Rockabilly icon Brian Setzer has been forced to cancel a run of US tour dates due to a severe case of the hearing condition tinnitus.

For music fans performers alike, one of the most feared diagnoses is that of tinnitus. A condition that is known for causing a high-pitched ringing in the ears, it is often caused by an exposure to loud noises, such as attending high-volume concerts with no ear protection.

While it is often a manageable condition for most sufferers, many – such as You Am I’s Davey Lane – have opened up about how the condition not only affects their day-to-day hearing, but also their mental wellbeing.

Now, rockabilly icon Brian Setzer has revealed his diagnosis with the condition, being forced to cancel a number of upcoming US tour dates as a result.

Set to kick off his annual Christmas Rocks! Tour with The Brian Setzer Orchestra on Friday, the Stray Cats founder revealed to his fans that he has been forced to cancel the 26-date tour due to what has been labelled a “severe case of tinnitus”.

Check out the statement from Brian Setzer:

“It’s heartbreaking to disappoint my fans who have shared my Christmas seasons with me for over fifteen years,” Setzer explained in a statement shared to social media.

“I’m truly sorry for the inconvenience this has caused all of the amazing people who make my tour happen and to my unbelievably loyal and devoted fans.

“I hate to let you down and I hope you’ll understand.”

At this stage, it’s unclear when Brian Setzer will again take to the stage, while the precise severity of his condition is also unknown.

Whatever the case, we wish the rock icon all the best during this tough time, and hope that he’s able to hit the road again sooner rather than later.

Check out ‘Rock This Town’ by Stray Cats:

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