Dee Snider, the iconic frontman of Twisted Sister, has publicly addressed recent rumors about his health, confirming that while he is not on his deathbed, ongoing health challenges, including heart problems and degenerative arthritis, have led to the cancellation of the band's anticipated 50th anniversary tour. Snider, who is 70 years old, stated he can no longer perform at the high-energy level fans expect.
Key Takeaways
- Dee Snider is "alive and well" but cannot perform live.
- The canceled Twisted Sister tour was due to heart problems and degenerative arthritis.
- Snider refuses to perform sitting down, wanting to preserve his legacy.
- He will continue his radio show, writing, and directing.
Snider Dispels Deathbed Rumors
Speculation about Snider's health intensified after Twisted Sister announced the cancellation of their 2026 reunion shows. Snider quickly moved to clarify the situation, directly addressing fans on his radio show, 'House of Hair'. He emphasized that while he faces health challenges, reports of him being critically ill are false.
"I’m not dying! No, not never; I mean, we’re all dying, but not immediately," Snider stated, acknowledging the widespread concern. He explained that his decision stems from a realistic assessment of his physical capabilities at 70 years old.
Fast Facts on Dee Snider's Career
- Age: 70 years old
- Band: Twisted Sister
- Iconic Song: "We're Not Gonna Take It"
- Last Tour (before cancellation): 2016, "40 and Fuck It" farewell tour
The Real Reason Behind Tour Cancellation
The singer detailed the specific health issues impacting his ability to perform. He cited "problems with my heart, arthritis, things like that" as primary reasons. These conditions prevent him from engaging in the strenuous on-stage antics that characterized Twisted Sister's performances for decades.
"I just can’t do those things that I did in my 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and even 60s. Alright? Otherwise I’m alive and well. I’m enjoying life."
Snider clarified that while he is healthy in general, the demands of a full-scale rock tour are beyond his current physical limits. This decision was a difficult one, made to protect his long-term well-being and maintain the integrity of his performance legacy.
Preserving a Legacy: No Half-Measures
One of the key reasons Snider gave for canceling the tour rather than modifying performances was his unwavering commitment to his fans' expectations. He firmly rejected suggestions of performing while seated, stating it would be a disservice to his audience and his own image.
"You won’t see me on the stage kicking ass like I used to, because that will mess me up," Snider explained. He wants fans to remember him at his peak, delivering the high-energy shows they grew to love.
Twisted Sister's History of Farewell Tours
The canceled 2026 tour was intended to be Twisted Sister's first since their 2016 "40 and Fuck It" farewell tour. That tour celebrated 40 years of the band, which formed in 1972. The band members involved in the planned 2026 reunion included Snider, founding guitarist Jay Jay French, and lead guitarist Eddie Ojeda.
He drew a comparison to other aging musicians, emphasizing his desire to avoid a performance style that he feels would diminish the band's powerful stage presence. "The truth of the matter is, I don’t want you to see me up there being less than you expect me to be," he asserted.
Future Plans Beyond the Stage
Despite stepping back from live touring with Twisted Sister, Snider assured fans that he remains active in other areas. He will continue to host his popular 'House of Hair' radio show. Additionally, he plans to dedicate more time to writing and directing projects.
This shift allows Snider to remain creative and connected to his audience without the physical strain of touring. He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans following the initial tour cancellation announcement.
- Hosting 'House of Hair' radio show
- Writing new material
- Directing projects
Snider remains optimistic about his future, noting his father is 95 and still active. He expects to live a long life, just one that no longer includes the rigorous demands of a rock and roll stage performance.
Snider's Message to Fans
"I’m okay, I just can’t do that anymore."
The cancellation marks a significant moment for Twisted Sister fans, but Snider's transparency offers clarity and reassurance. His focus has now shifted to maintaining his health and pursuing other creative endeavors.