The Stray Cats have announced the unfortunate cancellation of their U.S. tour due to the health challenges faced by their lead singer, Brian Setzer.

Setzer, along with the band, was set to launch their autumn tour last weekend, continuing through late November. However, they took to social media on Tuesday to inform their followers of the change in plans.

“It breaks my heart to announce that, due to a significant illness, I am unable to take the stage, and we must cancel our Stray Cats tour,” Setzer, at 66, expressed in an Instagram post. “I realize this impacts many people, and it pains me deeply to share this news. Despite all efforts to continue with the shows, it simply isn’t feasible. I was eagerly anticipating performing alongside my bandmates and entertaining our incredible fans, and I am truly disheartened.”

Support poured in from fans, showing their understanding and concern.

“Your health comes first!” one fan wrote. “You’ve gifted us with music for years! We’re here for you!”

“Please take care of yourself, your health is first!” another wrote. “Don’t worry about us, we will support no matter what!”

Earlier this year, Setzer revealed he had been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.

In a post to Instagram, Setzer shared close-up pictures of his hands playing guitar, explaining, “Towards the end of the last Stray Cats tour I noticed that my hands were cramping up. I’ve since discovered that I have an auto-immune disease. I cannot play guitar.”

He continued, “There is no pain, but it feels like I am wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play. I have seen some progress in that I can hold a pen and tie my shoes. I know this sounds ridiculous, but I was at a point where I couldn’t even do that.”

Setzer thanked the Mayo Clinic for working with him on treatment, writing, “Luckily, I have the best hospital in the world down the block from me.”

“I know I will beat this, it will just take some time. I love you all,” he concluded.

Setzer rose to fame in the 1980s with his band, The Stray Cats, playing 1950s-inspired rockabilly.

After the group disbanded in 1984, Setzer went solo and later formed the Brian Setzer Orchestra in the 1990s, a 17-piece big band ensemble.

Setzer has regularly toured over the years, completing a run of shows last summer, and last released a solo album in 2023, “The Devil Always Collects.”