Born on April 10: Brian Setzer (Stray Cats), for the love of rockabilly...

He was born in the state of New York in 1959, about a decade after the emergence of this musical style to which he has dedicated most of his artistic career.

Initially attracted by jazz, which he discovered in New York clubs such as The Vanguard, like a whole generation of musicians, Brian Setzer quickly succumbed to the allure of rock, or even punk. Born from the ashes of one of his earlier bands (The Tomcats), the Stray Cats were established in 1980 when double bassist Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom combined their energies. Phantom's rumbling double bass and Rocker's tiny drum kit perfectly counterpoint Brian Setzer's voice and incisive guitar. He also has a passion for the Gretsch brand, especially the imposing model 6120, which seems almost too large for him. At once nostalgic, with obligatory rockabilly roots, but also powerful enough to make the most unkempt punks pale, the trio released a self-titled album in 1981 and gained attention for their performances of rare power. "Runaway Boys" and "Stray Cat Strut" still have the same devastating effect today. Their song "Rock This Town" even lent its name to a rock magazine in Belgium!

Despite a stunning series of epic disputes followed by lifelong reconciliations, the Stray Cats have recorded about ten studio albums and celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2019, staying true to their initial DNA. Of course, it's fair to find their sources of inspiration somewhat redundant or even limited...

When the Stray Cats were bickering, Brian Setzer never stayed inactive for long. Without completely abandoning rockabilly (especially with his "Rockabilly Riot" project), he ventured into more classic rock reminiscent of John "Cougar" Mellencamp but without much success. However, his tribute to live performances and the swing of the 1930s with his Brian Setzer Orchestra left a more lasting impact. Once again, he released a significant number of recordings, alternating his own compositions with covers of classics like "Americano". Always with his unmistakable guitar playing style. And of course, an inevitable Christmas album featuring his rendition of "Jingle Bells".

Unfortunately, in February of this year, Brian Setzer announced that he's suffering from an autoimmune disease that now prevents him from playing the guitar. "The Devil Collects", released in 2023, will likely be his last recording. His guitar playing still shines as brightly as it did in 1980!

(MH with Stéphane Soupart - Photo: © Etienne Tordoir)

Photo: Brian Setzer with The Stray Cats on stage at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels (Belgium) on 17 November 1981