You’d expect a guy like Brian Setzer to be permanently anchored in a neon-soaked Hollywood Hills mansion or maybe a classic Long Island estate near where he grew up in Massapequa. He’s the guy who single-handedly dragged rockabilly back into the mainstream with the Stray Cats and made big band swing cool again with his orchestra. But if you’re looking for him in California or New York, you’re looking in the wrong place.
Where does Brian Setzer live? Honestly, he’s been a full-blown Minnesotan for two decades.
Since 2005, the guitar virtuoso has called the Minneapolis area home. It wasn't a move for tax reasons or some corporate rebrand. Basically, he fell for a "Minnesota gal," Julie Reiten, a former backup singer and Twin Cities native. They got hitched and Setzer traded the Pacific Ocean for the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
The Famous Rock Island Loft
For a long time, Setzer was the most famous resident of the North Loop in downtown Minneapolis. He lived in the Rock Island Lofts, a building that looks like an old warehouse but was actually built in the early 2000s. It wasn't just a "condo"; it was a 3,000-square-foot, two-level penthouse designed to look like a 1950s lounge-lizard’s dream.
He had a game room packed with vintage pinball machines, a master bedroom with zebra-print carpeting, and a "Grammy wall" that would make any musician drool. The place was famous for having a laundry room with pink leopard-print wallpaper and a miniature disco ball. Seriously. He even had the guest bathroom designed to look exactly like the men's room at the Monte Carlo, a legendary swanky restaurant nearby.
Trading the City for the Suburbs
While the downtown life worked for a while—he used to sit on his rooftop patio and listen to the Minnesota Twins play at the nearby stadium—Setzer eventually moved further out. Around 2013, he and Julie decided they needed more "elbow room."
They moved to the western suburbs of Minneapolis. Why? Because you can’t exactly work on hot rods and vintage motorcycles in a downtown loft. Setzer is obsessed with greaser culture, and his suburban home allows him the three-car garage space he needs for his hobby. Plus, Julie wanted a real yard for gardening and an art studio.
Why Brian Setzer Still Matters in 2026
Living in Minnesota hasn't slowed him down, though recent years have been a bit of a rollercoaster. He’s often spotted at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, which he calls "the best hospital in the world."
In early 2025, Setzer went public about an autoimmune disease that caused severe hand cramping. For a guy whose entire life is built on lightning-fast Gretsch guitar solos, that’s a heavy blow. It got so bad he reportedly couldn’t even tie his shoes or hold a pen.
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He had to cancel a massive Stray Cats tour in late 2025 because of the illness. It's been a tough stretch. Before the autoimmune issues, he was also dealing with severe tinnitus, which is the high-pitched ringing in the ears that plagues many lifelong rockers. It's why he stopped doing his massive "Christmas Extravaganza" tours with the full orchestra back in 2019.
Is he still active in the local scene?
Totally. Even when he’s not touring the world, Setzer is a fixture in the Minneapolis music community. He records at local spots like Terrarium Studios. He hires local musicians, like drummer Noah Levy, and treats the Twin Cities like a real "music town without the attitude."
If you’re wandering around the Minneapolis suburbs or grabbing a steak at a local spot like the Monte Carlo, you might just run into him. Just don't expect him to be wearing a parka and snow boots; he’s more likely to be in a bowling shirt with his hair perfectly coiffed, looking like he stepped straight out of 1955.
What’s next for the Stray Cat?
Right now, the focus is on health. He’s been working with specialists at the Mayo Clinic to get his hands back in playing shape. There was a brief moment in mid-2025 where it looked like he was returning to the road, but the "serious illness" mention in October 2025 suggests he’s still in the thick of the fight.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
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- Support Local Spots: If you want to vibe with the Setzer aesthetic in Minneapolis, visit the North Loop or grab a drink at the Monte Carlo.
- Check Reverb: Setzer occasionally sells gear from his personal collection on Reverb. It’s a great way to see what he’s been playing lately.
- Follow Official Updates: Given the fluctuating nature of his health and tour dates in 2026, keep an eye on his official site rather than third-party ticket resellers.
He might have been born in New York and found fame in London and L.A., but Brian Setzer is a Minnesotan through and through now. He’s living proof that you can take the cat out of the city, but you can’t take the rockabilly out of the cat.