In a candid interview with Cameron Buchholtz of Rock 100.5 The KATT FM, Sebastian Bach, the former frontman of Skid Row, has opened up about his recent and highly anticipated debut with Twisted Sister, a role he assumed for the band’s fall 2026 shows following the unexpected resignation of original vocalist Dee Snider. Snider cited significant health challenges, including degenerative arthritis and heart issues, as the impetus for stepping away from the demanding live performance circuit. Bach, a Canadian-raised rock vocalist with deep roots in the New Jersey music scene, shared his initial impressions of fronting the legendary heavy metal act and the emotional resonance of performing in his home state.
A Triumphant Debut in the Garden State and Beyond
Bach described the initial three performances with Twisted Sister as "incredible," highlighting a particularly memorable show at the Alaska State Fair on September 4th. This event, he noted, drew the largest crowd the fair had reportedly ever hosted, underscoring the enduring appeal of Twisted Sister’s music. The Oregon State Fair in Portland also proved to be a strong showing, despite being dampened by rain. However, it was the August 28th debut at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, that held a profound personal significance for Bach.
"It was awesome, ’cause Twisted Sister’s not the first band that I started in New Jersey," Bach quipped during the interview, referencing his own storied career with Skid Row, which also emerged from the fertile New Jersey music scene approximately 40 years prior. He elaborated on the unique staging at the Starland Ballroom, where the band’s entrance is visible to the entire crowd. "When we walked in, all five of Twisted Sister, when we walked in the room, when I walked in and the crowd saw me, they [gave me] a really heartwarming, New Jersey-style welcome." This reception, he admitted, nearly brought him to tears. The moment was amplified by the iconic opening chords of an AC/DC song followed by Twisted Sister’s own "What You Don’t Know (Sure Can Hurt You)," a track Bach considers one of the greatest opening songs in rock history. "I can’t fake chills – I can’t fake that. I cannot fake chills in my arms. Just thinking about that intro gives me chills. I don’t even have to hear it. I can think about hearing it," he confessed, illustrating the visceral impact of the moment.
Navigating the Lyrical Labyrinth and Embracing the Legacy
When questioned about potential nerves and the challenge of memorizing Twisted Sister’s extensive catalog, Bach acknowledged that the lyrical density of their songs often surprises listeners. "Well, credit where credit’s due, there’s a lot more words in Twisted Sister songs than you think," he stated. He cited tracks like "Under the Blade" and "Burn In Hell" as examples of songs that weave intricate narratives, requiring considerable lyrical recall. While admitting he doesn’t have every word "100%" down yet, he conveyed a confident resolve to master the material. "So I’m getting it," he added with a laugh.
The inclusion of two Skid Row classics, "I Remember You" and "Youth Gone Wild," into the Twisted Sister setlist was a deliberate choice that Bach felt was entirely justified. He drew a parallel to situations where guest vocalists have performed with iconic bands, citing Paul Rodgers filling in for Freddie Mercury in Queen and the hypothetical inclusion of Bad Company tunes. "And it just makes sense because I kind of learned how to be Sebastian from locking myself in my bedroom and singing along to the two albums ‘Under The Blade’ and ‘You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll’ – and ‘Stay Hungry’," he explained. Bach expressed a particular affinity for Twisted Sister’s earlier, more overtly heavy metal material, such as "Under the Blade" and "You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll," noting their raw intensity. He also revealed that the current lineup is performing a deep cut, "The Beast," a song he deeply admires for its melody and passion.
The Unseen Pressures of the Digital Age
Beyond the technical aspects of performance, Bach articulated a significant source of anxiety for contemporary musicians: the omnipresent nature of smartphone recording. "The nerves that I get as a singer is not really the show. It’s the fact that every single person is holding up their phone and filming it," he revealed. "And before I get to my hotel room, the whole show is being dissected and analyzed. And no musician likes that. It really sucks." He humorously acknowledged his own talent as a mitigating factor, stating, "Thank God I’m talented as fuck." However, he candidly described the dual pressure of delivering a high-energy, uninhibited performance while simultaneously ensuring every note and movement is perfectly captured for potential online scrutiny. "I’m just saying my job is to go out there and go crazy, go nuts and bring all the energy I got. At the same time, recording perfect videos. It’s two different things."
This pressure, he explained, influences practical stage decisions, such as the presence of a drum shield. "Some people say, ‘Why do you have a drum shield around the drums?’ ‘Cause you’re filming the fucking show," Bach stated. "And I have to sing as good as I can, and I don’t have a volume knob that goes louder than the cymbals. So, guess what you get? You get a drum shield. That’s what you get." He also emphasized the band’s commitment to performing the songs in their original keys, noting, "We’re doing the whole set in the original keys of the original recordings. There’s not one song that’s tuned down. We’re not changing the keys. The whole set, including ‘The Price,’ is the original key. We don’t have any tapes." This dedication to authenticity further highlights the band’s respect for Twisted Sister’s legacy.
The Shifting Sands of Twisted Sister’s Lineup
The current touring iteration of Twisted Sister features Bach on lead vocals, with founding guitarist Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda returning on guitars. Russell Pzütto, who has previously collaborated with Snider on solo projects, now occupies the bass position, replacing Mark "The Animal" Mendoza. On drums, Joey Cassata has stepped in for Joe Franco, who was initially slated to perform but became unavailable. Cassata brings his own significant experience, having played drums on Ace Frehley’s recent solo album, "10,000 Volts." The initial announcement for the August 28th Sayreville show had been made under the guise of Twisted Sister’s alter ego, Bent Brother, before being officially re-branded as the debut for the new touring lineup. Twisted Sister has announced a series of eight additional shows scheduled for the fall of 2026, including a date at the Washington State Fair Event Center in Puyallup, Washington, on September 27th.
A Legacy in Transition: Dee Snider’s Departure and Twisted Sister’s Future
The circumstances surrounding Dee Snider’s departure are significant. Twisted Sister had previously canceled a planned 50th-anniversary tour on February 5th, citing Snider’s resignation. In a statement released in February, Snider detailed his ongoing battle with degenerative arthritis, which renders him able to perform only a few songs at a time while experiencing considerable pain. He also attributed years of intense stage presence to taking a toll on his heart. Snider expressed his unwillingness to compromise his performance style, stating, "I don’t know of any other way to rock. The idea of slowing down is unacceptable to me. I’d rather walk away than be a shadow of my former self." This decision marked the end of an era for a band that has been a formidable force in heavy metal for decades.
Twisted Sister’s history is marked by periods of both intense activity and hiatus. Their original run concluded in the late 1980s. The band experienced a significant reunion in November 2001 for the "New York Steel" benefit concert, raising funds for the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund. More recently, three and a half years prior to the current developments, the band performed a one-off reunion at the Metal Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Agoura Hills, California. At that event, Snider, French, Mendoza, and drummer Mike Portnoy were inducted. Eddie Ojeda was absent due to contracting COVID-19, with Keith Robert War filling in on guitar. The reunion performance featured a high-energy three-song set including "You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll," "Under the Blade," and the iconic anthem "We’re Not Gonna Take It."
The Enduring Impact of Twisted Sister
The transition of Twisted Sister to a new touring lineup fronted by Sebastian Bach represents a pivotal moment for the band and its extensive fanbase. While Dee Snider’s departure is a loss for many, the commitment of remaining members like Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda, coupled with the vocal prowess and established stage presence of Bach, suggests a continued dedication to delivering the high-octane rock and roll that Twisted Sister is known for. The inclusion of Bach, a figure deeply embedded in the fabric of New Jersey’s rock history, adds a layer of continuity and familiarity for many fans.
The success of these new shows, as evidenced by Bach’s early reflections, indicates a strong reception. The band’s decision to stick to original keys and maintain the integrity of the songs demonstrates a profound respect for the original material. The challenges of modern live performance, amplified by constant digital documentation, add a unique dimension to the touring experience for both the artists and the audience. As Twisted Sister embarks on this new chapter, the legacy of their powerful music and iconic image appears poised to resonate with a new generation of fans, while simultaneously honoring the rich history forged by Dee Snider and the band over the years. The enduring power of songs like "We’re Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock" continues to fuel a demand for live performances, and with Bach at the helm, Twisted Sister is clearly aiming to keep that flame burning brightly. The band’s upcoming dates will undoubtedly be closely watched as they navigate this significant evolution in their storied career.
