Back on March 20th, 2015 the Metal World said goodbye to drummer A.J. Pero who passed away of a heart attack while on tour with Adrenaline Mob. PiercingMetal reflected upon that loss in THIS MEMORIAL. Earlier today the members of Twisted Sister released a bit of press announcing Pero’s replacement for their touring obligations and how this will lead to the disbanding of the mighty band. Check that out below along with some photos that I snapped of Mike Portnoy on the drums at other shows.
TWISTED SISTER HONORS A.J. PERO WITH TRIBUTE CONCERTS ON THE EAST AND WEST COASTS, WELCOMES NEW DRUMMER
and ANNOUNCES FAREWELL SHOWS IN 2016 TO MARK 40TH ANNIVERSARY
The Press Copy:
New York, NY (April 8, 2015)—It was with heavy hearts that Twisted Sister said goodbye to their drummer A.J. Pero, who passed away on March 20.
Today, Twisted Sister members Dee Snider (vocals), Jay Jay French (guitar), Eddie Ojeda (guitar), and Mark “The Animal” Mendoza (bass), have announced that world renowned drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Adrenaline Mob, Winery Dogs) is the replacement for their brother A.J. Pero for all shows this year. To honor Pero’s memory, two shows will take place on the east coast and west coast. The first, on May 30th at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, will be filmed for broadcast, DVD, and CD. The second, for the A.J. Pero family, is scheduled on Saturday, June 13 at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ.
Additionally, fulfilling all concert obligations that have been made for the remainder of 2015 (in several different countries), Twisted Sister want their fans to know all festival dates that they have been advertised as playing will happen. Finally, Twisted Sister has made it official that 2016 will formally close the touring chapter of their illustrious and legendary career. The “Forty and F*ck It” farewell shows celebrates the band’s 40th anniversary with the core line-up of Snider, French, Ojeda and Mendoza.
PiercingMetal Thoughts: I was incredibly sad when Pero passed away because he was one of my own early drumming influences and a player whose skill I admired. To find the talents of Mike Portnoy sitting on the throne for the band to complete their shows and to honor the memory of A.J. was simply excellent news in my book. He can do the material proper justice and is a super Metal drummer with a solid base in this kind of stuff even though we know him best for the Progressive Metal of Dream Theater among many other interesting projects. Now, I am quite sad to know that 2016 will mark the end of Twisted Sister as we know it because I have loved their music and presence on the live stage for as long as I can remember. However since their regional shows have been slowing down in terms of frequency and the band was mostly appearing out in the big festival circuit I guess it makes sense to close the book on the bands dynasty in the best possible fashion. My hope is to be able to catch the close in proximity shows if at all possible. What do you readers think about this bit of news and about Mike P. sitting in the drum chair as A.J.’s replacement? I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on this one so chime in down in the comments section below.
Official Website: http://www.twistedsister.com