Twisted Sister Reunion Tour Canceled As Dee Snider Reveals Serious Health Issues

For heavy metal fans who were eagerly counting down the days until 2026, the news dropping today is a bitter pill to swallow. After generating massive hype with the announcement of a 50th-anniversary reunion tour, the legendary rockers Twisted Sister have officially pulled the plug on the entire run. The cancellation comes following the sudden resignation of frontman Dee Snider, who has opened up about a private battle with significant physical and cardiovascular challenges.

Twisted Sister Cancels Their Tour

The band was set to kick off their celebration in São Paulo, Brazil, this April, followed by a run of festival dates throughout the summer. However, a joint statement from guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda confirmed that the shows are unfortunately no longer moving forward, which leaves the future of the band in a state of uncertainty.

Dee Snider Opens Up About His Degenerative Health Issues

While fans are undoubtedly disappointed, the reasoning behind the cancellation paints a somber picture of the physical toll that decades of Snider’s high-octane performances can take. At 70 years old, the vocalist has revealed that he is suffering from degenerative arthritis and has undergone multiple surgeries just to maintain his ability to perform.

For years, Snider has been the picture of defiance against aging – shredded, energetic, and vocal. But behind the scenes, the reality was much more painful. According to Snider, he has reached a point where he can only perform a few songs at a time while in pain. Perhaps more concerning is the revelation that the sheer intensity of his stage persona has endangered his heart health.

Dee Snider Won’t Let Health Issues Dictate His Performance

In a website statement that resonates with anyone who has followed his career, Snider admitted, “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.”

It is a decision rooted in dignity. Snider has famously criticized other bands for dragging out farewell tours while delivering subpar performances, and it appears he is refusing to become the very thing he once rallied against.

The Short-Lived Hope For A Twisted Sister Reunion

The trajectory of this reunion has been an emotional rollercoaster for the band and fans alike. Twisted Sister had technically called it quits back in 2016 with their “40 and F*ck It” farewell tour. At the time, they seemed adamant that the road was closed.

However, the 50th anniversary proved too tempting to ignore. In interviews leading up to this cancellation, Snider admitted that a previous health scare had actually been the catalyst for calling his bandmates back up. He had a moment of re-evaluation, wondering if he wanted to go out “silently” or “kicking and screaming.”

Yet, the regret set in quickly. In a candid interview with “Steve And Rik’s POTcast” in late 2025, Snider confessed he was already second-guessing the decision. He noted that while he could still deliver vocally for a cameo appearance of three or four songs, the prospect of carrying a 90-minute set night after night was daunting. He spoke about missing his top vocal notes and the unique, deep ache that comes with aging – a stark contrast to his youth.

What This Means For The Future of The Band

Per Brooklyn Vegan, the official statement from French Management Enterprises notes that “The future of Twisted Sister will be determined in the next several weeks.” However, reading between the lines, it is difficult to imagine a path forward for the band without their iconic (and outspoken) voice.

The 2026 run was intended to be a victory lap – a celebration of five decades of rebellion, Snider’s gender-bending makeup, and energetic anthems like “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” It was supposed to feature the core trio of Snider, French, and Ojeda. With Snider stepping down to preserve his health, it seems likely that the book on Twisted Sister as a touring entity has officially closed.

For now, the metal community is sending well wishes to Dee Snider. Quoting the character Dirty Harry, Snider summed up the situation best in his farewell to the tour: “A man’s got to know his limitations.” Sadly, it seems the limitations of the human body have finally caught up with one of rock’s most outspoken and unstoppable forces.