Dee Snider Reassures Fans He’s Not Facing Imminent Death After Twisted Sister Tour Cancellation
Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider has moved to dispel rumors surrounding his health following the cancellation of the band’s 50th anniversary tour. Snider, 70, confirmed earlier this month that he was stepping down from the lineup due to a “series of challenges,” prompting speculation about the severity of his condition.
Speaking on his House of Hair radio show, Snider emphatically stated, “I’m not dying! No, not never; I mean, we’re all dying, but not immediately.” He explained that the announcement regarding the tour cancellation, prompted by health concerns including heart problems and arthritis, had fueled inaccurate reports.
“My announcement about cancelling the tour for health reasons, problems with my heart, arthritis, things like that… the rumours have run wild that I’m on my death bed, I am not,” Snider said. “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.”
Despite stepping away from the rigors of touring with Twisted Sister, Snider emphasized his continued commitment to his other projects. He plans to continue hosting his radio show, writing, and directing films. “You won’t see me on the stage kicking ass like I used to, because that will mess me up,” he explained.
Snider acknowledged the outpouring of support he received following the tour cancellation, expressing gratitude for the concern shown by fans. “So had to pull out of Twisted Sister, had to cancel the tour, my apologies for that. And 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 OK, I just can’t do that anymore.”
He further elaborated on his decision, stating he didn’t want to present a diminished version of his former 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. You got memories of the great shows that I did, that’s what I want to leave you with.”
Snider drew a comparison to fellow musician Willie Nelson, noting, “Not me standing up there like Willie Nelson – nothing wrong with Willie, 95 years old, in a wheelchair – you know what I’m saying. 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.”
Twisted Sister initially retired from touring in 2016, but announced plans for a 50th anniversary tour last September, before ultimately cancelling the dates due to Snider’s health challenges. The tour included a planned performance at the Steelhouse Festival in the UK in July 2026, which would have marked their first UK show in a decade.
