Twisted Sister, now led by guitarist and manager Jay Jay French and guitarist Eddy Ojeda announced a special run of select performances this fall, featuring iconic vocalist Sebastian Bach on lead vocals.
The news arrives in the wake of frontman Dee Snider stepping away from the band due to serious health challenges. According to an official statement, Snider has been battling degenerative arthritis and has undergone multiple surgeries over the years to continue performing. The strain of decades of high-intensity live shows has reportedly also affected his heart, limiting his ability to continue at the level fans have come to expect.
Snider stated that slowing down was not an option for him, and he chose to walk away rather than become a diminished version of himself. As a result, Twisted Sister canceled its planned fiftieth-anniversary celebration performances, including scheduled international dates, and they said their long-term future will be determined in the coming weeks.
French and Ojeda’s decision to move forward with a limited run alongside Bach offers fans a rare opportunity to experience the band’s legendary catalog in a new chapter. Importantly, these fall appearances will not conflict with Bach’s current or future solo touring plans.
The milestone shows will move forward without longtime bassist Mark Mendoza, who is absent due to “irreconcilable differences.” Stepping in on bass for the anniversary dates will be Russell Pzütto (Dee Snider), while former Twisted Sister drummer Joe Franco returns behind the kit.