Dee Snider has insisted he’s “not dying” after resigning from Twisted Sister due to health issues.
The 70-year-old singer walked away from the group he’s fronted since 1976 because degenerative arthritis has left him in constant pain – prompting the band to cancel all of their planned reunion shows in 2026 – and Dee has now spoken out to dismiss rumours he’s on his “death bed”, insisting he’s “alive and well” and “enjoying life”.
During an appearance on his House of Hair radio show, Dee explained: “I’m not dying! No, not never; I mean, we’re all dying, but not immediately.
“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.
“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.”
He went on to add: “You won’t see me on the stage kicking a** like I used to, because that will mess me up. 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.”
Dee added that he doesn’t want to continue performing with the band if he’s unable to move around on stage like he did in his youth, adding: “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. 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.”
Dee’s departure from the band was announced in a statement posted on the band’s website, which explained: “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.”
Dee added: “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.”
A statement from the band’s management company confirmed all scheduled performances have been called off and the future of the group will be decided in “the next several weeks”.