GUITAR PLAYER INTERVIEWS BRIAN SETZER
Guitar Player recently interviewed rockabilly legend Brian Setzer, discussing his health struggles, his rehab for Kratom use, and The Stray Cats’ upcoming tour and new music. The interview took place shortly after The Stray Cats announced an 18 show tour starting in late July.
“I’m feeling really good, I have to tell ya,” Setzer tells Guitar Player from his home in Minnesota. “I wouldn’t book a tour if I couldn’t say I’m 100 percent. I would’ve taken more time if I had to.”
Setzer discussed his health issues and revealed that in early 2025 he was battling an autoimmune disease that affected the use of his hands.
“The best way I can describe it is, your nerves are like wires, and wires have sheathing on them,” Setzer explains. “Well, that’s coating has kind of eroded, so the wires malfunction. Basically, they lock up my hands and feet. I can’t move them. I can’t button my pants, let alone play guitar”.
He also explained how he struggled with an addiction to Kratom, an over-the-counter herbal wellness tonic which he sought treatment for at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation clinic.
“I had to go get everything out of my system, really. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about; if anyone has a problem you go and they take care of you. And thank God you can come back.”
Read the full article: HERE.
Get tickets to The Stray Cats’ US Tour: HERE.