Twisted Sister have canceled their 50th anniversary shows after frontman Dee Snider resigned from the heavy metal band due to “health challenges.”

Announcing the news on social media, bandmates Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda said, “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,” they added.

In a separate statement, Snider revealed that he has been suffering from degenerative arthritis.

“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,” the statement said. “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”

Snider added, “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.”

Twisted Sister had announced last year that they planned to return to the road for a limited number of shows, which were scheduled to kick off in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo on April 25.

Source: RTT Music News