A beloved heavy metal band has canceled its 50th anniversary reunion tour as its lead singer abruptly retired from performing.
Twisted Sister announced Thursday that its 2026 tour dates are all canceled due to frontman Dee Snider’s health problems. It would’ve been the group’s first tour in a decade.
“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,” a statement said. “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 said he’d rather retire than give a lesser performance: “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.”
Twisted Sister confirmed all shows are canceled “with regrets.” More than a dozen concerts were scheduled, including one U.S. date at the Alaska State Fair; information about refunds was not immediately made available.
“The future of Twisted Sister will be determined in the next several weeks,” band members Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda said.
Dee Snider
Snider, longtime guitarists French and Ojeda, drummer Joe Franco and bassist Russell Pzutto were all expected to be part of the tour. Classic-era bass player Mark Mendoza, who performed on hits like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock,” would not be part of the reunion tour due to “irreconcilable differences,” Snider said. A.J. Pero, who played drums on all of Twisted Sister’s albums, died in 2015.
Twisted Sister was one of the biggest bands of the hair metal/glam metal era, forming in the 1970s and releasing five albums in the ‘80s. Popular songs include “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” “I Wanna Rock,” “Hot Love,” “The Kids are Back,” “You Can’t Stop Rock and Roll,” and a cover of the Shangri-Las’ “Leader of the Pack.”
Twisted Sister last performed on Nov. 12, 2016, on their “40 and F— It” farewell tour. For years, Snider insisted he had no interest in reuniting, though he did join Mendoza and French for a 2023 performance when Twisted Sister was inducted into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame.
Snider, 70, is also known for his film and TV work, including appearances on “Cobra Kai,” “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “Holliston,” “The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time,” “Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey,” “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” “The Masked Singer,” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
Read the original article on syracuse.com.