Dee Snider’s Escape: From Rock ‘n’ Roll Chaos to North Carolina Serenity
Dee Snider, the iconic frontman of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister, traded the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles for the tranquil landscapes of North Carolina years ago, a decision he hasn’t regretted for a single moment. At 70 years old, Snider, alongside his wife Suzette, embarked on a transformative journey, uprooting their family from the bustling city of angels to embrace a life of peace and connection in the heart of the Tar Heel State.
The Snider family’s move to Los Angeles in 2015 was initially driven by career opportunities and the allure of the entertainment industry. However, after a decade immersed in the frenetic energy of the city, a collective yearning for a simpler existence began to emerge. "We moved out to LA 10 years ago, the whole family. A couple of years ago, everybody was sitting around saying, you know, its time to get back to a calmer life, not back to – to a life we never had," Snider revealed in an interview with WFMY News.
Driven by this desire for change, the Sniders embarked on a cross-country search for their ideal home. "We literally looked from the West Coast to the East Coast and slowly started dialing in," Snider explained. Their exploration eventually led them to North Carolina, a state that captivated them with its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and promise of a more relaxed pace of life.
The decision to settle in North Carolina was not taken lightly. The entire Snider family participated in the search, meticulously exploring various towns and regions across the state. "You’ve got to come for the state. So the entire family came out, this is true, and we started on the west end of the state, and we just visited towns. We traveled all the way to the shoreline," Snider recounted.
The kindness and welcoming spirit of the North Carolinians they encountered played a pivotal role in their final decision. "And people were amazing, and that’s ultimately what it came down to," Snider emphasized, highlighting the importance of community and connection in their pursuit of a new home.
The rock legend found respite in the genuine warmth and down-to-earth nature of the people, a stark contrast to the often superficial interactions prevalent in the entertainment industry. The welcoming atmosphere of North Carolina fostered a sense of belonging and provided a sanctuary for the Snider family to reconnect with each other and with the simple joys of life.
The entire Snider clan has embraced their new life in North Carolina. "We’re all here, by the way – my four grown kids, six grandkids, we all live in North Carolina, this is our home," Snider proudly stated, emphasizing the significance of family unity in their decision to relocate. The move has allowed the family to strengthen their bonds and create lasting memories in a peaceful and supportive environment.
Snider’s personal life has also been deeply intertwined with the entertainment industry. He met his wife, Suzette, in 1981 at a bar, a chance encounter that sparked a lifelong romance. Suzette, using a fake ID to gain entry, unknowingly stumbled upon a Twisted Sister performance, initially mistaking them for a girl band.
"She turned up to our show on her cousins ID and thought she was seeing a girl band," Snider humorously recalled in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald. "I saw her and flipped. She was this hot Italian beauty. I told her Id be famous one day. Weve been together ever since."
Suzette’s influence extended beyond her role as Snider’s life partner. She became an integral part of Twisted Sister’s success, designing their iconic costumes and even creating the band’s logo. Her creative vision and unwavering support played a crucial role in shaping the band’s image and solidifying their place in rock history.
Together, Dee and Suzette have raised four children: Jesse, 42; Shane, 37; Cody, 35; and Cheyenne, 28. Their children have grown into successful adults, and the Snider family has expanded to include six grandchildren, all of whom now call North Carolina home.
For Snider, the allure of North Carolina extends beyond its friendly people and serene atmosphere. As a passionate car enthusiast and motorcycle rider, he relishes the open roads and picturesque landscapes that the state has to offer. "I like cars. The roads here are great. I’m also a motorcycle rider," he shared with the local North Carolina station.
He contrasts the experience of riding in North Carolina with the challenges of navigating the congested streets of Los Angeles and New York. "So, I mean, in LA or New York, where I’m from originally, it’s just defensive riding – don’t hit me! But here, you can get up, and you can just get out on the open roads and just really enjoy the beauty of the state and enjoy riding and driving."
Snider’s adventurous spirit extends beyond the open road. He recently experienced a minor mishap while bike trail riding, humorously remarking, "You notice I’m limping – it’s because I was bike trail riding and the trail won the other day. I took a spill. Sometimes the trail wins."
Dee Snider’s journey from the chaotic world of rock ‘n’ roll to the tranquil haven of North Carolina exemplifies a desire for a more authentic and meaningful life. By embracing the values of community, family, and personal fulfillment, Snider has found a sense of peace and contentment that transcends the fleeting fame and fortune of the entertainment industry. His story serves as an inspiration to those seeking to escape the pressures of modern life and rediscover the simple joys of connection, nature, and personal passion. His legacy continues, not just as a rock icon, but as a testament to the transformative power of choosing a life aligned with one’s true values.
