Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider says his late bandmate AJ Pero’s “irresponsible behavior” for ignoring a family history of heart disease is what ultimately led to his March 20 passing from a heart attack.
"People ask me how I feel about A.J.'s passing, and, quite honestly, I'm going through a real period of anger right now about it," Snider tells TMZ. "He was a great guy, and I loved him dearly. But he had a history of heart disease — his family did; his father died in his early 60s of heart disease — and A.J. never had himself checked out.
“When they did the autopsy, he had 95 percent blockage, advanced heart disease. And he didn't have to die. And I feel it's, basically, irresponsible behavior on his part. He had two ex-wives and an ex-girlfriend of 19 years, four kids he left behind. And you have a responsibility, as a parent, as an adult, to get yourself checked out.”
"So, people, please, get yourself checked out,” added the singer. “There's no reason for people to die of heart disease in this day and age."
Snider and Twisted Sister are pitching in to help Pero’s family with a tribute/benefit show on June 13 in New Jersey as the drummer’s estate gets worked out.
The band have brought in Mike Portnoy to handle drum duties for the previously scheduled 2015 shows and have announced plans for a 40th anniversary farewell tour next year.
See also:
Twisted Sister announce farewell tour plans
Twisted Sister announce AJ Pero tribute concert
Twisted Sister: AJ Pero’s family asks fans for help with bills
Twisted Sister to perform 2015 shows following AJ Pero’s death
Search Twisted Sister at hennemusic
