A statement revealed that the frontman suffered from degenerative arthritis and had several surgeries just to be able to perform
Twisted Sister have canceled all 2026 50th anniversary reunion shows following the “sudden and unexpected resignation” of Dee Snider due to newly revealed health challenges by the frontman.
In a statement, the band said all shows beginning April 25 in Sao Paulo Brazil and continuing through the summer have been cancelled and the “future of Twisted Sister will be determined in the next several weeks.”
The announcement was shared on the band’s official Instagram account alongside a separate statement by Snider. “A lifetime of legendarily aggressive performing has taken its toll on Dee Snider’s body and soul,” the message began, before revealing that the lead singer suffers from degenerative arthritis and had several surgeries over the years only to be able to “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,” the statement continued. “He can no longer push the boundaries of rock ‘n’ roll fury like he has done for decades.”
In his own words, Snider said, “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.” The frontman ended with “the immortal words” of Dirty Harry in 1973’s Magnum Force: “A man’s got to know his limitations.”
The run was set to mark Twisted Sister’s first tour since 2016 — when they embarked on what was billed to be their 40 and Fuck It farewell tour — and feature the band’s three core members: Snider, founding guitarist (and longest-serving member) Jay Jay French, and longtime lead guitarist Eddie Ojeda.