It’s not unlike the Stray Cats to be as consistently retro as possible. The 80’s hit-making outfit has just announced a new reunion show today for Spring, and, of course, it was for a rockabilly festival.
The rockabilly trio, consisting of guitarist and frontman Brian Setzer, double bassist Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom (oh how I love these names), formed back in 1979 in Long Island, New York, but New York couldn’t hold them in. With numerous hits across the US, UK, Canada and Australia such as “Stray Cat Strut,” “Rock This Town” and “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” the band was at the forefront of the ’50s revival moment that began in the late ’70s.
And though the band’s largely been on recess during the last decade while each member pursued solo projects, it looks like the gang’s back together again. In their first gig in 10 years, the Stray Cats have announced that they will be headlining on April 21 at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, for the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend, alongside such performers as Jerry Lee Lewis and Duane Eddy.
The festival will showcase over 100 live bands across four days, along with such 50’s revival events like eight burlesque shows, a massive car show (all cars having been built before 1964), a vintage fashion show, a pin up contest, and “jiving” lessons.
The announcement came as both Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker posted the same message “We’re gonna rock this town…Announcement coming at noon PST!,” accompanied by a vintage photo of the group.
Check out the announcement below.