In a surprising turn for fans of classic metal, Twisted Sister has canceled its planned 50th anniversary reunion tour originally scheduled for 2026 following the resignation of frontman Dee Snider due to health concerns. The band confirmed the tour’s cancellation and provided an explanation that has raised both concern and relief among supporters.
The tour — announced in late 2025 as a worldwide celebration of five decades together — was set to kick off on April 25 in São Paulo, Brazil. Snider and his longtime bandmates were looking forward to performing shows marking the group’s storied career nearly a decade after their 2016 “40 and F-it” farewell tour.
In statements posted publicly, the band revealed that Snider, now 70, has been facing ongoing health challenges that made it impossible for him to continue with the intense demands of full-length touring. According to the band’s announcement, Snider has degenerative arthritis and has undergone several surgeries in recent years just to cope with the physical demands of performing. On top of that, the strain of decades of high-energy rock performances has taken a toll on his heart and overall physical stamina.
Reflecting on the decision, Snider’s message has been heartfelt and realistic. “A lifetime of legendarily aggressive performing has taken its toll on Dee Snider’s body and soul,” the band wrote, noting that Snider can no longer “push the boundaries of rock ’n’ roll fury” as he once did. “The idea of slowing down is unacceptable to me,” Snider said, expressing how difficult the choice was. “I’d rather walk away than be a shadow of my former self.”
In response to swirling speculation about his condition, Snider took to his House of Hair radio show to reassure fans that he is “not dying” despite stepping away from the band. He emphasized that while he can’t perform the physically intense shows of his youth, he’s still very much alive and pursuing other creative endeavors such as hosting, directing, and writing. “I’m alive and well. I’m enjoying life,” he said, acknowledging both the love and worry fans have shown since the tour’s cancellation.
Snider explained that it isn’t his desire to merely go onstage and play passively — he didn’t want fans to see him “less than what they expect” and prefers to bow out rather than perform in a way that would compromise the legacy he’s built. He expressed gratitude for the fan support while making it clear that continuing at full throttle isn’t possible for him anymore.
The cancellation marks a significant moment for the band and their fanbase. For many, Twisted Sister’s reunion tour was a long-anticipated opportunity to see the legendary act one final time. Fans online have reacted with a mix of sadness, respect, and well-wishes for Snider’s health and future projects. At 70, Snider remains active in creative spaces and insists his rock spirit isn’t extinguished — it’s just evolving. While the future of Twisted Sister as a touring entity “will be determined in the next several weeks,” the outpouring of support underlines just how much the band and its frontman have meant to multiple generations of metal fans.
