In a significant development for the enduring legacy of the iconic heavy metal band TWISTED SISTER, guitarist Jay Jay French has confirmed that Sebastian Bach will be stepping in as the group’s lead vocalist for a series of scheduled shows in the fall of 2026. This decision comes in the wake of original frontman Dee Snider’s withdrawal from touring due to "health challenges," a move that has inevitably sparked considerable discussion within the rock music community. French, speaking in an interview with Tim Caple of Rock ‘N’ Blues Experience, articulated the rationale behind this monumental casting choice, emphasizing Bach’s unique qualifications and the band’s proactive approach to ensuring the continuation of their live performances.
The Unanimous Choice: Sebastian Bach Steps into the Spotlight
Jay Jay French was unequivocal in his assessment of Sebastian Bach’s suitability for the demanding role of TWISTED SISTER’s frontman. "Sebastian really is the only person that could do it," French stated. "He’s the only larger-than-life guy with the chops and the stage presence to do it." This sentiment underscores a recognition of Bach’s formidable vocal capabilities, his established history as a charismatic stage performer, and his deep-seated connection to the hard rock and heavy metal genre. French detailed his initial contact with Bach, recalling, "I called him and he was, like, ‘Yeah, man, I’d love to.’… He’s so enthusiastic. I gotta love it. I love it. I love it." This immediate and enthusiastic acceptance from Bach suggests a mutual respect and a shared passion for the music that has defined TWISTED SISTER for decades.
The band’s confidence in this new arrangement was further bolstered by extensive rehearsal sessions. "We did eight hours of rehearsal [with Sebastian]. We did eight hours. He was amazing. He was amazing. So I have no doubts how great it’s gonna be," French reported. This intensive preparation indicates a serious commitment from both Bach and the remaining TWISTED SISTER members to deliver a high-caliber performance that honors the band’s storied past.
Addressing the Critics: The Evolution of Legacy Bands
The decision to continue touring with a new vocalist is not without its challenges, particularly for a band as deeply associated with its original members as TWISTED SISTER. French addressed the inevitable criticism head-on, acknowledging that some fans may view the band’s vocalist as irreplaceable. He offered a pragmatic perspective on the enduring nature of legacy acts in the music industry.
"When people talk about what you can and can’t do, enough already," French asserted. "Here’s the bottom line… This is my comment about it. It’s either gonna work or it’s not gonna work. The public buys it or they don’t buy it." He drew parallels to other prominent bands that have continued to tour with members who were not part of their original lineup. "Right now [LYNYRD] SKYNYRD is touring with nobody [from the original lineup] in the band. Right now FOREIGNER’s touring with nobody [from the original lineup] in the band." French pointed out that these bands continue to offer compelling live experiences despite lineup changes.
His analysis extended to the profound impact of vocalists like Freddie Mercury of QUEEN and Steve Perry of JOURNEY, both of whom are widely considered irreplaceable. "QUEEN… Freddie Mercury, greatest vocalist in the history of the world, can never be replaced. Guess what? They got a guy [Adam Lambert] from ‘The Voice’ [to replace him]. Steve Perry, greatest singer in the history of the world. Guess what? They got a guy [Arnel Pineda] from YouTube [to replace him]." French contrasted these situations with Bach’s recruitment, highlighting his established credentials: "I’m just saying, we got a guy whose pedigree is metal, by the way, who’s a legitimate artist with platinum records, by the way. Not an also-ran. A phenomenally talented human being." Ultimately, French placed the decision-making power with the audience: "And, of course, now the public is gonna ultimately decide. They decide. If the public likes it, they like it."
The Road Ahead: Future Prospects and Philosophical Reflections
When questioned about the possibility of further TWISTED SISTER performances in 2027 with Bach at the helm, French remained open-ended, suggesting that future plans would unfold organically. "That answer will unfold, the same way it unfolded in 2003 when the band reformed and we did the festival tour and did the six shows in 2003, and then all of a sudden the floodgates opened. The floodgates will open or they won’t open." He emphasized the band’s commitment to enjoying the process and delivering their best. "The beauty of it is they don’t have to open. The beauty of it is you do it, you have fun, you put your best foot forward, you deliver the magic, and everything takes care of itself."
French then delved into a more personal and philosophical reflection on his extensive career in TWISTED SISTER. With an estimated 9,000 performances over his tenure, he spoke about the resilience required to navigate the constant personnel changes within the band. "I’ve sat through 20 changes of personnel," he revealed. "And almost every one of them who left had fans who said the band was never gonna make it without them, by the way… Not just Dee… We had a drummer that was so popular, Tony Petri that when we fired him, fans showed up at gigs with banners saying, ‘You’re never going to make it without Tony.’… I’ve heard it over and over and over again, and I can’t pay attention to it. You just move on, and you do what you do." This perspective highlights the internal fortitude required to lead a band through decades of change and external skepticism.
A Frank Comparison: The Rolling Stones and the Nature of Performance
French also offered a candid comparison to The Rolling Stones, illustrating his own perspective on band longevity and the nature of live performance. He admitted to having a critical view of their later output. "I can say all my jokes about THE ROLLING STONES. They’re awful since Mick Taylor left. They have been awful, in my opinion, and I’ve walked out on them three times since, ’cause I keep giving them the benefit of the doubt that you’re not gonna suck, and they suck every time." His critique focused on the band’s reliance on guest musicians to elevate their performances in recent years. "I saw THE ROLLING STONES, man. Jeff Beck came out. They were great.’ ‘I saw THE ROLLING STONES, man. [Eric] Clapton came out and they were great.’ ‘I saw THE ROLLING STONES, man. Gary Clark came out and they were great.’ I said, what that tells you is that when a guy who knows how to play guitar comes out on stage and joins them, they’re great."
He continued his sharp assessment, "And I said, unfortunately, they got two guitar players who look like extras from ‘Game Of Thrones’, who can barely play anymore, stumbling around the stage. Now, if you wanna pay $800 for that, that’s your business. God bless you. It’s a free world, my friend. And that’s it. And that’s how I feel about TWISTED." This analogy serves to underscore his belief that the audience deserves a high-quality performance, and that the band is committed to providing that with Bach.
French concluded this line of thought by acknowledging that some fans will inevitably be resistant to the new lineup. "There’s gonna be some people who go, ‘Without Dee, I don’t wanna see it.’ ‘Without [bassist Mark] Mendoza, I don’t wanna see it.’ ‘Without this guy, I don’t wanna see it.’ And they’re fans. And I’ve said the same thing about other bands, so I fully get it. I don’t blame you for it. In fact, thank you for spending your money in the past on us. I want you to know I appreciate it." This statement reflects a mature understanding of fan loyalty and the emotional connection many have to specific eras and lineups of bands.
New Music Prospects and the Fall 2026 Tour Schedule
Regarding the possibility of TWISTED SISTER recording new music with Bach, French indicated that this is not currently on the horizon, primarily due to rights issues. "Oh, that’s another question, because we don’t own the rights to that any longer. We sold the rights to that. So I don’t know if we could or not. And we haven’t even thought about it." This suggests that the immediate focus is on the live performances.
TWISTED SISTER has officially announced a slate of 11 shows for the fall of 2026, with Sebastian Bach slated to handle lead vocal duties. The confirmed dates are:
- September 4 – Palmer, AK @ Borealis Theatre
- September 6 – Salem, OR @ L.B. Day Amphitheater
- September 12 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Grand Theater
- September 27 – Puyallup, WA @ Washington State Fair
- October 2 – West Springfield, MA @ The Big E
- October 8 – Niagara Falls, ON @ OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
- October 10 – Windsor, ON @ The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
- October 18 – Gary, IN @ Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
- November 12 – Bristol, VA @ Hard Rock Live Bristol
- November 14 – Charles Town, WV @ The Event Center at Hollywood Casino
- December 11 – St. Petersburg, FL @ Ferg’s Pavilion
Sebastian Bach’s Perspective: A Fan’s Fulfillment
Sebastian Bach himself has expressed immense enthusiasm and a deep sense of fulfillment regarding his upcoming role with TWISTED SISTER. In a March 2026 interview with Meltdown of Detroit’s WRIF radio station, Bach articulated his long-standing admiration for the band. "I am a fan of TWISTED SISTER. And I’ll tell you right now, I’m probably a bigger fan of TWISTED SISTER than anybody watching this. I love that band. I used to go see them whenever I could."
Bach specifically highlighted his appreciation for the band’s earlier, more aggressive material. "I really love the album ‘You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll’ with songs like ‘The Kids Are Back’, ‘Ride To Live, Live To Ride’. I love the ‘Under The Blade’ album. I love ‘Shoot ‘Em Down’, ‘Destroyer’, ‘Tear It Loose’. I mean, I love ‘I Wanna Rock’, I love ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’, but there’s an earlier period of that band where they were one of the most ferocious rock bands that you will ever see. And if you saw them back then, you know what I’m talking about."
He vowed to bring that same raw energy to his performances. "When they were a club band, they would come out there like a punk rock band or a total thrash metal band. I mean, if you listen to their version of ‘It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)’ by THE ROLLING STONES, it’s like a speed metal tempo… Well, that’s the kind of energy that I’m gonna bring. I mean, I’m not no spring chicken, but I still have a lot of energy when I get on the stage. And I’m going to give you guys fun and energy in TWISTED SISTER."
Bach also clarified that his involvement with TWISTED SISTER would not mean the end of his solo career or his continued performance of classic SKID ROW material. "I’m the lead singer of TWISTED SISTER," he declared, with evident joy. "How much fun is that to say? I love saying that, so I’m really looking forward to it. I will also say that I’ll never stop singing the [classic SKID ROW] songs ’18 And Life’, ‘I Remember You’, ‘Youth Gone Wild’, ‘Monkey Business’, ‘Slave To The Grind’… I’ll never stop doing that. So I’m not stopping my solo band. I’m continuing my solo band, but I’m doing shows with TWISTED SISTER that are bigger than my solo band. So it’s a step up for me. I’ll have a nicer dressing room and stuff. [Laughs]"
A Heartfelt Conversation with Dee Snider
Further details emerged from a March 3, 2026, appearance on SiriusXM’s "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk," where Bach described a deeply emotional conversation he had with Dee Snider. "Well, I have tears in my eyes right now. I am SMF Number Two. I was named that by Dee Snider. And I just have to say, I just got off the phone with Dee Snider. We talked for about 45 minutes, and we were both kind of getting teary eyed."
Bach’s connection to TWISTED SISTER runs deep, extending back to his formative years. "I used to go to school and I used to paint the TWISTED SISTER logo on the back of my jacket in liquid paper thinking that looked cool… whiteout. So I am a real fan – I am a fan of this music, and that is really, number one, why I’m doing it. And also to honor the legacy of these songs." He drew further parallels to other instances of iconic vocalists stepping in for bandmates, such as Paul Rodgers with QUEEN and Axl Rose with AC/DC.
Regarding the specifics of Snider’s health, Bach recounted: "He says that he has arthritis, that his knees are going out, and he has bone on bone. And the doctor said that he should not be jumping around. And he goes, ‘Well, that’s not an option,’ ’cause he wants to do the full show moving around and stuff, and the doctor said, ‘You can’t do it.’ So he said, ‘You have my full blessing.’ He goes, ‘I love you.’ I told him I loved him, and we were, like, teary eyed. And he told me that his family was crying when he said he couldn’t do the tour." The possibility of Snider making a guest appearance was also raised: "He goes, ‘Yeah.’ He goes, ‘Yeah.’ So maybe he’ll be at some of these gigs on stage with us. Who knows? I don’t know if that’s gonna happen or not. But it’s tough getting older – it’s tough for everybody getting older, and I’m a lot younger."
Bach stressed the importance of obtaining Snider’s blessing. "That’s a sign of respect," he stated. "I respect Dee Snider, I respect Jay Jay French, I respect Eddie Ojeda, I respect [former TWISTED SISTER members] A.J. Pero, Mark Mendoza, the whole team." He reiterated his deep appreciation for the band’s entire catalog, not just the well-known hits. "I don’t just like the hits of TWISTED SISTER. I like ‘Like A Knife In The Back’. I like the heavy TWISTED SISTER. And I love ‘I Wanna Rock’. I love ‘The Price’. ‘The Price’ is one of my favorite TWISTED SISTER songs. I love ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’. But the album ‘You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll’, I would probably say, is my favorite one."
The 2026 Lineup: A Blend of Familiar Faces and New Blood
The touring lineup for TWISTED SISTER’s 2026 shows will feature Jay Jay French and guitarist Eddie Ojeda, with Sebastian Bach on lead vocals. The rhythm section will see some changes. Russell Pzütto, who has collaborated with Snider on his solo projects and has served as TWISTED SISTER’s bass tech, will be stepping in on bass, replacing Mark "The Animal" Mendoza. Drummer Joe Franco, who had a brief stint with the band in the mid-1980s and was initially slated to perform, is unavailable for the fall 2026 dates. He will be replaced by Joey Cassata, known for his work on Ace Frehley’s latest solo album.
French elaborated on the band’s history of lineup changes, noting, "In the 53-year history of the band, we’ve had 20 people who’ve been in and out of TWISTED SISTER. We’ve had five singers, we’ve had three bass players, we’ve had four guitar players and we’ve had nine drummers. Half of them are dead. It’s a very tough business to be a drummer with TWISTED SISTER." He reiterated his faith in Bach, stating, "They said Steve Perry could never have been replaced in JOURNEY. And he was. That Freddie Mercury could never be replaced [in QUEEN]. And he was. And guess what? Baz is gonna be an unbelievable replacement."
The updated lineup details were further clarified: "So it’s me, Eddie Ojeda and Baz. Joe Franco had signed on for the summer, and he wasn’t available in the fall. And so Joey Cassata is gonna be on drums filling in for Joe, but if Joe Franco can make it, he definitely will. And Russ Pzütto, who has been our bass tech and has filled in for Mark in the past, will be playing bass. So Russ has been with the organization for years and years and years. He also played on Dee’s solo projects. So that’s basically the lineup."
A Legacy of Resilience: TWISTED SISTER’s Enduring Impact
TWISTED SISTER’s journey has been marked by periods of intense creativity, significant lineup shifts, and enduring popularity. The band’s original run concluded in the late 1980s, but their influence continued to resonate. A notable reunion occurred three years prior to the current announcement at the Metal Hall Of Fame in Agoura Hills, California, where Snider, French, Mendoza, and drummer Mike Portnoy were inducted. Guitarist Eddie Ojeda was absent due to COVID-19, with Keith Robert War filling in. The band performed a powerful three-song set featuring "You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll," "Under The Blade," and "We’re Not Gonna Take It."
The band’s public reunion in November 2001 for the "New York Steel" benefit concert signaled a new chapter, leading to extensive touring and renewed global recognition. This history of reinvention and resilience, coupled with the unwavering support of a dedicated fanbase, sets the stage for what promises to be a compelling new era for TWISTED SISTER, with Sebastian Bach at the vocal forefront. The band’s ability to adapt and continue to deliver their signature brand of high-octane rock and roll, even in the face of significant personnel changes, is a testament to the enduring power of their music and the dedication of its core members. The success of the 2026 tour will ultimately be determined by the fans, but the groundwork has been laid for a potentially electrifying continuation of the TWISTED SISTER saga.
