By Monk
ÜS glam metal legends Twisted Sister have cancelled their entire 50th anniversary tour, after it emerged that iconic frontman Dee Snider has been battling serious health issues. This obviously includes their planned headline appearances at festivals such as Graspop and Steelhouse.
A post on the band’s official Facebook page reads:
A lifetime of legendarily aggressive performing has taken its toll on Dee Snider’s body and soul.
Unbeknownst to the public (until now) [Dee] 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.
Says Snider:
“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”
In the immortal words of Dirty Harry, “A man’s got to know his limitations”. Sadly, Dee Snider now knows his.
On the same post, the band’s remaining founder members, Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda said that “the future of Twisted Sister will be determined in the next several weeks”. How the band can continue without its distinctive frontman no doubt will be open to much internet debate…