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Dee Snider is setting the record straight after the cancelation of Twisted Sister’s planned 50th-anniversary reunion tour led to widespread concern about his health.
Earlier this month, the band confirmed the tour would not proceed because of the frontman’s physical limitations. Addressing rumors on his House of Hair radio show, Snider pushed back on speculation that his condition is severe, telling listeners reports that he was on his “death bed” were untrue. Instead, he explained that he’s simply reached a point where he can’t perform at the relentless level he sustained for decades, noting he’s still “alive and well” and enjoying life.
Snider said the decision ultimately came down to preserving fans’ memories of Twisted Sister at their peak rather than risking performances that fell short of expectations. He acknowledged he could still appear onstage, but the kind of high-energy show audiences associate with him would “mess me up,” adding that he’d rather people remember “a great show that I did” than see him diminished.
The canceled trek had been scheduled to begin April 25 in São Paulo, Brazil.
In a separate appearance on the online program Acid for Squares, hosted by his son Cody Blue, Snider shared more detail about the health challenges behind the decision. He cited degenerative arthritis in his shoulders, elevated blood pressure, and a recent hip replacement as factors limiting his mobility and endurance.
Though sober his entire life, Snider also described trying psilocybin mushrooms with his son as part of a guided wellness approach aimed at lowering stress and supporting heart health. He said he had long been open to the idea if it might help in a future situation, and characterized the experience as deeply “organic” and introspective. He emphasized that he continues to work closely with doctors and medication to manage his blood pressure.
Despite stepping away from large-scale touring, Snider stressed that his health outlook is positive and that he remains active — just no longer interested in pushing his body beyond its limits after decades of physically demanding performances.
SOURCE: Ultimate Classic Rock