SETZER RUMBLE ’S
40 years ago with the launch of MTV, Brian Setzer first came to the attention of music fans as the guitar slinging leader of the Stray Cats. The band’s authentic rockabilly magic paired with a contemporary punch launched them into stardom with timeless hits “Rock This Town” and “Stray Cat Strut.” Upon the group’s demise in the mid-’80s, Setzer stretched out artistically, forging his own identity, carving out considerable success with his beloved swing outfit, the Brian Setzer Orchestra. He also lent his guitar prowess to records by the likes of Robert Plant (The Honeydrippers), Glen Campbell, Rickie Lee Jones, Warren Zevon and even Twisted Sister.
Gotta Have the Rumble, Setzer’s first new studio album in seven years, is a model of excellence, seasoned musicianship colliding with immaculate songcraft. Join us for an exclusive conversation with the king of rockabilly.
GOLDMINE: I’m going to start with a left-field question. I know that Eddie Cochran is your biggest musical hero. You played Eddie Cochran in the film La Bamba and also wrote a song about him and Gene Vincent called “Gene and Eddie.” OK, we’re talking hypotheticals. If you could ask Eddie Cochran one question, what would it be?
BRIAN SETZER: Wow... Let me think ... What made you pick up the guitar?
GM: Thinking back to your formative days, who were the most important mentors in your life that encouraged you and you could go to that would always give you an honest answer?
BS: Let’s see. That’s a good question. You mean when I first started? Guys that I wanted to play guitar like or people that I would talk to in the early days?
GM: Both.
OK, that’s an elimination of people, really, because my two guitar teachers were really instrumental with my playing and shaping the way I approached the guitar. So that
