Twisted Sister had announced a series of tour dates around the world to celebrate their 50th anniversary, but all shows were canceled due to Dee Snider’s health issues. The musician revealed that he suffers from degenerative arthritis and recently learned that he can no longer perform onstage with the same level of intensity as before.
Formed back in 1976 in New Jersey, Twisted Sister announced their reunion last December but without the classic bassist Mark “The Animal” Mendoza. The band’s frontman Dee Snider revealed he wouldn’t be with them due to “irreconcilable differences”.
Read Twisted Sister’s and Dee Snider’s statement
“With Regrets, Twisted Sister Cancels 50th Anniversary Celebration Performance: Due to the sudden and unexpected resignation of Twisted Sister’s lead singer Dee Snider brought on by a series of health challenges, the band has been forced to cancel all shows scheduled, beginning April 25th in Sao Paulo Brazil and continuing through the summer. The future of The future of Twisted Sister will be determined in the next several weeks. Stay tuned for updates,” Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda said.
Dee Snider’s statement says: “A lifetime of legendarily aggressive performing has taken its toll on Dee Snider’s body and soul. Unbeknownst to the public (until now) Snider (70) suffers from degenerative arthritis and has had several surgeries over the years just to keep going, able to only perform a few songs at a time in pain.”
“Adding insult to injury, Dee has recently found out the level of intensity he has dedicated to his life’s work has taken its toll on his heart as well. He can no longer push the boundaries of rock ‘n’ roll fury like he has done for decades. Says Snider, “I don’t know of any other way to rock. The idea of slowing down is unacceptable to me. I’d rather walk away than be a shadow of my former self.” In the immortal words of Dirty Harry, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” Sadly, Dee Snider now knows his,” Dee Snider said.
One of the most memorable bands from the 1980s, Twisted Sister released so far seven studio albums, the most recent one being “A Twisted Christmas” in 2006. Their biggest hits are “I Wanna Rock” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It”.