Dee Snider Not Dying, Explains Why He Canceled Twisted Sister Tour

Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider has moved to quell rumors surrounding his health following the band’s cancellation of their 50th anniversary tour. While reports circulated suggesting a dire prognosis, Snider assured fans he is “alive and well,” though acknowledging his physical limitations now prevent him from delivering the high-energy performances for which he became known.

The clarification came during an appearance on his radio show, House of Hair, just a week after his abrupt departure from Twisted Sister led to the tour’s cancellation. “I’m not dying! No, not never; I mean, we’re all dying, but not immediately,” Snider stated, directly addressing the speculation. He attributed the rumors to his initial announcement regarding “health reasons,” specifically citing issues with his heart and arthritis.

Snider, 70, was candid about the realities of aging and the toll performing takes on his body. “I just can’t do those things that I did in my 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and even 60s,” he explained. “Otherwise I’m alive and well. I’m enjoying life.” He emphasized his continued commitment to his creative pursuits, including hosting his radio show, writing, and directing a film.

The canceled tour was intended to be a significant milestone for Twisted Sister, marking their first live performances since their “40 and Fuck It” farewell tour in 2016. The planned reunion would have featured the band’s core trio: Snider, founding guitarist Jay Jay French, and longtime lead guitarist Eddie Ojeda. The prospect of seeing the band back on stage clearly resonated with fans, contributing to the intensity of concern following the tour’s abrupt cancellation.

Snider addressed the disappointment of fans directly, expressing his regret at having to pull out of the tour. “So had to pull out of Twisted Sister, had to cancel the tour, my apologies for that,” he said. He also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he received. “Thank you for all the love and care and worry and all that stuff. It was crazy the amount of people, the outpouring was beautiful, thank you very much for cheering me on. I’m okay, I just can’t do that anymore.”

Reports indicate that Snider’s “health challenges” include degenerative arthritis, limiting his ability to perform even a few songs without significant strain. He revealed that a suggestion to perform while seated was considered, but ultimately rejected. This decision underscores his commitment to delivering a performance that meets the expectations of his audience, rather than presenting a diminished version of his former self.

“The truth of the matter is, I don’t want you to see me up there being less than you expect me to be,” Snider explained. “You got memories of the great shows that I did, that’s what I want to leave you with.” He drew a comparison to Willie Nelson, acknowledging the legendary performer’s continued touring at age 95, but stating that he prefers to step back while still capable of delivering a powerful performance.

Snider’s statement reflects a broader conversation within the music industry about the challenges faced by aging performers. Maintaining the physical demands of a rock and roll career over decades takes a toll, and artists are increasingly making difficult decisions about when to scale back or retire. Snider’s approach – prioritizing the legacy of his performances and acknowledging his physical limitations – offers a thoughtful perspective on this issue.

Despite the cancellation of the tour, Snider remains active in the music world and beyond. He intends to continue hosting his radio show, providing a platform for rock and metal music, and pursuing his creative endeavors in film and writing. He closed his statement with a message of optimism, stating, “I went out rockin’, I’m still rockin’ here, I ain’t stopping. I got a lot of life to live. My dad is 95 and still kicking, so I’m expecting to be around for a long time.”

The situation serves as a reminder that even iconic performers are subject to the realities of aging and physical limitations. Snider’s transparency and willingness to address the rumors directly have been well-received by fans, who appear to respect his decision to prioritize his health and preserve the memory of his energetic stage presence.