Though the initially announced Twisted Sister 50th Anniversary Celebration Tour was met with a brief cancellation based on the exit of longtime member and frontman Dee Snider (seen HERE), a decision has been made by founding guitarists Eddie Ojeda and Jay Jay French about their continuing with the plan AND with Sebastian Bach fronting the lineup.
The Announcement:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Twisted Sister members Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda are thrilled to announce that iconic vocalist and front man Sebastian Bach will be fronting the band for a handful of select dates this fall. These appearances do not affect or conflict with Sebastian’s current or future solo touring schedule, which remains fully intact.
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PiercingMetal Thoughts: Editorial rumblings are forthcoming.
The Statement:
With Regrets, Twisted Sister Cancels 50th Anniversary Celebration Performances.
Twisted Sister by Ken Pierce (2006)
Due to the sudden and unexpected resignation of Twisted Sister’s lead singer Dee Snider brought on by a series of health challenges, the band has been forced to cancel all shows scheduled, beginning April 25th in Sao Paulo Brazil and continuing through the summer. Continue reading Twisted Sister Cancels 50th Anniversary Celebration Performances→
The Announcement:
Dust off your denim and leather and flex your devil horns: Twisted Sister is back — bigger, louder, and more unapologetic than ever. The band that gave the world “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock” has confirmed they will storm stages worldwide in 2026, celebrating their 50th anniversary.
While full details remain under wraps (because even metal legends love a good tease), founding guitarist and manager Jay Jay French couldn’t contain his excitement about reaching a milestone that once seemed impossible:
“Beginning on February 2nd, 1976 in a little bar called The Turtleneck Inn in Hunter Mountain, NY, Dee Snider, Eddie Ojeda and I have called ourselves Twisted Sister and stood shoulder to shoulder for nearly five decades, through multiple personnel changes and thousands of performances. We are proud to celebrate a milestone that once felt unthinkable: a 50-year anniversary!! We have created a music and performance legacy that has and will continue to inspire millions of fans around the world. Twisted Forever, Forever Twisted!”
Lead guitarist Eddie Ojeda added:
“Fifty years on, and Twisted Sister is still the soundtrack for every rebel with a reason, and a reason to turn it up.”
But it was frontman Dee Snider who really cranked the volume to 11 with his typically unfiltered announcement:
“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 Fucking Sister will hit stages around the world because WE STILL WANNA ROCK!!”
Let that sink in, SMFs. The band that gave us headbanging anthems, legendary MTV videos, and enough eyeliner to keep Max Factor in business, is returning to stages around the world.
Why This Matters (Besides the Obvious Awesomeness)
For those keeping score at home, Twisted Sister last toured with drummer Mike Portnoy in 2016, following the tragic death of drummer A.J. Pero. But 50 years? That’s cause for celebration. These guys have survived the club circuit grind of the ’70s, MTV domination in the ’80s, breakups, makeups, PMRC hearings (shoutout to Dee for that Senate testimony), and enough lineup changes to make Spinal Tap sweat.
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock” are the two most licensed songs in the history of heavy metal, for film, TV and advertising
Over 35 million albums sold worldwide
31 Silver, Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum album sales certifications across 8 countries
Those glorious videos that made MTV appointment viewing, when it was still music television
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” ranked #3 on NPR’s “Songs that Unite Us” (2018), ahead of Dylan, Springsteen, Guthrie, Simon & Garfunkel, Don McLean, Buffalo Springfield, Lady Gaga
First year inductees (2006) into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame, alongside Billy Joel, Joan Jett, John Coltrane, Run DMC and others
2023 inductees into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame
Toured and headlined in over 40 countries
In 1984, Twisted Sister made it to #10 on fashion icon Blackwell’s “Worst Dressed Woman” list!
What We Know (And What We’re Dying to Find Out)
CONFIRMED: Twisted Sister will hit stages around the world in 2026.
CONFIRMED: The return of Joe “Seven” Franco on drums, a former member of Twisted Sister who last recorded and performed with the band in 1987 for the Love is for Suckers album and tour. Playing bass will be Russell Pzütto, who has previously appeared in concert with Twisted Sister and has been a touring member of Dee Snider’s solo projects.
STILL MYSTERIOUS: Specific dates, cities and venues…
The Waiting Game Begins
Tour dates and details remain under wraps, tighter than your mom’s jeans in the ‘80s. But if you’re a betting person, start saving your pennies and preparing your vocal cords now. When Twisted Sister announces they’re ready to rock one more time, you know it’s going to be LOUD, PROUD and ABSOLUTELY UNMISSABLE. And don’t be surprised if you see a Bent Brother date pop up along the way…
Stay tuned to official Twisted Sister channels for the announcement that will have metalheads worldwide screaming “WE’RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT” – except this time, we absolutely ARE gonna take it, and we’re gonna love every gloriously over-the-top minute of it.
About Twisted Sister: In 1984, after nearly a decade of dominating and setting attendance records throughout the Tri-State area club scene (including being the only artist without a record deal to twice sell out NYC’s historic Palladium Theater), Twisted Sister rose to international stardom. Known for their anthemic songs, outrageous costumes, and theatrical performances, the band became one of the most recognizable forces of 1980s heavy metal, cementing their place as superstars and icons of rock and roll rebellion.
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Twisted Sister
TWISTED FOREVER, FOREVER TWISTED
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PiercingMetal Thoughts: While its long been established that my top three bands of all time are KISS, Van Halen and Judas Priest, the music of Twisted Sister was also quite important to my own Metal upbringing. Historically speaking, I had heard the name way in ancient times of my youth but only got my first visual of them when my neighborhood friend had recorded their appearance on the Uncle Floyd show. This was before they broke big in 1984 and the band performed “What You Don’t Know” and “Under The Blade”. I was hooked and snapped up a copy of an EP called “Ruff Cuts” when I saw it in either the Record Factory or the Little Record Store. I even learned how to play “WYDK” on the drums and aced a few local band auditions with that one but I digress. The news of this anniversary tour excites me tremendously and I am eager to learn about North American regional dates. When those happen I will surely be on point for them and bring you the scoop. Wrapping up I wonder what you all think about this news and I’m also curious about your very favorite Twisted Sister album and song. Chime in down below and let’s learn more from you all. Until next time I remain….oh wait, I forgot to mention that I hope you enjoy some of these live action performance shots from shows that I covered when the band was kicking some righteous butt in our vicinity. They were truly good times.
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