Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider has addressed rumors of his imminent death following the band's cancellation of their 50th anniversary tour due to his health issues. The 70-year-old singer stated on his radio show that he is alive and well, though unable to perform live as before. He plans to continue his radio hosting, writing, and directing work.
Twisted Sister announced the cancellation of their 50th anniversary world tour earlier this month, citing health challenges faced by frontman Dee Snider. The glam-rock band, known for hits in the 1980s, had retired from touring in 2016 with a farewell tour but revealed plans for a return last September to mark their milestone. The 2026 tour was set to include a headline slot at the Steelhouse Festival from July 24-26 in Ebbw Vale, UK, marking their first UK appearance since Bloodstock in 2016. Core members included Snider, founding guitarist Jay Jay French, and lead guitarist Eddie Ojeda.
Snider, aged 70, shared a statement confirming his departure from the lineup due to a series of challenges, including degenerative arthritis that has required multiple procedures and limits him to performing only a couple of songs. He addressed the situation on his House of Hair radio show, dispelling rumors that he was on his 'death bed.' 'I’m not dying! No, not never; I mean, we’re all dying, but not immediately,' Snider said. He explained the cancellation stemmed from issues with his heart and arthritis, adding, '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.'
The singer emphasized that performing would 'mess me up,' stating, 'You won’t see me on the stage kicking ass like I used to.' He rejected suggestions to sit during shows and expressed a desire to preserve fans' memories of his peak performances. 'The truth of the matter is, I don’t want you to see me up there being less than you expect me to be,' he noted, comparing it to not wanting to appear like Willie Nelson at 95 in a wheelchair. Snider thanked fans for their support, calling the outpouring 'beautiful,' and affirmed his ongoing vitality, noting his 95-year-old father is 'still kicking.' He intends to remain active in radio, writing, and directing but not touring.
