Krokus frontman Marc Storace recalls not being able to play Wacken Open Air due to Dee Snider’s position

Krokus frontman Marc Storace recalls not being able to play Wacken Open Air due to Dee Snider’s position

Krokus frontman Marc Storace was recently interviewed by Andrew DiCecco for Vinyl Writer Music.

Storace was asked about his long running feud with Twisted Sister lead vocalist Dee Snider to which he replied (with slight edits):

“Yeah, you know, with Dee it was another thing where it was a band thing. There was definitely a misunderstanding there in the deal. The stage clothes that his wife made for us, well, we didn’t like them. So, our tour manager said he’s not gonna write a check for something we don’t want. And basically, that’s it. I guess this wasn’t accepted by the Snider’s and it turned into a heated

argument. I don’t know the details, I just said, “No, I don’t like them. Bye-bye.” It’s not my thing to discuss stage clothes. So, anyway, a lot of water under the bridge. Time heals, but it seems not with everybody. It seems like this left a long-lasting wound in the heart of Dee Snider’s wife. All I know is, this thing haunted me and the rest of the band as well because he loudmouths us – he loudmouths a lot of people – and we’re one of those bands he loves to loudmouth; put us down; throw shit on us.

Fast-forward again from the ’80s. A few years ago, I did numerous tours with this organization called Rock Meets Classic in Europe, especially in Germany. There’s a whole orchestra and a kick-ass rock band and all these different singers; Ian Gillan. And I was on a couple of those tours, and then I was booked again for another one. At the end of the tour, we were supposed to play in Wacken, and Dee Snider was gonna headline. So, I thought, “Okay, this will be a good opportunity to meet face-to-face with Dee and maybe we can drink a beer and talk about it, slap each other on the shoulder, and bury the hatchet.”But it turned out in a very negative way. I got a phone call from the guys who organized, he said, “Marc, I have a problem. Dee is headlining and the headliner has the right to refuse acts on the billing. And Dee said, “I’m not gonna step on stage if Storace is not kicked off the bill.” I said, “Well, shit. That’s some decision you have to do.” And then he said, “You know, we have a relationship, too. Everything is booked, so it’s up to you, Marc. I’ll take whatever decision you want because you’re my friend.” I said, “Don’t worry. If that’s the way it is…” So, he said, “Well, I’m gonna pay you anyway, and thanks a lot for this decision. I really appreciate it.” So, that’s the way it was; I didn’t play Wacken with Rock Meets Classic because of Dee Snider.

I’ve matured since the heyday of the wild, kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll days. I mean, we’re still kickin’ ass, but we’re maybe less wild and a little bit more mature; like, when the wine gets older, it tastes better. Some people don’t have this quality, so, it’s a pity. And maybe we’re never gonna shake hands, but I hope something happens that’ll open up Dee Snider’s eyes, and he can look back and maybe laugh about things. There was so much shit happening in those fast days; wild days. So much shit happened; there were a lot of people doing mistakes everywhere. It’s like the thing with the Lepps; I met Joe Elliott, we shook hands, and we toasted our friendship because life is short.”

You can read the rest of the interview with Marc Storace at Vinyl Writer Music‘s website.

Back in August 2015, Bravewords posted an article that indicated in part:

“Rock Meets Classic showcases classic rock artists of the ’70s and ’80s performing their hits backed by The Mat Sinner Band and the Bohemian Orchestra Prague. This summer they performed two special festival shows in Germany at Rock Of Ages and the Wacken Open Air on July 31st and August 1st respectively.

Featured artists for these two exclusive shows included Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), Michael Kiske (Unisonic, ex-Helloween), Marc Storace (Krokus) and Jennifer Haben (Beyond The Black).”