Dee Snider has resigned from Twisted Sister after spending years battling degenerative arthritis in secret.
The frontman has walked away from the group he’s fronted since 1976 because the health condition has left him in constant pain and he is now “able to only perform a few songs at a time” – prompting the band to cancel all of their planned reunion shows in 2026.
A statement posted on the band’s website 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.”
Snider 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”.
The statement explained: “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 The future of Twisted Sister will be determined in the next several weeks. Stay tuned for updates.”
The band had been due to hit the road for reunion shows featuring Snider alongside guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda.
Bassist Mark ‘The Animal’ Mendoza was not taking part and he was going to be replaced by Russell Pzutto while the band’s previous drummer Joe Franco – who played with them during the 1980s – had been due to take over from longtime percussionist A.J. Pero, who died in 2015.
The tour would have been the group’s first time back on the road together in a decade. They had been scheduled to kick off the shows in Sao Paulo, Brazil on April 25 and include a stop in Mexico before taking the tour to Europe.
The gigs had been due to conclude in Palmer, Alaska at the Alaska State Fair on September 4.