Dee Snider Calls Out Stars Who Snub Fans

Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider has criticised rock musicians he says make a point of ignoring the fans who support them, arguing that basic courtesy should still apply even in quick meet-and-greets. The singer weighed in after an online discussion about artists’ behaviour toward supporters, saying he’s witnessed acts who barely acknowledge people standing right in front of them.

Describing what he considers the worst kind of interaction, Snider said he’s seen performers who “sign, don’t say a word, don’t look you in the eye, don’t shake your hand,” adding that he made a personal vow not to act that way, Rock Celebrities reported.

Snider also tied his stance to a specific experience from earlier in his career. Responding to a fan who brought up the late Ronnie James Dio’s reputation for kindness, he said he understood Dio’s perspective after meeting Deep Purple and Rainbow guitarist Ritchie Blackmore at a party. Snider described Blackmore’s handshake as “like a dead fish” and claimed Blackmore never made eye contact during their brief time together.

In the same anecdote, Snider contrasted that encounter with his first meeting with Billy Joel, saying the singer-songwriter was “exactly the opposite” in terms of warmth and engagement. The comparison underscored Snider’s point that musicians choose how they treat people, and that a small personal moment can shape a lasting impression.

Snider’s remarks land amid ongoing debate in rock circles about what fans should expect from artists offstage. While some performers keep strict boundaries, Snider’s message was that simple acknowledgement—eye contact, a greeting, a handshake—can matter as much as the autograph itself.