Stray Cats And The Bootleg T-Shirt Seller Who Toured With Them And Became A Lifelong Friend

April 3, 2025

It was the summer of 1978 when I first met the Stray Cats, a rockabilly band that was electrifying the music scene and taking America by storm. I was a young bootleg t-shirt seller, hustling in the parking lots outside of venues, designing shirts that featured vibrant colors and the coolest graphics of my favorite bands. That night, I had set up shop outside a small club in New York City where the Stray Cats were performing. As the crowd poured out after the show, I could hardly keep up with the demand for shirts, my hands dancing over the fabrics as I proudly sold each one with the band’s name splashed across the front.

What I didn’t expect was to catch the attention of the band themselves. After their performance, I noticed a tall guy with slicked-back hair and tattoos approach my stall. It was Brian Setzer, the lead singer. He grinned at my shirts and began chatting with me while I nervously fumbled through my stock. “You know, these are pretty cool,” he said, holding up a shirt featuring a colorful illustration of the band. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I could feel a spark of possibility igniting in my chest. We talked for what felt like hours, sharing our love of music and dreams of making it big in this wild world. By the end of our conversation, he had invited me to join them on their tour for a week to sell my shirts at the shows.

Touring with the Stray Cats was a whirlwind of excitement and camaraderie. I quickly learned the ins and outs of life on the road, joining the band in their van, sharing laughs, and witnessing their rise to fame from behind the scenes. Each city we visited felt like a mini-adventure, and I became an indispensable part of their journey. The crowds loved my shirts; they saw them as a way to connect with the band, and I felt like I was part of something larger than myself. I found joy not only in selling the shirts but also in the music that filled each venue. The energy of the audience and the passion of the band pushed me to pursue my own artistic dreams more fiercely than ever.

After that week on tour, a bond formed between us that would last a lifetime. The Stray Cats had become more than just a band to me; they were my friends, my inspiration, and my family. I returned to my hometown, but I knew that my life had shifted dramatically. I started to focus on my own music, finding inspiration in the exhilarating experiences I had living with the band. I recorded a handful of songs, tapping into the rhythm and energy I’d witnessed firsthand during their shows. While I was unsure of where my musical journey would take me, I felt empowered and resilient, ready to face any challenges that came my way.

Years passed, and the Stray Cats achieved incredible success, charting hits and becoming legends in the music industry. They never forgot about me, and I cherished those memories of late-night talks, shared meals, and wild adventures on the road. We kept in touch, celebrating each other’s milestones and supporting one another through tough times. I eventually released my own album, and to my surprise, Brian Setzer sent me a heartfelt message, congratulating me on my achievements. He wrote, “Remember, you were part of our story, and we’re all in this together.”

Looking back, that summer tour changed my life forever. It taught me the importance of friendship, resilience, and following one’s dreams. The Stray Cats were more than just a chapter in my story; they became lifelong friends who inspired me to dare greatly and chase my passions. Even as I continue my own journey in music, I carry the lessons learned from my time with them—lessons of hard work, dedication, and the power of believing in yourself. In the end, it was not just about the t-shirts or the concerts; it was about the bonds we formed and the music that united us all.