Dee Snider Confirms Exit From Twisted Sister

Dee Snider has stepped away from Twisted Sister after privately dealing with degenerative arthritis for several years.

The singer has decided to leave the band he has led since 1976 after the condition left him in ongoing pain and limited him to performing only a handful of songs at a time. As a result, all planned reunion shows for 2026 have now been scrapped.

In a message shared on the band’s official website, it was 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 also shared his own thoughts on the decision, saying: “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 separate update from the group’s management confirmed that every scheduled appearance has been cancelled, with the band’s future expected to be addressed soon.

The statement said: “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.”

Twisted Sister had been preparing to tour again with Snider joined by guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda.

Bassist Mark ‘The Animal’ Mendoza was not set to be part of the run and was due to be replaced by Russell Pzutto. Former drummer Joe Franco, who played with the band in the 1980s, was scheduled to step in following the death of longtime drummer A.J. Pero in 2015.

The planned dates would have marked the band’s first run of shows together in ten years. The tour was due to begin in Sao Paulo, Brazil on April 25 before heading to Mexico and then across Europe.

The final performance had been scheduled for September 4 at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer, Alaska.