-year-old guitarist⁤ faced important challenges, struggling even to tie his ⁢shoes, ⁣let alone play guitar.

In october, Setzer had to cancel the Stray‌ Cats’ fall U.S. tour due to a severe autoimmune⁢ condition that rendered him ​unable to perform⁣ or engage in daily activities.

A mysterious Condition

“It was the oddest experience,” he recalls. “It began about two years ago, towards the ‍end of ⁢2024, and before ‍I knew it, I was having difficulty holding a toothbrush or a fork. I couldn’t even ⁢button my pants.There was no pain, but my hands just wouldn’t cooperate. Naturally, playing guitar was out of the question, which was quite frightening.”

Setzer sought help at the Mayo Clinic, conveniently located near his home in Rochester, Minnesota. “When⁤ my doctor diagnosed me, he explained that there wasn’t‌ a definitive cure, so ⁤it wasn’t guaranteed ​I would see enhancement,” ⁢Setzer ​shares.”Though, his primary ⁤goal was to get me back to ⁤playing.”

When asked ‌about alternative plans, he chuckles, “I have no idea what they were. I’m just grateful that plan A⁣ succeeded.”

Facing Adversity with Gratitude

setzer’s treatment spanned nearly a year, during which he underwent infusions at the Mayo Clinic. “It’s easy to feel down about your​ situation,‍ but I remember lying in the hospital bed next to a man battling cancer,” he reflects.”In that moment, you realize how lucky you are, ​and​ it fosters a‍ sense of gratitude. My ‍condition​ wasn’t⁢ as severe as ‌others; at ⁤least it was ⁤deemed treatable.”

Gradually, Setzer regained his ability to play, leading him to greenlight the fall tour. After being sober for 14 years,he became curious about an energy drink ⁤called kratom that‌ he⁢ spotted in a smoke⁢ shop,leading him to try it… and then another.

“That was a huge mistake,” he admits. “I became dependent on it. They market it as safe, and sure, it gives you a burst of energy.You feel⁣ like tackling that lawn you’ve been avoiding. But ⁢it fully disrupted ‍my immune disorder, and my hands reverted​ to‌ their previous state. I was ⁣spiraling out of‌ control and had to get my life back on track.”

Turning Point:‌ Rehabilitation and Recovery

He checked into the ‍Hazelton Betty Ford⁣ Clinic in Minnesota and completed a 30-day rehabilitation program. “It’s one of the best facilities available,” he states. “If anyone is facing similar challenges, I highly recommend⁤ it. I​ confronted that demon, cleared everything out, ⁣and thankfully, my autoimmune condition went into remission.”

“I ‍feel about 98 percent now.​ I​ hesitate to say 100 percent because​ that autoimmune issue could resurface, but at this moment, ⁣I’m feeling fantastic and playing better than ever.”

New Music on the Horizon

With the‌ Stray Cats tour ​approaching, the band is⁤ set ⁢to release a new⁢ single titled Stampede, along with a cover of Eddie Cochran’s Teenage Heaven. “When did you record those?”

“About three or four months ​ago. In today’s music landscape, it’s essential to hit the road with a⁤ new song‌ or two.Making albums has become less rewarding; you’re essentially creating music⁤ for your ‍fans and yourself.”

The Stray ⁤Cats – stampede​ (Official Lyric ⁣video) – YouTube

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Shifting Perspectives on Album Production

Many artists are now reconsidering the value of producing albums.

“I can ⁤relate to ‌that‍ sentiment at times because creating a ⁢record isn’t free,” he explains. ⁣”When you’re barely breaking even on the costs, it⁤ can be disheartening. I genuinely believe that the only way forward is to adapt to the current landscape.”

Brian setzer: Revving Up with New Music and Reflections

Brian Setzer is thrilled about the upcoming tour and the release of his new single, Stampede, which he describes ⁣as a high-energy homage to Bo Diddley. “It’s‍ inspired by⁢ an instrumental track from a band called⁢ the Scarlets. I was captivated‍ by the guitarist’s skill and thought, ‘I want to play that!’ Although the original song ‍lacked substance, I loved the riff and crafted a new song around it. The B-side features Teenage Heaven, a classic by Eddie Cochran that has‌ seen many renditions over the years.”

“Your soloing on that track is as smooth⁢ as ⁣ever,” I compliment him.

“Thank you!⁤ I really appreciate that,” he replies with a smile.

Reflecting on the Band’s Evolution

“Let’s discuss the ⁣band. You all came together ⁤in the 1970s, and it felt like a tight-knit ​crew. What’s it⁤ like to still⁢ be performing‌ with the same members‍ as you enter your 60s?”

“that’s a fascinating observation, and you’re spot on. Initially, it felt like a gang; we were all just hanging out, searching for cool outfits to wear on ‌stage. But as ⁣time passes,life happens-you get married,have kids,and⁤ drift apart. Now, it’s more about preserving our unique sound rather⁤ than trying to relive the past.”

“When I⁣ step on stage​ and hear that distinctive guitar tone-one that I believe only ​I ‌can produce-I feel a​ sense of obligation to ‌keep it alive. ‍I don’t know anyone else who plays a Gretsch through a ⁣Fender Bassman, and that sound is truly one of a kind.”

“And when ​I look over at Slim Jim Phantom on ​drums, it brightens my day.It makes everything worthwhile, even though things have changed.”

The Stray Cats – Teenage Heaven ⁣(Official Visualizer) – YouTube

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Revisiting ​the Past: The Stray cats’ Breakup

“The band experienced a significant breakup in the 1980s.Have ⁣you all ⁤moved past‍ those challenges?”

“Absolutely! The dynamics of being in a band are akin to any relationship; you ⁣learn to navigate interpersonal conflicts over time. Any disagreements we had ⁢are long behind ⁣us.”

“Sometimes it was just a matter of too much drinking or trivial issues. people frequently enough argue over ​nothing! We’ve learned to communicate and move‌ forward. The music⁤ we create is what truly matters.”

Guitar Preferences and New Discoveries

“You mentioned your beloved gretsch guitars. If you were suddenly unable to use your Gretsch 6120s, what would you choose instead?”

“That’s an intriguing question! Recently, I acquired a ’59 Flying V and a ’59 Les Paul. I bought them as I had saved up enough money and wanted to‍ understand​ their appeal. The Les Paul is a beautifully ‍crafted instrument that plays ‌wonderfully, but it doesn’t quite ‌capture my sound.I wouldn’t feel‍ cozy⁤ using it on‍ stage or in ⁤recordings; ‌it just doesn’t ​resonate with me, despite being​ a joy to play.”

“On​ the other hand, the Flying V is⁢ remarkable. It has a tone that closely resembles ⁢my⁣ gretsch. I played both back-to-back, and the similarities were amazing. The only guitar that could potentially replace my Gretsch would be an older ⁤flying V. It has that punch and twang that the Les Paul lacks. It’s quite surprising!”

“But I wouldn’t take the V on tour, that’s for sure.⁤ It’s too valuable.”

The Stray Cats – Stray Cat Strut (Live) – YouTube

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New Gear and Touring Memories

“Have you come across any new gear‌ that has‍ caught your attention lately?”

“I believe in the philosophy ​of ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.’⁣ My Bassman amps have served ⁤me well over the years. The only adjustment I‍ make now is turning the ‍cabinet around to ensure the band⁤ maintains a consistent volume, as the Bassman can be quite ‌loud.”

“Many of the tweed amps from the 1950s sound too muddy‍ for my taste.When I fingerpick or play intricate parts, the sound tends to get lost.Though, the early ’60s bassmans, with ⁣their rectifier ‌tubes, really tighten up the audio.”

“I recently acquired a new echo unit that I’m quite impressed with. ​It’s an Echo Fix [EF-P2 Spring Reverb pedal]. The manufacturers have replicated the Roland Space Echo, allowing me to take it on tour ⁢without the fear of it breaking down. I’m genuinely impressed because‌ they’ve managed⁤ to recreate a piece of equipment that actually ‍functions well.”

“Here’s something I haven’t⁤ heard you discuss before: in 1989, the Stray Cats toured with‌ Stevie‌ Ray Vaughan. What stands out‌ from that experience?”

“I remember that the audiences ​were not fond ⁣of us. [Laughs] ⁢ They were there solely for Stevie Ray and didn’t give us a fair ⁢chance. It was a challenging tour for us, but I ‍loved listening to him play.⁣ I often wondered,’How does he achieve that sound?’ He had a unique ability to make a⁤ Stratocaster sing.”

Brian ⁣Setzer ⁤Reflects on His Musical​ Journey and Influences

Experiencing Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Magic

One memorable⁤ night, Stevie Ray Vaughan invited me on stage‍ and handed me‍ his Stratocaster.I thought, “I’ll understand what makes this guitar so special.” There were whispers that he had amplifiers hidden beneath the stage, all meticulously set up for optimal⁢ sound.

As I played, I realized I still ‌sounded⁤ like​ myself rather than imitating Stevie. The guitar felt familiar; the action was similar to what I was used to, and the volume settings matched ⁢my style. It dawned on ⁤me that stevie’s unique sound⁢ stemmed from his astonishing technique.

He was an extraordinary musician,effortlessly fluid​ in ‌his playing,and he approached the blues with a fresh outlook every night.Despite the crowd’s indifference towards us, it was ⁢an unforgettable experience.

The Stray Cats ⁤- rock This Town⁢ (Live) – YouTube

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Backstage Moments with Stevie Ray Vaughan

“Did Stevie ever come backstage to discuss the ⁤audience’s reaction?”

“Not really, but I frequently enough visited him backstage. He had a penchant‍ for bringing in ‌exotic ‌foods he enjoyed. During that ⁤time, he was battling alcoholism, trying to stay sober. I could relate to his struggles. It was a challenging period‍ for him, but he remained a fantastic person‍ and an incredible guitarist.”

Spotting New Talent in Rockabilly

“Have you noticed any emerging guitarists in recent years, particularly in the rockabilly scene?”

“rockabilly? I’m not even ​sure who’s out there! It truly seems like ⁤rockabilly is primarily alive through ‍us.Where can you even hear it these days? I usually discover new players on YouTube, particularly on‍ the‌ Carter Vintage Guitars channel. There’s a talented guitarist named RJ Ronquillo who stands out. Marcus King is another remarkable musician; he has a rockabilly vibe.”

The Stray Cats’ Legacy in Rockabilly

“It’s fascinating how the ⁢Stray Cats have ⁤maintained their dominance in‍ the rockabilly genre over the years. Back in the day,during the punk and new wave explosion,did your⁢ friends and family think you were ‌crazy for pursuing fame in England?”

“Absolutely! Especially since we were ⁣gaining popularity in New York. My dad and jim’s dad attended one of our shows and asked, ‘You want to go where? Why would you leave this?’ We had everything ​going for us-fans, attention, and we were making money.”

“In England, musicians aspire to be like me, Scotty Moore, or Cliff Gallup. Meanwhile, American guitarists ​idolize Eric​ Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff beck. That’s just the ​way​ it is.”

“Going to the U.K. ⁣was our‍ breakthrough. The music scene there resonated with what we were ⁤doing. I’ve always said that British musicians wanted to emulate American artists, while American musicians looked ‌up to​ British ones.”

“In England,they want to be me. They want to ⁣be​ Scotty moore. ‌They want to be‍ Cliff Gallup. Here in the U.S., guitarists aspire to be‍ Eric Clapton, jimmy Page,​ and Jeff Beck. It’s simply how it⁢ is.”

the Unique Legacy of Jimi Hendrix

“Where does Jimi Hendrix fit into ⁢this conversation?”

“Oh,he’s a unicorn. Jimi Hendrix is from⁣ another planet. He doesn’t really fit into any of⁢ these ‌discussions.”

Thoughts on​ Shredders and Guitar Styles

“In a recent interview with Guitar World, keith Richards mentioned he ‘laughed his head ⁣off’ at the shredders on the Sunset Strip. What’s your ⁤take on them?”

“I don’t ‌mock ‌any guitarist. I have a⁣ wide range of musical tastes and appreciate all styles. While I don’t laugh at​ shredders, it would ⁤benefit them⁢ to explore‍ outside their comfort zone and listen to some⁢ blues records. It wouldn’t hurt!”