DATE: MARCH 9, 2026

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN/ANDREA FAULK

THE STRAY CATS
RETURN TO THE ROAD FOR 2026
CROSS-COUNTRY SUMMER TOUR
DATES KICK OFF
JULY 24 IN LAS VEGAS
TICKETS ON SALE
FRIDAY, MARCH 13

Download the admat HERE

THE STRAY CATS—all three original members Brian Setzer (guitar, vocals), Lee Rocker (upright bass, vocals), and Slim Jim Phantom (drums, vocals)—will return to the road in 2026 with a month-long, cross-country summer tour. Kicking off July 24 in Las Vegas, THE STRAY CATS will bring their legendary explosive live show and red-hot rock & roll to audiences nationwide including multiple stops throughout California before wrapping with three NY-area performances. The group’s setlists will be highlighted by some of the iconic multi-million selling band’s massive hits including “Stray Cat Strut,” “Rock This Town,” “Runaway Boys,” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” and much more. The initial tour dates are below with more to be announced soon.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 13 at 10:00 AM (local time). An artist fan club presale kicks off Tuesday, March 10 at 10:00 AM-Thursday, March 12 at 10:00 PM (local time); sign up for the band newsletter HERE to get access.

Photo credit: Suzie Kaplan
(L-R: Slim Jim Phantom, Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker)
Link to hi-res photo HERE

BRIAN SETZER: “It’s good to be healthy and strong again. There’s something about the unique sound of The Stray Cats that keeps drawing me in. The Gretsch guitar, the acoustic bass, and the stand-up drums still sound pure and fresh today. Come on out and have some fun with us this summer.”

LEE ROCKER: “The Stray Cats are back and ready to blast off! It’s an amazing feeling to join up with Brian and Slim, hit the stage and Rock across America. No one can do it like us Cats, …….nobody comes close”

SLIM JIM PHANTOM: “With The Stray Cats, there’s always some extra magic around the summertime shows. It’s the perfect time for the Cats & Kittens to get dolled up, put the top down & cruise to the greatest Rockabilly show on earth!”

Last year, the iconic multi-million selling band released two new tracks via Surfdog Records: the loud, upbeat “Stampede” which is unmistakably The STRAY CATS and their cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Teenage Heaven.” These songs mark the first new music in six years, listen HERE. Both “Stampede” and “Teenage Heaven” were produced by The Stray Cats, mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, and recorded at The Terrarium in Minneapolis, MN & Laguna Sound in Laguna Beach, CA. “Stampede” was written by Brian Setzer, Peter B. Antonio, Wally Zober, Bert Salmirs, and Mike Himelstein, while “Teenage Heaven” was penned by Jerry Capehart and Eddie Cochran.

THE STRAY CATS 2026 dates are as follows:

** The Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA announce and on sale TBD

About THE STRAY CATS:

THE STRAY CATS, the band that put Rockabilly music back on the record charts in the early ’80s, scored several big hits on both sides of the Atlantic thanks to a striking visual 1950’s style brought “up to date” with exaggerated pompadours and colorful tattoos and as well as genuine musical chops that evoked the best players of rockabilly’s original heyday. Formed by guitarist/vocalist Brian Setzer, upright bass player Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom in the Long Island town of Massapequa, NY, in 1979, the trio shared a love for Rockabilly music. After banging around New York for a few months, in the summer of 1980, and seeing a pompadoured kid on the cover of UK magazine NME, they hopped a plane to London where a rockabilly revival movement was just beginning to emerge. Their massive hits and videos include “Runaway Boys,” “Rock This Town,” “Stray Cat Strut” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” and “I Won’t Stand in Your Way.”

For more information on The STRAY CATS, visit:

Official Website | Facebook

SRO Press Releases + Assets

DATE: OCTOBER 28, 2025

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN/ANDREA FAULK

THE STRAY CATS
FORCED TO CANCEL CROSS-COUNTRY TOUR
DUE TO SERIOUS ILLNESS

THE STRAY CATS have today cancelled their fall cross-country tour due to “serious illness.” Refunds will be available at the point of purchase. The band’s BRIAN SETZER says:

“I’m heartbroken to share, due to serious illness, I am unable to perform and very regrettably have to cancel our Stray Cats tour.  I know this affects so many people and I am devastated to have to deliver this news.  I’ve been trying everything I can to go on and do these shows, but it is just not possible.  I’ve been looking forward so much to being on stage with my band mates again and playing for all of our amazing fans, and I’m gutted.”

Photo credit: Suzie Kaplan
(L-R: Slim Jim Phantom, Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker)
Link to hi-res photo HERE

The cancelled STRAY CATS 2025 dates are as follows:

About the STRAY CATS:

The STRAY CATS are all three original members Brian Setzer (guitar, vocals), Lee Rocker (upright bass, vocals), and Slim Jim Phantom (drums, vocals). They’re the band that put Rockabilly music back on the record charts in the early ’80s, scored several big hits on both sides of the Atlantic thanks to a striking visual 1950’s style brought “up to date” with exaggerated pompadours and colorful tattoos and as well as genuine musical chops that evoked the best players of rockabilly’s original heyday. Formed by guitarist/vocalist Brian Setzer, upright bass player Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom in the Long Island town of Massapequa, NY, in 1979, the trio shared a love for Rockabilly music. After banging around New York for a few months, in the summer of 1980, and seeing a pompadoured kid on the cover of UK magazine NME, they hopped a plane to London where a rockabilly revival movement was just beginning to emerge. Their massive hits and videos include “Runaway Boys,” “Rock This Town,” “Stray Cat Strut” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” and “I Won’t Stand in Your Way.”

For more information on The STRAY CATS, visit:

Official Website | Facebook
SRO Press Releases + Assets

For press inquiries, please contact:

SRO PR
National:
Marcee Rondan, marcee@sropr.com
Mitch Schneider, mschneider@sropr.com

Tour:
Andrea Faulk, afaulk@sropr.com

DATE: OCTOBER 24, 2025

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN/ANDREA FAULK

THE STRAY CATS
ROLL OUT TWO TRACKS
AHEAD OF LAUNCHING
THEIR CROSS-COUNTRY FALL TOUR
THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

“STAMPEDE” AND THEIR COVER OF
EDDIE COCHRAN’S “TEENAGE HEAVEN”
MARK THEIR FIRST NEW MUSIC IN SIX YEARS
LISTEN HERE

THE STRAY CATS—all three original members Brian Setzer (guitar, vocals), Lee Rocker (upright bass, vocals), and Slim Jim Phantom (drums, vocals)—are today (October 24) rolling out two tracks via Surfdog Records ahead of their fall tour that launches this Saturday, October 25 (see the tour dates below). Loud, upbeat, and unmistakably THE STRAY CATS, “Stampede” and their cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Teenage Heaven” mark the iconic multi-million selling band’s first new music in six years. Listen to both tracks HERE.

Both “Stampede” and “Teenage Heaven” were produced by The Stray Cats, mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, and recorded at The Terrarium in Minneapolis, MN & Laguna Sound in Laguna Beach, CA. “Stampede” was written by Brian Setzer, Peter B. Antonio, Wally Zober and Bert Salmirs, while “Teenage Heaven” was penned by Jerry Capehart and Eddie Cochran.

“Jim and I cut both songs in Minneapolis at Terrarium Studios,” Brian Setzer says. “‘Stampede’ was an instrumental that I wrote lyrics for. I basically copied the guitar part, which was pretty ahead of its time to begin with, and ‘Teenage Heaven’ is one of the few Eddie Cochran songs that has not been covered to death.”

“The recording of “Stampede” was a gas!” Slim Jim Phantom says. “We went to a studio in Minneapolis and I stayed with Brian—I had my own room this time, not three to a bed! The playing came very easy and I tried to come up with a drum part that conjured up the idea of a jailbreak. We’re doing a Bo Diddley Tom Tom beat that switches into a swing rhythm with a little punk rock for good luck.” He adds: “‘Teenage Heaven’ is a natural for The Stray Cats—it has always been one we wanted to do but hadn’t. Sir Mick Jagger suggested we do that one in 1980. It took a little while, but we listened to Mick! Eddie Cochran was the best rock star ever and has always been a big influence. He looked great, he played great, he sang great. He was way ahead of the curve with studio technique and left behind an unbelievably big catalog.”

“’Stampede’ has the drive and intensity that brings me back to our first album,” Lee Rocker says. “It’s got a direct line to ‘Runaway Boys’ and ‘Rumble in Brighton.’ ‘Teenage Heaven’ is a classic Eddie Cochran song that we put our Stay Cats magic on. The Cats are back and better than ever.”

For the tour, THE STRAY CATS are once again bringing their legendary explosive live show and red-hot rock & roll to audiences nationwide. Their setlists will include massive hits such as “Stray Cat Strut,” “Rock This Town,” “Runaway Boys,” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” and more. Tickets are available HERE. Read the full tour release (with quotes from the band and more) HERE.

Photo credit: Suzie Kaplan
(L-R: Slim Jim Phantom, Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker)
Link to hi-res photo HERE

The STRAY CATS 2025 dates are as follows:

Download the admat HERE

About the STRAY CATS:

The STRAY CATS, the band that put Rockabilly music back on the record charts in the early ’80s, scored several big hits on both sides of the Atlantic thanks to a striking visual 1950’s style brought “up to date” with exaggerated pompadours and colorful tattoos and as well as genuine musical chops that evoked the best players of rockabilly’s original heyday. Formed by guitarist/vocalist Brian Setzer, upright bass player Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom in the Long Island town of Massapequa, NY, in 1979, the trio shared a love for Rockabilly music. After banging around New York for a few months, in the summer of 1980, and seeing a pompadoured kid on the cover of UK magazine NME, they hopped a plane to London where a rockabilly revival movement was just beginning to emerge. Their massive hits and videos include “Runaway Boys,” “Rock This Town,” “Stray Cat Strut” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” and “I Won’t Stand in Your Way.”

For more information on The STRAY CATS, visit:
Official Website | Facebook
SRO Press Releases + Assets

About Surfdog/DKM: Surfdog/DKM is an entertainment company, founded in 1985 and located in Encinitas, CA, which includes DKM Management, Surfdog Records, Surfdog & Surfmutt Music Publishing, and Surfdog’s Java Hut Cafe. Surfdog/DKM has a diverse and acclaimed roster and, since its inception, has worked with a number of legendary iconic artists, including Brian Setzer, Eric Clapton, UB40, Sublime, Dave Stewart (of Eurythmics), Glen Campbell, Joss Stone, Stray Cats, Butthole Surfers, Dan Hicks, Slightly Stoopid, as well as hilarious and renowned comedians Zoltan Kaszas and Bret Ernst. Surfdog/DKM is involved with several environmental charities including Oceana, Surfrider Foundation, Sea Shepherd, among many others, and is proud that our Encinitas offices are GreenPoint Rated and operate as a certified California Green Business and remain a member in good standing with 1% For The Planet.

For press inquiries, please contact:

SRO PR

National:
Marcee Rondan, marcee@sropr.com
Mitch Schneider, mschneider@sropr.com

Tour:
Andrea Faulk, afaulk@sropr.com

DATE: AUGUST 18, 2025

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN/ANDREA FAULK

VERY SPECIAL SHOW!!:
THE STRAY CATS
RUMBLE IN DEL MAR
SET FOR
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20
AT THE SOUND IN DEL MAR, CA

THE STRAY CATS have announced a “VERY SPECIAL SHOW!! The Stray Cats: Rumble in Del Mar,” set for Thursday, November 20 at The Sound in Del Mar, CA. Tickets are available via a special artist presale beginning today, Tuesday, August 19, from noon PT to Thursday, August 21 at 10:00 PM PT, sign up here for early access. A venue presale will follow, beginning Thursday, August 21 at 10:00 AM (PT) with presale code: RUMBLE. The general on sale begins Friday, August 22 at 10:00 AM PT. Be among the first 100 vintage car owners (pre-1975) to roll in and score free VIP parking at The Stray Cats Rumble In Del Mar concert at The Sound! Submit your make, model and photo HERE.

THE STRAY CATS—all three original members Brian Setzer (guitar, vocals), Lee Rocker (upright bass, vocals), and Slim Jim Phantom (drums, vocals)— are returning to the road this fall. The iconic multi-million selling band will be bringing their legendary explosive live show and red-hot rock & roll to audiences nationwide. Their setlists will include massive hits such as “Stray Cat Strut,” “Rock This Town,” “Runaway Boys,” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” and more. Read the tour press release HERE.

Photo credit: Suzie Kaplan
(L-R: Slim Jim Phantom, Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker)
Link to hi-res photo HERE

About THE STRAY CATS:

THE STRAY CATS, the band that put Rockabilly music back on the record charts in the early ’80s, scored several big hits on both sides of the Atlantic thanks to a striking visual 1950’s style brought “up to date” with exaggerated pompadours and colorful tattoos and as well as genuine musical chops that evoked the best players of rockabilly’s original heyday. Formed by guitarist/vocalist Brian Setzer, upright bass player Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom in the Long Island town of Massapequa, NY, in 1979, the trio shared a love for Rockabilly music. After banging around New York for a few months, in the summer of 1980, and seeing a pompadoured kid on the cover of UK magazine NME, they hopped a plane to London where a rockabilly revival movement was just beginning to emerge. Their massive hits and videos include “Runaway Boys,” “Rock This Town,” “Stray Cat Strut” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” and “I Won’t Stand in Your Way.”

For more information on The STRAY CATS, visit:
Official Website | Facebook
SRO Press Releases + Assets

For press inquiries, please contact:

SRO PR
National:
Marcee Rondan, marcee@sropr.com
Mitch Schneider, mschneider@sropr.com

Tour:
Andrea Faulk, afaulk@sropr.com

DATE: JULY 28, 2025

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN/ANDREA FAULK

THE STRAY CATS
CONFIRM 2025 CROSS-COUNTRY DATES
‘THE STRAY CATS FALL TOUR’
KICKS OFF OCTOBER 25
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, AUGUST 1

Download the admat HERE

THE STRAY CATS—all three original members Brian Setzer (guitar, vocals), Lee Rocker (upright bass, vocals), and Slim Jim Phantom (drums, vocals)—have today (July 28) announced their return to the road this fall for a cross-country month-long tour. Set to kick off October 25, the iconic multi-million selling band will be bringing their legendary explosive live show and red-hot rock & roll to audiences nationwide. Their setlists will include massive hits such as “Stray Cat Strut,” “Rock This Town,” “Runaway Boys,” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” and more. (The tour itinerary follows below.)

Tickets go on sale Friday, August 1 at 10:00 AM (local time). An artist fan club presale kicks off Tuesday, July 29 at 10:00 AM (local time); sign up for the band newsletter HERE to get access.

Photo credit: Suzie Kaplan
(L-R: Slim Jim Phantom, Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker)
Link to hi-res photo HERE

BRIAN SETZER: “What blows me away every time is how this music still connects — decades later, it’s just as raw, just as real. We see fans from every generation now.”

LEE ROCKER: “There’s nothing like the sound we make when the three of us hit the stage–it’s high-octane rockabilly, loud and proud. We’re fired up to bring that to fans across the country again!”

SLIM JIM PHANTOM: “HOLY MACKEREL! The Cats are back for a very, special indoor tour. I’m thrilled and excited to be on the road in 2025 with the best Rockabilly band in the world! These are the venues where the Cats sound best and one thing I can guarantee 100%…We Will Rock Your Town!!”

These shows follow 2024’s critically acclaimed summer tour. Here’s some critical feedback from those shows:

“Setzer has retained his smooth vocals and still stung when he played lead guitar…Stray Cats demonstrated that the core of the band’s appeal is that the three musicians have stuck to one sound and continue to do it well.”
–Charley Crespo, Aquarian Weekly, 8/19/24 (on 8/15 New York City Show)

“From the moment they stepped on stage, guitarist Brian Setzer, drummer Slim Jim Phantom and upright bassist Lee Rocker tore through song after song at a breakneck pace.”
–Sean Reiter, SF Bay Area Concerts, 8/1/24 (on 7/30 Saratoga, CA Show)

“As Stray Cats came out onstage, the whole place started raging! It was seriously cool (not to mention nostalgic) watching everyone in the crowd singing along to songs I’ve been listening to for 40 years!”
–Sean McCracken, Top Shelf Music Mag, 8/9/24 (on 8/1 Costa Mesa, CA Show)

“As the final notes of ‘Rock This Town’ echoed through the amphitheater, the audience erupted into applause, clearly not ready for the night to end. Stray Cats, ever the showmen, returned for an encore, closing with a fiery rendition of ‘Rumble in Brighton,’ leaving the crowd exhilarated and satisfied.”
–Kevin Rolfe, Utah Concert Review, 8/22/24 (on 8/5 Salt Lake City, UT Show)

“They expertly blended their most well-known material like the immortal hits ‘Rock This Town’ and ‘Stray Cut Strut’ with lesser-known tunes… All three band members were in fine form…”
–Matthew Berlyant, Under The Radar Magazine, 9/2/24 (on 8/15 New York City Show)

The STRAY CATS 2025 dates are as follows:

About the STRAY CATS:

The STRAY CATS, the band that put Rockabilly music back on the record charts in the early ’80s, scored several big hits on both sides of the Atlantic thanks to a striking visual 1950’s style brought “up to date” with exaggerated pompadours and colorful tattoos and as well as genuine musical chops that evoked the best players of rockabilly’s original heyday. Formed by guitarist/vocalist Brian Setzer, upright bass player Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom in the Long Island town of Massapequa, NY, in 1979, the trio shared a love for Rockabilly music. After banging around New York for a few months, in the summer of 1980, and seeing a pompadoured kid on the cover of UK magazine NME, they hopped a plane to London where a rockabilly revival movement was just beginning to emerge. Their massive hits and videos include “Runaway Boys,” “Rock This Town,” “Stray Cat Strut” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” and “I Won’t Stand in Your Way.”

For more information on The STRAY CATS, visit:

Official Website | Facebook

SRO Press Releases + Assets

DATE: MARCH 26, 2024

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN/ANDREA FAULK

STRAY CATS
ANNOUNCE THEIR RETURN TO THE ROAD WITH
A SUMMER TOUR
LAUNCHING JULY 27

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Download the admat 

STRAY CATS—original members Brian Setzer (guitar, vocals), Lee Rocker (upright bass, vocals) and Slim Jim Phantom (drums, vocals)—will rock their way across America this summer when they return to the road for a three-week tour on July 27. The multi-million selling band’s trek will include stops in Bend, Los Angeles (two shows in Costa Mesa), San Diego, Denver, New York City and more before wrapping up August 17 in Bridgeport, CT.  They’ll be joined for these dates by The Midnight Cowgirls as the support act. The tour dates are below, with more to be announced soon.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 29 at 10:00 AM (local time). An artist fan club presale kicks off Wednesday, March 27 10:00 AM (local time); sign up for the band newsletter at Straycats.com to get access.

Photo credit: Suzie Kaplan
Link to hi-res photo here

These shows will mark the STRAY CATS’ first performances since the release of their critically acclaimed 2019 album 40 and subsequent reunion tour, which they followed with a live album ROCKED THIS TOWN: FROM LA TO LONDON in 2020. Concertgoers can expect to hear the band’s signature unparalleled virtuosity and red-hot rock & roll spirit via their classic tunes alongside their most recent material. Their setlists will include massive hits such as “Stray Cat Strut,” “Rock This Town,” “Runaway Boys,” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” “I Won’t Stand in Your Way” and more.

BRIAN SETZER: “I’ve always said that we all grew up in the same neighborhood, so there’s an instant feeling between us when we play. It allows us to be confident and spontaneous. Man, that’s priceless.”

LEE ROCKER: “With just a string bass, a guitar and a drum, we have always had less instruments and gear, but more rumble, more twang, more shake, and more bang than anyone else. Now’s the right time to bring it back!”

SLIM JIM PHANTOM: “I’m thrilled to be doing shows in 2024 with Stray Cats in the U.S.A.! Playing drums with Brian and Lee in our rockabilly band is the best possible way to spend a summer!”

The STRAY CATS 2024 dates are as follows:

^On sale now
*Will go on sale at a later date

Here’s some rave reviews from the STRAY CATS 2019 tour and 40 album:

“It’s was definitely a swingin’, rockin’, and shoutin’ of a good time as the sensational, iconic and legendary band the Stray Cats prowled their way to the Greek Theatre…In no way, shape or form are the Stray Cats showing any signs of slowing down…”
–DANIEL SEYUM, Music Connection, 8/30/19

“All three are now virtuosos on their instruments, with Rocker and Phantom weaving together intricate rhythms while Setzer delivers wild guitar solos…The simplicity of their setup makes what they do with songs like “Rock This Town,” which becomes an epic anthem live with solos from Setzer and Rocker, all the more stunning.”
–Glenn Gamboa, Newsday (New York), 8/3/19

“The beauty of this band is, even their new songs sound old. That’s always been by design. So those brand new tracks fit right into the set with ease.”
–Brett Callwood, LA Weekly, 8/30/19

“Thanks to Setzer’s wide-ranging guitar vocabulary, the trio has added more “abillies” — jazzabilly, bluesabilly, twangabilly, punkabilly, boogieabilly, surfabilly, swingabilly, even bluegrassabilly. At times Setzer, like Chuck Berry, would switch styles of music in mid-solo Sunday. He truly cut loose on the extended ‘Fishnet Stockings,’ fingers going full speed up and down the fretboard, downshifting to descending lines, jamming in any direction he wanted and, of course, giving Rocker and Phantom moments to solo…”
–Jon Bream, Star Tribune (Minneapolis), 8/19/19

About the STRAY CATS:

The STRAY CATS, the band that put Rockabilly music back on the record charts in the early ’80s, scored several big hits on both sides of the Atlantic thanks to a striking visual 1950’s style brought “up to date” with exaggerated pompadours and colorful tattoos and as well as genuine musical chops that evoked the best players of rockabilly’s original heyday. Formed by guitarist/vocalist Brian Setzer, upright bass player Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom in the Long Island town of Massapequa, NY, in 1979, the trio shared a love for Rockabilly music. After banging around New York for a few months, in the summer of 1980, and seeing a pompadoured kid on the cover of UK magazine NME, they hopped a plane to London where a rockabilly revival movement was just beginning to emerge. Their massive hits and videos include “Runaway Boys,” “Rock This Town,” “Stray Cat Strut” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” and “I Won’t Stand in Your Way.”

For more information on The STRAY CATS, visit:

Official Website | Facebook
SRO Press Releases + Assets