Dee Snider's health issues force Twisted Sister to cancel 50th anniversary tour
Dee Snider, shown here in 2023, has health issues that has affected his ability to tour with Twisted Sister. Credit: Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP/Willy Sanjuan
Apparently, Dee Snider can no longer take it. The 70-year-old lead singer of Twisted Sister, who grew up in Baldwin, is suffering from degenerative arthritis, which has caused the band to cancel its 50th anniversary tour for this year.
"With Regrets, Twisted Sister Cancels 50th Anniversary Celebration Performances. 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, Jay Jay French/Eddie Ojeda, French Management Enterprises,” the band posted on social media.
Twister Sister announced its 50th anniversary tour in September without revealing any dates. Ten years ago, the band went on a 40th anniversary farewell tour playing their final show in Parque Fundidora, Monterrey, Mexico on Nov. 12, 2016.
Recently, Snider has been performing shortened solo sets on package tours like Bret Michaels’ Parti-Gras in 2024 and 2025. However, it appears leading a full set with Twisted Sister on a worldwide tour is a bit much right now.
Snider released the following statement on both the band’s and his personal social media platforms: "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.”
Before breaking out nationally in 1984 with their hit and MTV staple, "We're Not Gonna Take It," Twisted Sister was a mainstay for years on Long Island's club scene at such long-gone venues as Speaks in Island Park, Hammerheads in Levittown and West Islip, Cheers in Deer Park and The Mad Hatter in Stony Brook.
"We satisfied that arena crowd, which existed in the hundreds of thousands on Long Island,” French told Newsday in 2021. "That is an era that will never happen again.”
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
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