The iconic heavy metal band Twisted Sister is set to embark on a series of select performances this fall featuring former Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach at the helm. This surprising development, announced by Twisted Sister members Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda, marks a significant new chapter for the group following the unexpected departure of their long-time frontman, Dee Snider. Importantly, these engagements will not interfere with Bach’s established solo touring schedule, which remains unaffected. A brief audio snippet of Bach rehearsing with French and Ojeda has been released, offering fans a glimpse into this novel collaboration.
This announcement comes in the wake of a major shift for Twisted Sister. On February 5th, the band officially canceled its planned 2026 reunion shows, a decision directly attributed to Dee Snider’s resignation. Citing health issues as the primary reason for his withdrawal, Snider’s "sudden and unexpected resignation" necessitated the immediate cancellation of all scheduled dates from April through early summer. The band conveyed this unfortunate news to their dedicated fanbase, known affectionately as "SMFs" (Sick Mother Fuckers), via social media.
The possibility of a vocalist stepping in for Snider had been a topic of discussion. In a recent appearance on the "Beardo & Weirdo" podcast, hosted by Five Finger Death Punch bassist Chris Kael and comedian Craig Gass, Dee Snider himself addressed the prospect of Twisted Sister continuing without him. He expressed a hopeful sentiment, stating, "I believe there’s gotta be somebody out there who can kick ass." When pressed about potential candidates, Snider revealed a past attempt to secure a fill-in vocalist.
"Back in 2014, during a period when we were reuniting for a limited number of shows, primarily headlining festivals, we recognized the fragility of our lineup," Snider explained. "If one member were to fall ill or face personal issues, missing even one of our limited dates would be a significant loss. We decided to identify stand-in musicians who could fulfill the role if necessary. I specifically tried to recruit Sebastian Bach to be a potential replacement for me, in case I couldn’t make a show. My exact words to him were, ‘Dude, will you be the fill-in?’ And he responded with a firm ‘No way.’"
Snider recounted Bach’s reasoning: "’Dude, that’s a thankless job. No, I’m not standing in for you. Never.’ I tried to persuade him, highlighting his talent and fan appeal, saying, ‘You’re my student. You studied me. You’re a great singer. You can do it. People will love it.’ But he was adamant, saying, ‘Nah, nah, no way.’ I also approached Michael Monroe from Hanoi Rocks with a similar proposal, and he also declined. So, hearing rumors that the band is now actively seeking someone, and knowing these past conversations, I can only say, God bless them."
Following Gass’s observation that he had heard about rehearsals involving one of the singers Snider had mentioned – implicitly Bach – Snider confirmed, "Yeah, I know there’s been rehearsals with him. And he hasn’t reached out to me. I think he knows he has my blessing. And I would never begrudge anybody continuing to rock." This statement suggests a level of tacit approval from Snider, despite his initial surprise.
The relationship between Snider and Bach has a history of mutual respect, even after a public disagreement on social media in 2020 concerning the term "hair metal." At the time, Snider expressed his admiration for Bach, writing on X (formerly Twitter): "I love Sebastian Bach! During the darkest period of my career, he stood tall as a Dee Snider fan when few would. I will always be grateful to him for not caring what was ‘cool’ at the moment and speaking out proudly for the things he loved. Thank you SMF#2!" Bach reciprocated the sentiment, stating, "I love Dee Snider. I will always love the music he has made. No matter how much Dee sees himself as ‘hair metal,’ I will always see him on a much higher level than that implies. He is one of the greatest frontmen and vocalists of all time. Any corny label less than that is an insult." This past mutual admiration likely paves the way for a smoother transition for Bach stepping into the Twisted Sister legacy.
The Genesis of the Cancellation and Future Plans
The originally planned 2026 reunion shows were intended to feature the core trio of Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, and Eddie Ojeda. However, bassist Mark "The Animal" Mendoza was not slated to participate. Russell Pzütto, who has collaborated with Snider on solo projects, was expected to fill the bass duties. Drummer Joe Franco, a past member of Twisted Sister in the mid-1980s, was slated to take over for A.J. Pero, who tragically passed away in 2015 at the age of 55.
The timeline of these events highlights the abrupt nature of the changes. On February 7th, Jay Jay French shared a heartfelt video message commemorating the 50th anniversary of Dee Snider joining Twisted Sister. He recalled: "Today is the actual 50th anniversary of the day that Dee auditioned for the band. 1976. Here’s the diary entry. ‘Danny Snider’ – he wasn’t Dee yet – ‘auditions for Twisted Sister’, February 7th, 1976."
French continued, reflecting on their long tenure together: "For the last 50 years, Eddie and I have stood side by side with Dee, not with hundreds of shows, but with thousands of shows. You know the cliché in sports, when a great sportsman retires, they say he left it on the field. Well, I can tell you when it comes to Dee, he left it on the stage. He gave everything his all, and his body is now telling him, ‘I can’t give you anymore.’ And when someone tells you that, you have to accept it and you have to move on. So please understand this was a tough decision, but we had no other choice but to cancel these dates."
Addressing the future of Twisted Sister, French stated: "As far as the future of Twisted Sister is concerned, Eddie Ojeda and I will have conversations in the next couple of weeks to discuss what, if any, options exist for us to continue. Until then, just know that the SMFs around the world are the thing that kept us alive and kept us going, and we love you guys and we will do everything we can to always live up to your expectations as fans, ’cause nobody understands fandom more than us. We appreciate everything that you’ve ever done for us and hopefully we’ll see you again in the future. Thank you."
Dee Snider’s Health and the Decision to Step Down
The February 5th announcement by the then 70-year-old Dee Snider detailed the severity of his health conditions. He revealed a diagnosis of degenerative arthritis, which had necessitated several surgeries. These procedures were undertaken "just to keep going, able to only perform a few songs at a time in pain."
A more comprehensive statement elaborated on the physical toll of his career: "A lifetime of legendarily aggressive performing has taken its toll on Dee Snider’s body and soul. Adding insult to injury, Dee has recently found out the level of intensity he has dedicated to his life’s work has taken its toll on his heart as well. He can no longer push the boundaries of rock ‘n’ roll fury like he has done for decades."
Snider expressed his fundamental inability to compromise his performance style: "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." He concluded with a poignant quote from the film "Dirty Harry," stating, "In the immortal words of Dirty Harry, ‘A man’s got to know his limitations.’ Sadly, Dee Snider now knows his." This candid admission underscores the profound personal sacrifice involved in his decision.
A Legacy of Reunion and Resilience
Twisted Sister has a storied history of both intense touring and periods of hiatus and reunion. Their original run concluded in the late 1980s. After more than a decade, the band made a significant comeback in November 2001, headlining the "New York Steel" benefit concert. This event was instrumental in raising funds for the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, showcasing the band’s enduring commitment to charitable causes and their continued relevance.
More recently, three years prior to the current announcements, Twisted Sister staged a one-off reunion at the Metal Hall Of Fame ceremony in Agoura Hills, California. During this event, Snider, French, Mendoza, and drummer Mike Portnoy were inducted into the Metal Hall Of Fame. Eddie Ojeda was absent due to contracting COVID-19, with Keith Robert War stepping in for him. The band delivered a powerful three-song set featuring classics such as "You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll," "Under The Blade," and their anthemic hit "We’re Not Gonna Take It." This performance served as a potent reminder of their enduring appeal and stage presence.
The Sebastian Bach Factor: A New Era Dawns
The enlistment of Sebastian Bach to front Twisted Sister for these select dates signifies more than just a temporary fill-in. Bach, known for his powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence during his tenure with Skid Row in the late 1980s and early 1990s, brings a substantial pedigree to the role. Skid Row, contemporaries of Twisted Sister during the height of the "hair metal" era, achieved multi-platinum success with albums like "Skid Row" (1989) and "Slave to the Grind" (1991). Bach’s vocal range and energetic delivery are well-suited to the anthemic and hard-rocking material that defines Twisted Sister’s catalog.
The implications of this collaboration are multifaceted. For Twisted Sister’s remaining members, it offers a way to continue performing their legacy material for their devoted fanbase, even in the absence of their original frontman. For Sebastian Bach, it presents an opportunity to engage with a different, yet historically significant, chapter of hard rock. The fact that these dates are "select" suggests a measured approach, allowing Bach to fulfill these commitments without disrupting his solo career, which has seen him release several solo albums and tour extensively since his departure from Skid Row.
The decision by French and Ojeda to move forward with new vocalists, and specifically Bach, reflects a desire to keep the music of Twisted Sister alive. It also speaks to the enduring strength of the band’s brand and the loyalty of their fanbase, who are likely eager to experience these classic songs performed live once again. The success of these fall dates could potentially influence future decisions regarding the band’s trajectory, although French’s earlier statement suggests that these discussions are ongoing. The transition, while necessitated by Snider’s health, appears to be managed with a commitment to honoring the band’s legacy while embracing new possibilities.