Twisted SisterTwisted Sister have cancelled a planned 50th anniversary reunion tour following the sudden departure of vocalist Dee Snider, citing “a series of health challenges.”
Snider, now aged 70, shared a statement with fans that confirmed that he’d be leaving the band effective immediately, due to ongoing issues with degenerative arthritis. Without Snider, the remaining founding members, Eddie Ojeda and Jay Jay French, have cancelled their touring plans.
“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,” French and Ojeda shared in a statement.
The pair added that the future of Twisted Sister “will be determined in the next several weeks.”
Snider also stated his ongoing health issues, including mentions of the “several” operations he’s had to treat degenerative arthritis.
“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,” an update on the band’s website – and Snider’s social media – reads.
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The update continues, “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 that he’d rather leave the band than “be a shadow” of his former self.
The singer explained, “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.”
The update concluded, “In the immortal words of Dirty Harry, ‘A man’s got to know his limitations.’ Sadly, Dee Snider now knows his.”
You can read both statements below.
Twisted Sister drummer A.J. Pero passed away in 2015. In 2016, the band embarked on a farewell tour with superstar Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold) on drums.
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!!”
