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Twisted Sister Cancels Reunion Shows Following Frontman Dee Snider's Resignation

American heavy metal stalwarts Twisted Sister has announced their scheduled reunion shows have now been cancelled, after health issues forced singer Dee Snider to step down from the band. A statement from guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda reads as follows:

"With Regrets,
Twisted Sister Cancels 50th Anniversary Celebration Performances

"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 Twisted Sister will be determined in the next several weeks. Stay tuned for updates,
Jay Jay French/Eddie Ojeda
French Management Enterprises"

A separate statement issued on behalf of Snider reads thusly:

"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. 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."

Twisted Sister's original run lasted from 1972 until 1988 and they remained largely dormant with the exception of brief returns in 1998, 2000 and 2001, until they decided to return full time in 2003. During this second tenure, the band recorded two records; A re-recording of their third album, "Stay Hungry," renamed "Still Hungry" and a Christmas album, which enjoyed a surprisingly warm reception from metal fans at the time. The band called it quits again in 2016, but last year, Twisted Sister announced plans to return for a world tour.