Stray Cats Pounce on Rock This Town TV Return
The Stray Cats remain one of rock and roll’s most intriguing, and perhaps rarest, acts. Hailing from Long Island, the trio of Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker, and Slim Jim Phantom managed to inject a uniquely cool, rockabilly swagger into the British mainstream during the early 1980s, creating a moment where post-punk and new wave acts could share the stage with the sharpest protest artists.
They achieved this international smash with undeniable style. With their signature rockabilly flair, killer hair, and infectious hits, the group took their sound across the pond, managing to land five songs in the U.K. top 40 and two in the top 10. Their biggest hit, “Rock This House,” peaked at No. 9 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart in 1981, cementing their place in musical history.
The group’s performance was as much a spectacle as the music itself. Setzer and his band graced the stage at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, delivering that classic hit with a tight, effortlessly cool energy. The dynamic between the members was legendary, a perfect blend of polished rock energy.
But the story of The Stray Cats is not just about chart success; it is also about resilience. In the early stages of 2025, Brian Setzer faced a significant personal challenge, revealing an auto-immune diagnosis that impacted his ability to play the guitar. Despite the hurdle, Setzer pursued treatment at the Mayo Clinic, remaining with an optimistic outlook, believing that time helped and healed.
Today, the focus shifts to the enduring power of the band’s sound. Setzer shared that while navigating his health journey, he still feels a profound connection to their music. He noted that the unique combination of the Gretsch guitar, the acoustic bass, and the stand-up drums still sound pure and fresh, underscoring the timeless quality of their unique sonic identity.
In 2025, The Stray Cats released new material, including “Stampede” and a cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Teenage Heaven,” both released through Surfdog Records. The demand for their music was clear, with a first pressing of “Stampede / Teenage Heaven” on 7″ blue vinyl selling out, prompting the band to press new variants to keep up with the enthusiasm.
The band continues to tour, bringing their fresh energy to new audiences. After wrapping a summer run, they embarked on a month-long round of fall dates, traveling through cities like Nashville, Charlotte, Orlando, and Atlanta, before concluding their run at Foxwoods, CT.
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