Brian Setzer *The Stray Cats* Guitarist/Vocalist

Brian Setzer lead singer and guitarist for the rockabilly group the Stray Cats. He also fronted his own Orchestra. Here is a quick look back on his life and career in music. #briansetzer #rockabilly #thestraycats
www.briansetzer.com

[@carlnoble1491]

Brian Setzer, without a doubt, is one of the greatest guitar players in the world. I love all of Brian’s music!!

[@kevinbryan4215]

I wish more people my age (20’s) dug rockabilly and Brian’s music and the whole style in general.

[@RandomBeagle]

Agree. I'm 36 now, but started listening when I was 19. Tbh: I heard them the first time when I was around 4, my brother listened to it, but i became a fan when I was 19.

[@TinaReggie]

I'm 52 and am happy to see young people diggin this music.

[@sven7023]

I’m 18 and I’m listening it my whole life

[@JohnnyRocker2162]

I had Stray Cats records when they started here in London. Seen em twice and Setzer once. Just nice to know some younger guys are enjoying it.

[@ryanlehning556]

Just blast in the car! You never know how your friends will react!

[@tgofnj1]

Just saw him in Red Bank NJ on 9/27/23. Outstanding show

[@pjs777s.8]

I’m from Red Bank💪🏼👊🏼💪🏼

[@dodgedandle8311]

I Love Brian as a Musician, He is Great and why is that so ? I think it’s because all the Greats leave no stone unturned, they go straight to the source, The music, the Guitar, the Amp, and it has to be the real deal and that’s what he and The Cats we’re = The Real Deal, it doesn’t matter if they came along in the mid 50s, early 80s or next week they would’ve been successful because their music was from the Heart and Real.., ❤️⭐️🌞👊

[@artbenavides6459]

Well done. Thanks for educating the world of one of the most underrated musician to walk this planet, " if you ever read this Brian, " thanks for buying your first guitar and for setting the bench mark of perfection for all us guitar players who can only dream of rubbing elbows with you on stage as your Gretch takes the world by it's tail. God bless you and this Great nation we live in. Peace out Brother ""

[@andyford8359]

That picture of Brian Setzer, Dickie Betts, and Johnny Winter is priceless!

[@RiverDocs]

Yes it is! I almost didn't use it in the video but glad I did now..Thanks for the comment!

[@fredball8240]

Wow..recognized Johnny Winter and Brian but couldn't place the other guy. Dickie Betts! Niiice.

[@williamrichards1504]

Straycats are my favorite band of all time and i still listento them

[@startrekker188]

Brian Setzer stated that he made his parents buy him the very 1st Beatles album bc he loved the guitar sound so much! Initially he thought that all the Beatles played guitar. He was 5 yrs old! 🤘🔥

[@arthurnawrath6701]

Brian is a Genius!

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Great video and history of Brian thank you!

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome!

[@stevenalias962]

His Christmas show is incredible.

[@chriss1492]

I remember when Stray Cats came out on MTV when I was in high school. I thought they were the coolest thing! I patterned my look then after Brian Setzer. Hair, tattoos, etc. After high school, I moved on to other bands of the era like REM and U2. Im a grandfather now and still think Brian is a great guitarist and entertainer.

[@briantomcollins]

Was lucky enough to catch the Stray Cats in Jones Beach, NY. Great stuff... he's still a legend in the classic car scene.

[@user-pt1ow8hx5l]

Ah brilliant. The Stray Cats earn a living at Americana Car Shows!!! Well, music promoters could learn a LOT from that.

[@AnitaVickers-ey2nw]

Brian setzer king of rockabilly with the stray cats. No competition ❤ you still in 2024 and beyond.

[@melgrant7404]

Love Brian ❤

[@JM-nh8ld]

Even his Christmas albums kick it. I've always been a big fan and eagerly waited his next album.

[@starjunkie5328]

Brian Setzer aint no joke. Total badass; always was. You could never grow tired of his playing. Love him with his orchestra. Tinnitus is part of every players journey, unfortunately.

[@JEFFERY64]

Brian Setzer is the KING of Rockabilly bottom line!!!!!!

[@CreepsvilleSpookShow]

I was 11 when built for speed came out, my uncle turned me onto the stray cats, been a fan ever since.

[@chain173]

Very cool.

[@jamesdelaney3797]

😅love this guys guitar playing .

[@theleviathan89]

Brian let me play his 59 at a Christmas party at his house. He was so cool and nice to let me play it. Such an amazing guitar. Btw I am thoroughly enjoying all of your docs,,I’m really glad that I found your channel. Keep them coming!

[@RiverDocs]

Cool!! Glad you enjoy them. I usually get one new video out a week. Thanks for watching!

[@Dan6erous]

1983 live at the Col ballroom in Davenport, Iowa. Best concert I've ever seen.

[@fabiopunk1661]

Very nice video and narration. Artists have up and downs, some make history. Brian is one of them

[@RiverDocs]

Glad you enjoyed it Thanks for watching!

[@jdraven0890]

Great retrospective - sad about the no future tour dates. I've been meaning for years to go catch one of his shows, especially a Xmas one.

[@AntwhaleNearfar]

I really enjoyed your narration. No nonsense but still informative. Good job man 👍🏻🐈🐈🐈

[@RiverDocs]

Thank you. Appreciate that. Hope you subscribe to catch more videos!

[@WisconsinWanderer]

Brian’s style always moved my soul I loved it sad to hear about his health issue! Thank you sir😊

[@jasonladd6400]

First single I ever owned was Runaway Boys in 1980. My mum bought it for me.

[@GoemonLovesFujiko]

Glad I saw the first Stray Cats reunion at the Hootnenanny Festival. Haven’t seen him any other times- but I guess that was one of the shows to see. It was fantastic.

[@alanlatimer1024]

Brian Setzer is an awesome guitar player and singer who I haven't seen live surely would love to see him if he ever comes back to Tulsa

[@coproductions9378]

YEE YEE Saw their 40th anv. show at the Half Moon Inn SanDiego, Older Yet Good as EVER. Also Seen Every year Of B.S.O. Christmas shows AMAZING. Got to meet Brian after a show in Tucson, AZ venue was called the Wild Wild West & was a converted Bowling Alley Holy Crap!!! It was Awesome....JUMP JIVE & WAIL (on that Gretch B.S.) Tour, Got my Pic with him, signed that same pic years later and Still a Huge fan today....KEEP ROCK'N DUDE.

[@lizarrrdbeth]

Talented..nope.. He's way more than talented. He is an epic composer too who writes everyone's musical parts in his orchestra. He's amazing. He's the cats pajamas!!! The bees knees!!! He's one of my idols!! That Gretsch he plays is SICK!

[@gwynwellliver4489]

My son and I love to listen to his Christmas album.❤

[@tedgibson5960]

watching Brian perform with Joe Bonamassa was really cool! Brian has a very unique approach to playing the Blues!😎✌

[@RiverDocs]

Yes he does. Thanks for watching Ted!

[@rjr1227]

Great History...thank you

[@RiverDocs]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@k3digichaos]

Brian’s tattoo advice held firm with me since time immemorial. I admire this guy. He seems to have lived pretty clean or kept his business to himself. The Big Band Orchestra was amazing, even my mom loved it

[@brianritchie8920]

Same. I read it in a guitar mag back in the 90s and still don’t have any past my wrist.

[@ronaldhellengreen7063]

Another killer guitarist! Every time I get a notification of a new video of yours I'm presently surprised. Been a fan of the Cats every since the first album. Thanks for Another great rock doc! Can't wait to see more! PEACE ✌️

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome Ronald. Thank you for watching!!

[@jammininthepast]

The last time I saw Setzer was at "The Taste of Coloado", Labor Day early 2000's. He was with his big band. The energy flowed - musicians to crowd, ramped up and back. I could tell he was having one heck of a good time, all smiles and digging the audience. He/they were great. For a free concert on a beautiful Denver evening this show is one of my favorites. Thanks.

[@woody4269]

Grt vid. Thank u 🍻. Loved these guys as a kid. Played em t other day for my kid, hes now lovin them. And that tatt advice is superb.

[@RiverDocs]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rodneyharouff5739]

love it!!!

[@dilligaf2818]

watched him at Bluesfest Aus . gee he can play !!!

[@METurtleSHELL-ri4he]

Love the stray cats…. Can’t sit still, did get Brian’s double orchestra thingy album. Amazing! He’s a talented lad.

[@heavychevy4616]

brians amazing! great video. thank u

[@RiverDocs]

You're Welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@travishendrix7026]

No debate. This is one cool cat. He made a huge wave in a pond us Southern folk were baptized in. Terrific video. Well done sir.

[@garyslater1243]

The tone and "twang" of Brian's playing is totally authentic and absolutely phenomenal - the coolest of the cool cats !!

[@RedBud315]

I remember hearing their first U.S. album and was hooked immediately. It was definitely something no one had heard in decades and it sure would have been easy being their roadie. Did the drummer even need a roadie, lol. Seen some recent KZbin short of Brian and he is still cool today.

[@BenCoombs]

Great video!! Brian is one of my favs for sure!! Cheers!!

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks Ben!

[@marcdelente2456]

Les Stray Cats les meilleurs des monuments et des légendes bien vivantes en 2023 toujours les rois du rockabilly sans égales. Que dieu les protègent.

[@fscottfscott5369]

He is touring in 2023. Check it out

[@user-ti9sd3lo2i]

MTV I so remember the stray cats. Love there sound🎶🎼🎹😺🎸. 65 years old and he'll tour again? I hope I mean if Aero smith and the stones are still playing? Why wouldn't Brian? I'm pretty sure he didn't get hung up on drugs or alcoholism. Smart musician.

[@RegnaSaturna]

Nice video. Make Rockabilly Great Again.

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks!

[@greybeard277]

I always liked Brian Setzer, both in the Stray Cats and his big band stuff. I didn't know he played with Robert Plant, I may have seen him play without knowing it, lol. I saw Robert Plant in the 80's in Connecticut. Great show.

[@HFamilyDad]

Nice one! Brian is a cool cat!

[@georgesouthwick7000]

Great portrayal of Eddie Cochrane in La Bamba!

[@RiverDocs]

Yes it was!!!

[@Charles75N]

This was excellent. Thank you. Loved it.

[@RiverDocs]

You're so welcome! Glad you enjoyed.

[@ric9759]

Nice Job, One of my fave bands....

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks.

[@roberthobson9085]

WOW IT ABOUT TIME SOMEONE DID A GREAT JOB ON VIDEO AMAZING THANKS

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chloewinkworthlizardqueen]

thanks i asked for it i got it...brian plays stuff that so called geniuses cant...AND STANDS UP,not sitting down like so many clowns on utube playing stuff they got from tab ...setzer is a master rocker.

[@ferdberfle5069]

Damn Chloe! Don't condemn players who sit down! Some of us can't stand up that long due to physical limitations. Look at guys like Jeff Healy! 💞💞

[@chloewinkworthlizardqueen]

@@ferdberfle5069 yeah well if y cant stand up fair enough,but i see hundreds of people playing a bunch of tab arpeggios while sat in aircon making out as if theyre on par with people that play live ,its annoying coz if ythey ever went to a gig most of that sit down stuff they couldnt play it right coz their arms and back are trained for sitting in a chair.

[@AntonioCavicchioni]

Excellent!

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks!!

[@mauricerevelle8451]

Stray Cats live were "Something Else"..Always caught their London shows..Early to late eighties...I think the name came from a film called "That'll Be The Day" and the name of the band in the film were called The Stray Cats....

[@CreativeWarrior-]

Thanks, man!

[@stephenlandry9343]

My friend you did not disappoint. I've learned a lot about Brian in this video. Thank you a bunch ! DOC.

[@RiverDocs]

You're very welcome!! Thanks for your comment and support!

[@ferdberfle5069]

Glad to see you keeping the quality up with your docs! I played Stray Cat Strut once with a gal that I worked with singing it. It was a work get together and we were a big hit! Had to play it on my Strat though, only guitar I had with a wiggle stick! 🤣🤣

[@RiverDocs]

Strat is the best all around guitar ever made!! Thanks for watching Ferd!

[@govinda102000]

Teaching at Fred Astaire in the 90s, TBSO was often the material used to dance to.

[@TwilightZeaux]

Cool vid!! Thank you!! :D

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome!

[@ruimartins1174]

The Eddie Cochran's Gretsch was a G6120-1955( Eddie change the Dynasonic pickup from the neck for a P-90 Dog Ear ) and Brian Setzer's Gretsch is G6120-1959( with TV Jones Brian Setzer Signature filtertrons ). You can have today The Eddie Cochran Signature and the Brian Setzer Signature from Gretsch Guitars.

[@scaredketchup]

Great documentary my friend. Immediate sub

[@RiverDocs]

Thank you. Appreciate the support.

[@dennisellis968]

Dug the Stray Cats, bringing back and rebooting a groove many had never heard. That's why we need those to pick up and carry a torch, I fear may go away in many genres. some of the good things with technology ,also have become poison for many. kinda like ,," Do kids even want to learn to ride a bike anymore?" Don't mean to sound like I'm a G.O.D. (grumpy old dude) Thanks and I will preach on about this awesome channel.

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks Dennis I appreciate it. This channel was built with old farts in mind. We can't live in the past but it is ok to visit some of the good times once in a while ;-)

[@randycrooks6240]

I dig your content. Keep it up.

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks, will do!

[@user-ir5gk7yn6d]

He's on tour now, October 2023.

[@barbaraburgoyne8359]

I had an all access pass to one of their concerts in 1983 and stood at the side of the stage. After the show, Brian asked me if I could take his guitar to their hotel in Dearborn. So I had his guitar in my trunk! I went to the Hyatt and partied in the bar and later in one of their rooms with several other people. I remembered looking at his faux leopard coat and thinking I would love to have that LoL. I had conversations with Lee as well, and it was right before Slim Jim married Britt Ecklund. It was a fun evening...

[@RiverDocs]

Awesome story. Thanks for sharing!

[@icescrew1]

He nailed what needed to be done. He once got the dead to rise up and dance.

[@MrMarkar1959]

I saw "The Stray Cats" in Fort Wayne,Ind. They sounded good and had a good show but nobody cared.

[@ianengland9549]

I think he got his ears fixed now he's about to be live this year in 2024 well if he still is rocking.

[@teddyboyward]

I feel you left out 3 very important bands Lee & Jim were involved with. #1 The Swing Cats Slim Jim - Lee - Danny B. Harvey. They even "redid" Elvi's first Hayride show. Danny mixed out the band, they played the music, then dubbed Elvis back over their music. #2 "The Rockabilly Super Group" (I call them) The 13 Cats (consisting of) Slim Jim -Tim Polecat (The Polecats) - Danny B. Harvey & Smutty Smith (The Rockats) #3 The Headcat Slim Jim - Danny B. Harvey - Lemmy Kilmister. (and 1 extra one) Jim for the last year has filled in for my FAV Teddy Boy band FURIOUS (if you like "R OCKIN-BILLY" (like The Cats, check out FURIOUS)

[@RiverDocs]

That's because the video's subject is Brian. Not Lee and Jim. But thanks for the info on them.

[@guitarman45.]

Ive seen Brian several times live here in Detroit was told Brian was in audience for one of our shows here at clutch cargos in early 80s think it was 82 or 83 but i personally did not see him

[@74stickers10]

The knife feels... Is an album I enjoy mucho more nowdaya.

[@jasonthunders6551]

Be great to see a Bio on Poison Ivy 👍...she had the Link Wray, Eddie, Scotty style down to a T❤

[@victorglemberg3359]

You didn't mention the Blast Off LP, which was as good as their first. Saw the Cats three times, best live band ever.

[@pawlpoche8736]

Social Distortion is a great rock/rockabilly/punk band

[@MinionofNobody]

The story about buying a guitar in pieces rings true. I’m an electric guitar builder. I have bought many guitars over the years in similar condition. The owners will have big plans about painting, modifying, or upgrading their guitars. They disassemble the things and realize they are in over their heads or lose interest in the project. Pieces often get lost or thrown in the trash. I have picked up some really nice guitars this way. You need a certain skill set to get these guitars back in good working condition so it isn’t an automatic money maker. You also need to know what the guitar is likely to be worth when it is in working condition, how much parts will cost, how much work it will take to restore the guitar to working condition, etc. Some project guitars can lose money even if the finished project is a nice guitar. And then there are the guitars that were disassembled for a good reason. Even an otherwise good guitar company like Gibson or Fender can occasionally allow a guitar out the door that doesn’t meet their normal standards. Mistakes happen. Identifying one of these guitars in a disassembled state can be a real problem since you can’t play them. This is the kind of guitar that always loses money. In short, it is a balancing act. The good project guitars have to not only pay for themselves but also the bad project guitars or none of it is worth while.

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks for the comment and info on guitars.

[@user-no9xk8mg1x]

Yeah, Cool, cars , cool music and cool style, what is there not to like 😂

[@televinv8062]

Hope he gets out playing in '23 and '24 🙏👍

[@televinv8062]

@@terin1862 awesome!

[@raytothet7665]

The commentator has a good voice for this.

[@RiverDocs]

Thank you for the compliment.

[@markw999]

Stray Cats were NEVER retro. If they had been, they would have ended up a novelty act (and they would have kicked ass at that too, BTW, but would never have been a global phenom). That's what gets missed in the historical analysis of the band. It's like Rockabilly had one more chapter to write after a long pause. And it was really the best one, IMHO (I was 14 in 1982 when Built for Speed came out so I'm probably prejudiced).

[@JuanDaringMann]

🍪

[@paulradice3534]

Wasn’t called rockabilly back then the word never existed. Rock & roll it’s called.

[@RiverDocs]

Sorry but that isn't correct. The term has been use since around the mid 50's. Bill Flagg is usually given credit for coining the term and it was used quite frequently after that.

[@chloewinkworthlizardqueen]

yeah tinnitus...he will get over it,it goes away after y go more deaf..lol

[@Skipper.17]

They only had 3 songs.

[@XLBiker13]

I've seen Brian more than any other artist - starting with my first Stray Cats show in '82 and many more to follow all the way through the 40th Anniversary show. Whether with the Stray Cats, solo or with the BSO he is phenomenal.

[@RiverDocs]

I agree, he is really a great player and entertainer!! Thanks for watching!

[@high5ranch]

He's Awesome!!

[@brocklanders6172]

You know what would've been truly great? A rockabilly album with Eddie Van Halen.

[@brocklanders6172]

I mean, what's the difference, really, between 'Hot For Teacher' and 'Rock This Town'?

[@tomriddle5564]

All I will say is. the CRAMPS. Setzer never even came close.

[@igolfjtweetler4097]

The Phantom Rocker Slick band was different but still great. Should have done way better.

[@RiverDocs]

Yea they were a great band.