Dee Snider recently shared his strong opinions on bands that continue to tour without any of their original members, addressing the topic in a video posted on Facebook.
The singer expressed his frustration with what he calls “corporate rock bands” that perform under classic names despite having no original lineup members left. He argued that this practice misleads audiences who associate the band’s name with its classic members.
“This is Dee Snider and something blowing up on my X right now,” Snider said. “Somebody asked me what my feelings were about the bands that are out there playing under a big band’s name with no original members. And I said a hard no.”
“I think it’s completely f*cked up,” Snider continued. “It’s deceptive. It’s misrepresentative. They’re not saying we’re not the original members, but they’re introducing everybody in the band. But that’s the problem with something called the corporate rock bands. They’re popular for their songs, but not really for the band members.”
Snider also clarified that having at least one classic member, such as bassist Rudy Sarzo, makes a difference, but drew a firm line when no such members remain.
“If you don’t have any members from the classic lineup, at least one, you can say, well, like Rudy Sarzo,” Snider added. “Rudy’s been through it all. If he wants to go out there, I am certainly not going to criticize him. But the day Rudy leaves, stay the f*ck off the road and keep that band’s name out of your mouth.”
A Twisted Sister fan commented on Dee Snider’s post, “Hmmm isn’t Sebastian Bach fronting Twisted Sister….” Another Twisted Sister fan said, “You mean like your band going out on the road with Sebastian Bach?”
Another Twisted Sister fan revealed, “I’m gonna take a guess that Dee won’t be wanting Twisted Sister to ‘do anything Abba or do a KISS,’ with the holograms too. Understand why he’s given his blessing to Sebastian fronting Twisted Sister though and given that it’s technically Jay Jay’s band in the first place it’s more his call but seems like Bach has fitted in alright so far!”
The comments arrive as Twisted Sister continues to navigate a major lineup change of its own. Snider recently stepped away from the band’s planned 50th-anniversary touring activity, prompting fans to compare his position on legacy lineups with the group’s decision to continue performing with a replacement singer.
Snider’s decision was linked to several health problems, including degenerative arthritis, heart issues, and hypertension. The singer explained the physical toll of performing by saying, “My body’s been causing me problems… It hurts all the time.”
The band initially canceled its scheduled shows after Snider’s resignation, with People reporting that the decision followed a series of health challenges. Twisted Sister later announced plans for Sebastian Bach to front the band for select dates.
Guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda announced that Bach would perform with Twisted Sister on a handful of dates. The announcement emphasized that the appearances would not conflict with Bach’s solo schedule.
Snider has also reportedly approved the decision. 101.9 The Keg quoted him as saying, “I love Sebastian Bach! He has my full blessing.” The arrangement means Twisted Sister will still include classic members French and Ojeda, even though its longtime frontman will not be performing.
The change has not stopped fans from debating whether Bach can represent the band’s legacy. French said that fans would ultimately decide how Bach is received as Twisted Sister’s new vocalist. That debate reflects the distinction Snider made in his statement: whether a band’s identity rests mainly on its name, its songs, or the members who created its classic era.
