Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider recently criticized rock musicians who fail to properly interact with their fans. He shared his personal experience with Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore on X (formerly Twitter).
Snider’s comments came in response to fan discussions about musician behavior toward their supporters. He emphasized his commitment to treating fans with respect.
“I’ve seen the people who sign, don’t say a word, don’t look you in the eye, don’t shake your hand,” Snider said. “I promised myself I would not be like that!”
The conversation expanded when a fan mentioned how the late Ronnie James Dio was inspired to be kind to fans after witnessing Blackmore’s poor treatment of people.
“I know what Ronnie means,” Snider responded. “I met and hung with Blackmore for a short time at a party. Handshake like a dead fish and never looked me in the eye once. Same night I first met Billy Joel who was exactly the opposite!”
Snider’s remarks highlight the ongoing discussion about how rock stars should engage with their fanbase. They also show the lasting impact of positive versus negative interactions.
This conversation touches on a broader issue within the rock music community regarding artist-fan relationships. The contrast between different musicians’ approaches to fan interaction has been a topic of discussion for decades. Some artists have become legendary for their accessibility while others have developed reputations for being distant or dismissive.
The mention of Ronnie James Dio in the fan’s comment reflects the late vocalist’s well-documented reputation for kindness toward his supporters. Throughout his career with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and his solo work, Dio was consistently praised for taking time with fans. He often stayed hours after shows to meet people and sign autographs.
Ritchie Blackmore’s approach to fan interactions has been a subject of discussion throughout his career with Deep Purple and Rainbow. He is known for his perfectionist attitude and sometimes mercurial personality. Blackmore’s focus has traditionally been more on his musical craft than on public relations. This has occasionally led to mixed experiences for fans seeking personal interactions.
The contrast Snider draws between Blackmore and Billy Joel at the same party illustrates how different personalities in the music industry approach their public interactions. Some artists view fan engagement as an integral part of their role. Others may find such interactions challenging or prefer to maintain professional boundaries in social settings.
