Late last year, legendary ‘80s rockers Twisted Sister became the latest band among a long line of artists to plan a reunion after disbanding following a 2015 farewell tour. The group announced plans to perform a limited amount of shows with singer Dee Snider explaining to Eddie Trunk: “It really was a milestone thing,” Snider said.
“I turned 70 years old in March. And milestones, they are what they are, but at the same time, they’re reflection times for people. And me reflecting, I realized, wow, next year is 50 years since I joined Twisted Sister, since we became — me, Eddie and Jay Jay — became a band. And that’s significant. And the offers kept coming in and the interest is there to have us reunite. And I called the guys up and said, ‘What do you think?’ I mean, almost as a challenge to each of us to say, ‘One more time. Can we do it one more time?’ And certainly we’ve got people like McCartney and Jagger and Alice Cooper out there, and Ozzy — may he rest in peace — and how can you say, well, I’m 70. I’m too old. So, the guys said, ‘Seriously?’ I said, ‘Seriously. One more time. Let’s do it one more time.’”
Sadly those plans have been canceled due to health issues affecting Snider. The band wrote: “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 Twisted Sister will be determined in the next several weeks. Stay tuned for updates.”
Snider himself released a statement saying: “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.”
Various peers of Snider paid tribute in his Instagram comments. Sebastian Bach wrote: “We love you dude thank you for a lifetime of inspiration to us all. You left it all on the stage. The price we gotta pay for all the games we gotta play. Love you brother, SMF”
Chris Jericho added: “One of the all time best to ever do it. We love you Dee!!!”
Lit frontman A.J. Popoff said: “Thank you,Uncle Dee for being one of our founding fathers of the rock n roll playbook! This is a prime example! You’ve always been amazing to us! Love you, brother!”
