Stray Cats' Slim Jim Phantom cancels show in Roslyn due to medical issue

Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom had to cancel his April 15 show at My Father’s Place in Roslyn. The Massapequa native was sidelined by a medical issue.

"I have had cortisone injections in my knee and the orthopedic doctor has advised me that if I want to avoid surgery then I should lay off any heavy traveling and playing for a while,” says Phantom, 64. "It’ll heal up in time.”

Phantom, who also sings, was scheduled to perform with his wife-bassist Jennie Vee and guitarist Jimmy Dale Richardson. The trio was planning to play a set consisting of Stray Cats hits mixed with covers from his rock and roll heroes such as Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent and Johnny Burnette.

Ticket holders can get a refund from My Father’s Place. For more information, call 516-580-0887 or visit mfpproductions.com.

Phantom is the second member of the Stray Cats who is grappling with medical issues. In February, guitarist Brian Setzer revealed he had developed an autoimmune disease that prevented him from playing guitar.

Setzer, 65, did not cite a name for the disease, but noted that it has affected his ability to perform other tasks with his fingers.

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.