Brian Setzer shared a startling revelation with his fans this week while updating them on his recent health struggles.
The Stray Cats co-founder wrote in a Thursday, Feb. 13 post on Instagram that he started to observe during his rockabilly band’s tour last year that he wasn’t quite able to handle his guitar in the way that he was used to playing it. As the guitarist and vocalist explained, he “noticed that my hands were cramping up.”
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“I’ve since discovered that I have an auto-immune disease,” Setzer, 65, announced. “I cannot play guitar.”
Though Setzer did not offer more information regarding his specific diagnosis, he noted that the condition isn’t painful. However, “it feels like I am wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play,” the 65-year-old artist added.
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In the wake of his diagnosis, Setzer said he has “seen some progress in that I can hold a pen and tie my shoes.”
“I know this sounds ridiculous,” the “Stray Cat Strut” musician continued, “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.”
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Setzer concluded his message on a positive note. “I know I will beat this, it will just take some time,” he said before adding a sweet sign-off that read, “I love you all, Brian.”
Setzer paired his message with a collection of photos showing him playing guitar onstage with the Stray Cats, a group that became popular for playing 1950s-inspired rockabilly tunes in the early 1980s following its launch in 1979. The first two snapshots provided a close-up view of Setzer’s hands as they navigated the neck of his guitar. The two subsequent images showed him seemingly lost in the music as stage lights lit up the space around him.
Setzer’s announcement was met with well wishes from friends and fans, including one who declared that Setzer was “born to play and If anyone can beat this you can. 🙏🙏.”
Fellow guitarist Steve Vai also left a top-liked comment on Setzer’s post, writing, “Brother Brian, you are a soldier! Take your time, you’re on the mend, and we are all eager for your full recovery to optimum health. much love to you.”
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