Stray Cats And The Fan Who Turned His Garage Into A Stray Cats Museum

April 3, 2025

When Alex first heard the song “Stray Cat Strut,” he was just a kid with a big dream and a love for rockabilly music. The infectious rhythm, combined with Brian Setzer’s unique voice, ignited a passion in him that would last a lifetime. By the time he reached high school, he had absorbed everything there was to know about the Stray Cats—their flashy style, their retro sound, and their bold attitude. They weren’t just a band to him; they were a lifeline that pulled him through tough times at school, where he often felt like an outsider. Their music became his comfort, and he made it a goal to keep their spirit alive.

Years later, after graduating and working a mundane job, Alex found himself yearning for something more meaningful. It was then he decided to turn his garage into a Stray Cats museum, a celebration of everything he admired about the band. He cleared out old boxes, dusted off long-forgotten memorabilia, and spent countless evenings decorating the space with posters, vintage records, and photographs of the band performing. He even built a small stage where he could play along to their tunes, envisioning himself as a part of the vibrant world the Stray Cats had created. It felt like a tribute to the band that had given him so much hope and joy.

The first day of the opening was buzzing with excitement. Alex invited friends, family, and fellow fans to share in his passion. As they entered the garage, their eyes widened in awe at the dedication he had poured into the space. Memories of the band’s rise in the early 1980s filled the air as Alex shared anecdotes about their journey—from struggling musicians trying to get noticed to becoming rock legends known for hits like “Rock This Town” and “Jump, Jive an’ Wail.” The nostalgia was palpable, and for a moment, the garage felt like a portal to the past.

What surprised Alex most was the sense of community that blossomed on that day. People who had never met before shared their own stories of how the Stray Cats had impacted their lives. They reminisced about the first concert they attended and how the band’s music helped them through breakups and heartaches. Alex listened, his heart swelling with joy, realizing that he had created a safe haven for fans to connect over their shared love of music. It was a dream come true, and in that moment, he felt like he was living a piece of the same magic that inspired him as a young boy.

As the years went by, the Stray Cats museum in Alex’s garage became a local sensation. It drew people from nearby towns and even some distant cities. Musicians would stop by to jam with Alex, inspired by the heart and soul he put into preserving the legacy of his favorite band. The joy of sharing his passion fueled his own journey into music, taking up guitar lessons and forming a small band himself. Although he had once felt like an outsider, Alex now found a sense of belonging in the music community he had helped nurture.

In the end, it wasn’t just about the Stray Cats; it was about the impact music can have on people’s lives. Alex learned that resilience and passion can transform a simple garage into a sanctuary of dreams, where memories are cherished, and friendships are forged. And as he strummed the guitar on that tiny stage, he often thought of Brian Setzer and the other members of the Stray Cats, grateful for the inspiration they had provided him. Their music didn’t just fill the air; it filled his heart, reminding him that dreams can take flight in the most unexpected places.