Stray Cats Shows Cancelled

[Knebby]

The Stray Cats had to cancel the 3 remaining European shows of their farewell tour yesterday after drummer Slim Jim broke his wrist in 3 places in a fall from the stage at Brixton Academy on Wednesday night. The fantastic farewell show in London was actually over, after three encores which had included an appearance by Dave Edmunds, and the band were saying emotional goodbyes to a wildly enthusiastic crowd which included Mick Jones, Glen Matlock, Captain Sensible, Mike Peters, Chris Spedding and Richard Hawley, when Jim tumbled off the stage and into the crowd. He was helped back on by fans, security and a concerned Brian Setzer, but appeared unharmed and continued his enthusiastic waving. He also mingled happily with guests in the backstage bar for a good while after the show, but it seems that the full effects of his fall were not felt until some hours later. Jim has apparently returned to the US for corrective surgery, after initially saying he would play the remaining shows with a cast on - it seems common sense has made him realise the further damage he could do to his arm.

Dates in Manchester last night, Glasgow tonight, and Dublin at the weekend are now cancelled. No decisions have been taken as to rescheduling until the full extent of Jim's injuries are understood.

[Mr.Kite]

I love this band!

[Aquamarine]

What a way to end their London show --at least the show itself was over, and it seems Jim was feeling no pain until later, but a sad ending and such a shame they had to cancel their other European shows. Gotta admire a guy who wants to play on in a cast, though!

[Knebby]

Yeah it really was a fantastic show, I can't see how he could have done his usual style any justice with three fractures, but he genuinely didn't want to let the fans down - it's such a shame that he had to. They were on fire on wednesday and I'm sure the remaining shows would have been a fitting legacy for them - wonder what will happen now.

[MadScreamingGallery]

So sorry to hear that! I certainly hope he recovers and the band will continue their tour.

We saw the Stray Cats live last year and they were fantastic! They still have so much power and energy that, after that last concert, I would certainly see them again if and when they are able to come back to the U.S.

We had first seen the Stray Cats in NYC, in the late 70's, when they just started out. My husband and I can't remember the venue: he seems to think it was at Max's while, for some reason, I remember it being at the Lone Star.

[Knebby]

Well they were due to start the Australian leg of the farewell tour next year - but I'm not sure if they've already played their last US dates. It would make sense for them to totally end their run in the US so who knows. If Jim fully recovers.

PS - your memory may be slightly playing tricks MSG - they didn't play together until 1980 and only named themselves "Stray Cats" in June 1980 in London, where they first became successful. Before that they were called "The Tom Cats" - maybe you saw them as that in 1980? They didn't even get a record deal in the US till March 1982. Setzer of course is from New York and played around the area before The Tom Cats formed.

[ninelives]

Yeah it really was a fantastic show, I can't see how he could have done his usual style any justice with three fractures, but he genuinely didn't want to let the fans down - it's such a shame that he had to. They were on fire on wednesday and I'm sure the remaining shows would have been a fitting legacy for them - wonder what will happen now.

Love his attitude about not wanting to let fans down. I'm sure it's really frustrating for him. I hope they'll decide to make up the remaining dates when he recovers. I feel bad for those who this affected but I'm glad you caught a fantastic show! Very cool Dave Edmunds joined them! I saw him in concert years ago. Great show.

[MadScreamingGallery]

Well they were due to start the Australian leg of the farewell tour next year - but I'm not sure if they've already played their last US dates. It would make sense for them to totally end their run in the US so who knows. If Jim fully recovers.

PS - your memory may be slightly playing tricks MSG - they didn't play together until 1980 and only named themselves "Stray Cats" in June 1980 in London, where they first became successful. Before that they were called "The Tom Cats" - maybe you saw them as that in 1980? They didn't even get a record deal in the US till March 1982. Setzer of course is from New York and played around the area before The Tom Cats formed.

Well, it wouldn't be the first time.

Thanks for your response. I read your post and I asked my husband what he remembers about the early days of the Stray Cats. His memory is often worse than mine (he blames it on too much ). He said that he remembers that we saw first Brian Setzer when he started his band and was playing with them in one of the smaller NY venues (much smaller than Max's and the Lone Star). My husband said that while he doesn't remember them as the "Tom Cats" or the name of the venue, he does remember "Setzer and his band" because their look and sound was so different from what he was used to hearing in the clubs at that time (i.e., mostly punk rock).