Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider recently shared his candid thoughts on tribute bands. He addressed fan questions in a statement posted on X.
A Twisted Sister fan asked about artists’ perspectives on tribute bands and licensing compensation. Snider’s response was direct and uncompromising.
“I hate them. Tribute acts are non creative garbage. And you are correct about the compensation,” Snider said.
Another fan defended tribute musicians, suggesting they need income and often perform better than original artists. Snider clarified his position while acknowledging differing opinions.
“A person asked me what I as a person think of tribute bands. As a person I gave my (singular) opinion. Others can have their own. Clearly my opinion affects nothing. I hate golf too. Seems to be a very successful pastime in spite of my long standing feelings about it,” he responded.
Snider also criticized tribute performers who take their roles too far. He cited a specific example from the 1970s.
“Some of these tribute bands act like THEY are the actual artists. There was a Doors tribute in the 70s and the singer acted like and lived like he was Jim Morrison. It was ridiculous,” he continued.
Snider’s harsh stance on tribute acts reflects a broader debate within the music industry about artistic authenticity and creative ownership.
This recent exchange represents a continuation of Snider’s long-held views on the subject. YouTube reported that Snider has repeatedly voiced his criticism of tribute bands on social media. He consistently labels them as lacking originality and creative merit.
Snider has stepped down from Twisted Sister just weeks before the band’s long-awaited reunion tour, citing ongoing health issues that made it impossible for him to meet the physical demands of performing. The singer revealed that conditions such as degenerative arthritis, along with heart-related problems and hypertension, had significantly impacted his ability to continue at the level fans expect, ultimately forcing him to withdraw despite initial plans to take part in the 50th anniversary run.
To keep the reunion alive, the band has tapped former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach to handle vocal duties for select upcoming shows. Guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda confirmed that Bach will front the band on scheduled dates, stepping in with Snider’s blessing as the group moves forward with the celebration despite the major lineup change.
Snider’s exchange with fans highlighted ongoing debates within the music industry about tribute acts and their relationship to original artists. Opinions remain sharply divided between those who see them as legitimate entertainment and those who view them as creative parasites.
