Iconic Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider is calling it a day, at least as far as his rock and roll career is concerned, but the versatile entertainer appears to be testing the water for a career in pop music. "Twisted has announced its end, and I've announced mine as well," the singer told Billboard this week. "I don't want to continue performing - certainly not in this oldies fashion and certainly not doing 90-minute and two-hour shows. Jagger does it and Tyler does it - God bless 'em and God love 'em. That's the path they want to be on. Me, I've been evolving into radio (the syndicated House of Hair). I've been on Broadway. I've written a musical now (Dee Snider's Rock 'n' Roll Christmas). I'm doing a sequel to my movie (Strangeland). I want to go other places. I never intended to be 60 and be on stage rocking, but here I am. But I don't plan on doing it forever."
Despite announcing the end of his rock days, Snider released a new rock single on Tuesday, titled "To Hell and Back." The track was made available as a free download on Snider's website, DeeSnider.com. The song is part of a group of new tracks that Snider wrote and recorded with his longtime co-writing partner, former Silvertide guitarist Nick Perri. But while Snider has been wrapping up his rock career, he has also started working on more mainstream material with Damon Ranger. Known for his work with Katy Perry and Kanye West, Ranger has earned a Grammy, an Oscar and a Grammy for his work. Snider has reportedly laid down four tracks with Ranger and his team and is shopping them for a label. While Snider doesn't seem sure that his music will translate to a mainstream audience, he has certainly paired up with a songwriter known for writing hits.
While Snider is busy with his own band and the collaboration with Damon Ranger, he still finds time for several other projects. Planning has begun for a Twisted Sister "Forty and Fuck It" anniversary tour, though Snider says he will only book large arenas and festivals. No word on who will replace drummer AJ Pero, who passed away earlier this year. Snider is also preparing for the release of "We Are Twisted Fucking Sister!", a documentary about the group's early years. Snider's musical, "Dee Snider's Rock n' Roll Christmas", is beginning a second year in Toronto and will be debuting on Broadway next year. Snider is also finalizing details for the sequel to his 1988 horror film, "Strangeland". Just like the original, "Strangeland 2" will not only star Snider, he will also co-write and produce the film.
