M-O-N-E-Y
But seriously, it may not have been the primary reason, but it is certainly a logical and shrewd financial move to roll out a "farewell" tour. The 2004 Stray Cats tour of Europe only sold out a few of the dates in advance, possibly because more casual fans may have thought it was the beginning of a reunited Stray Cats, and that if they didn't catch them then, they could just wait a few years until they turn up again. This time, a "farewell" tour will bring in both the die-hard and casual fans who believe this will be their last chance to see them.
I do think once they tour Europe, Australia, and possibly move on to Japan and the US, they will feel the need to call it a day. Of course, it could rejuvenate them and renew their interest in a recording project, but I doubt it.
I recently watched John Lennon's last televised interview and he made the point several times that he loved being able to work with different musicians on every album, and not be tied down to the same collaborators on every album the way he was with the Beatles. Did John record an album that achieved anything as remotely successful as his days with the Beatles? No. Was he happier recording on his own? Undoubtedly. I think that creative freedom is something Brian and Lee value as well. For years, it seemed they almost had a chip on their shoulder about Stray Cats. They were moving on, only to be asked repeatedly about when the Stray Cats were getting back together. Brian may have had a more commercially successful solo career, but I think Lee has put out some mighty fine albums as well, and should be proud of his creative efforts. Ultimately, I think they will enjoy this nostalgia trip, but will be more satisfied working on their own projects. To quote Rick Nelson: "If memories were all I sang, I'd rather drive a truck."
Brian and Lee also have families. Lee's fortunate enough to spend quite a bit of time with his family in the OC, playing a lot of area gigs in addition to his touring. With Brian now living in Minneapolis, it has to be difficult to be so far away from his daughters. The demands of touring and recording with two or three bands (Nashvillains, BSO, Stray Cats) only add to that difficulty. On that ill-fated Q&A from earlier this year, Brian quoted Harry Chapin's "Cats In the Cradle." The logical conclusion to be drawn is that Brian has a desire to spend more time with his family. So while we fans love to be selfish and ask "why, why, why?", I think Brian, Lee, and Jim have earned the right to write their own ending. "You can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself."
Of course, this is a fan forum. "Fan," derived from the word "fanatic," pretty much implies that logic and objectivity have no place in our points of view regarding our favorite artists, so...
Carry on.
So David, how was the show?
Un-reason-a-billy
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Subject: Cats´s Farewell 
Sat Aug 16, 2008 1:10 pm
