"Then we just got tired," said Phantom. "We did our own things."

Setzer embarked on a solo career, Phantom married actress Britt Ekland and teamed with Rocker (whose real name is Leon Drucher) and former David Bowie guitarist, Earl Slick, to form Phantom, Rocker and Slick.

Both Phantom and Setzer appeared in movies — Phantom playing Charlie Parker's drummer (who was a composite of different characters) in the movie "Bird," and Setzer playing Eddie Cochran in "La Bamba."

Subsequent reunions confirmed to fans that the Cats still enjoyed playing together.

Fast-forward to now. Setzer, Phantom and Rocker are touring the United States — the first tour in 15 years.

"The biggest challenge for me is to keep up with the other two," said Phantom. "Brian, man, he is one of the best guitarists in world. And there is Lee who is one of the best flat-bassists I've ever seen. It's amazing that I'm up there playing with these two incredible musicians. We start playing and I look at these guys, who I have known since we were kids, and it floors me."

While on the tour with ZZ Top and The Pretenders, Phantom says the Cats and The Pretenders take turns playing the second slot.

"We all know ZZ Top is the headliner, and they are incredible," said Phantom. "But both us and Chrissy have about 45 minutes to shake things up. For us, that means we play all the hits. And there is a lot of energy in doing that.

"I was nervous the first show we did, but after the first song, it all went away."

If you go

What: ZZ Top, The Pretenders, Stray Cats

Where: USANA Amphitheatre, 6200 W. 5400 South

When: Wednesday, 6 p.m.

How much: $28-$70

Phone: 467-8499, 800-888-8499

Web: www.smithstix.com

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com