Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider has spoken out against rock and metal bands that announce farewell tours only to return to the stage a few years later.
The statement addressed Snider’s frustration with acts that market farewell tours as final, complete with merchandise and premium ticket prices, before reuniting shortly after. He stopped short of naming any specific bands. Still, he made clear his criticism was aimed at a pattern he sees repeated across the industry.
“Farewell tours that never end, or that end and then the artist comes out of retirement a couple of short years later and starts touring again, are complete and utter dog shit,” Snider said.
He went on to clarify that his issue isn’t with bands continuing to perform. Rather, his issue is with the way farewell tours are presented to fans.
“I’m not gonna name names. We all know who the scumbags are,” Snider continued. “And listen, you don’t gotta stop playing. I’m not telling you to go away. Stay forever. We don’t want you to leave.”
Snider then detailed exactly what bothers him about the farewell tour model.
“Just don’t announce a farewell tour, sell us the whole bullshit farewell package, no more tours t-shirt and the program and the ticket prices, sign it in blood, and then come back a couple years later to just milk us dry again,” he said. “That’s f*cked up.”
For Snider, the issue ultimately comes down to honesty and respect for the fans who continue to support these bands. While he has no problem with artists staying on the road, he clearly believes a farewell should mean exactly that when fans are asked to pay a premium for one last goodbye.
Snider did not identify which bands he was referring to. His silence left fans and fellow musicians to speculate on his intended targets.
