The Stray Cats got started in New York, but began finding major success when they moved “across the pond” to the UK, to take advantage of the Rockabilly revival that began around 1980. The Cats crashed the scene with their original appearance, featuring tattoos and huge pompadours, as well as solid musicianship that was different from everything going on in pop music at the time.
The band was successful almost immediately, releasing their debut album “Stray Cats” in 1981. The album contained three huge hits: “Runaway Boys,” “Stray Cat Strut,” and “Rock This Town.” The latter won high praise from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which labeled it one of the:
“500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.”
They returned to the U.S. and released “Built for Speed,” their American debut album, in 1982. The album included “Rock This Town” and “Stray Cat Strut” from the British release, and the album was a hit. The band has separated several times, but occasionally reunites to thrill their fans once again. A concert review says:
“The three performers were so filled with energy, it was contagious and the entire house caught it.”
The current Cats are Slim Jim Phantom, Lee Rocker, and Brian Setzer, and they will be at San Diego’s Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on August 3. Promoters often use poster printing to advertise performances like this.