Twisted Sister is coming back together for a 50th anniversary tour.
The I Believe In Rock 'n' Roll group, made up of Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, Eddie Ojeda, Joe “Seven” Franco, and Russell Pzütto, called it quits on touring back in 2016. Now, they are preparing to return to the stage next year to celebrate fifty years of their legendary heavy metal career.
In a joint statement with Ultimate Classic Rock, the band announced on Instagram: “BREAKING: TWISTED SISTER TO LAUNCH REUNION TOUR IN 2026!
“The rockers behind We’re Not Gonna Take It will storm stages around the world next year in celebration of their 50th anniversary.
“The lineup will include lead singer Dee Snider, guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda, drummer Joe ‘Seven’ Franco, and bassist Russell Pzütto.”
Snider explained that they are responding to fans who have been eager to see them perform again, saying the band “still wants to rock.”
The post continued with Snider’s words: “If you’re lucky enough to be in a band that people still want to see after fifty years(!), how can you not answer the call? In 2026, Twisted F***ing Sister will hit stages around the world because WE STILL WANNA ROCK!!
“Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more info, including specific cities, dates, and venues. (sic)”
Russell Pzütto has stepped in to replace longtime bassist Mark Mendoza, and the band expressed their best wishes for Mendoza’s future.
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Jay Jay French said: “Dee, Eddie, and I have performed as Twisted Sister for nearly 50 years with 10 different bass players and drummers.
“The band has never discussed internal realignment before and has no intention of doing it now.
“Suffice to say that almost all bands with a 50-year history have gone through realignment as a byproduct of time. We wish Mark well in his future endeavours.”
Drummer A.J. Pero sadly passed away in March 2015 at the age of 55, and Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy had been stepping in since then.
For the anniversary tour, Joe Franco, who has previously played drums with the group, will take on drumming duties once again.
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