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Dee Snider Discusses Decision To Quit Twisted Sister: 'A Shadow Of My Former Self'

Tyler Jenke

“The story of my retirement for health reasons ran wild! I’m not dying," clarified Snider.

Dee Snider
Dee Snider(Source: Supplied)
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Iconic Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider has offered an update into his recent decision to step away from the group as they prepared to once more hit the road.

In early February, it was announced that Twisted Sister had cancelled a planned 50th anniversary tour, with Snider quitting the band, effective immediately, due to ongoing issues with degenerative arthritis.

An update on the band’s website noted that a “lifetime of legendarily aggressive performing” had taken its toll on Snider’s “body and soul,” with his health issues meaning he’s “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,” the update read. “He can no longer push the boundaries of rock 'n' roll fury like he has done for decades.”

Earlier this month, Twisted Sister revealed that former Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach had taken over from Snider, with only one show – in early September – currently planned for the future.

Now, Snider has provided fans with a brief update in regards to his current health and the reason behind his departure from the band.

“For a retired 71 yr old I’m great,” Snider explained on X (formerly Twitter). “But I’ve only got so much tread left on these tires.

“I decided to use it for the rest of my journey…and not burn them up on stage trying to prove I’m as good as I ever was. I can live with that choice. I would’ve been a shadow of my former self out there anyway.”

As Snider continued, he also expressed his delight at Bach taking over from him as the band’s frontman for their forthcoming tour dates.

“The story of my retirement for health reasons ran wild! I’m not dying. (No, not never!) Just can’t do the things I used to do. I’m cool with it. I have a great life! And I totally approve of Sebastian Bach stepping in for me. He’s a true fan & will honor what I did with every show!”

Snider and Bach had previously expressed their fondness for each other back in 2020. “During the darkest period of my career he stood tall as a Dee Snider fan when few would,” Snider said of Bach.

“I will always be grateful to him for not caring what was "‘cool’ at the moment and speaking our proudly for the things he loved.”

“I love Dee Snider,” echoed Bach. “I will always love the music he has made. No matter how much Dee sees himself as 'hair metal', I will always see him on a much higher level than that implies. He is 1 of the greatest frontmen & vocalists of all time. Any corny label less than that is an insult.”

Their 50th-anniversary tour would have marked their first shows in a decade. The band were scheduled to perform at international rock festivals, including Graspop Metal Meeting, Riverside Festival, Sweden Rock, and Tons Of Rock.

Upon announcing their unexpected reunion last September, Snider said, “If you’re lucky enough to be in a band that people still want to see after fifty years(!), how can you not answer the call? In 2026, Twisted Fucking Sister will hit stages around the world because WE STILL WANNA ROCK!!”