Jay Jay French of Twisted Sister considers releasing new music during 50th anniversary tour

When Jay Jay French and I engage in conversation, it’s easy for time to slip away. Our discussions frequently center around music, a topic we both hold dear. Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with Jay Jay over a Zoom call. Jay Jay, well-known as the founder and guitarist of Twisted Sister, had plenty to share, especially with the band’s recent announcement of a 50th-anniversary tour.

Our familiarity with each other allowed us to kick off the conversation with some light-hearted banter. Jay Jay playfully teased me about my admiration for Bruce Springsteen, leading us into a discussion about the new Bruce Springsteen movie, which then transitioned into talk about the Dylan movie. Jay Jay even shared personal connections to events in the movies and regaled me with stories from a recent concert he attended featuring Bob Dylan.

The conversation naturally evolved to reflect on the early days of Twisted Sister, particularly their first show with Dee Snider back in 1976, which is the cornerstone of the 50th-anniversary tour celebration. Jay Jay showcased his remarkable memory and attention to detail, providing insights into the band’s journey before Dee joined. He also touched on the evolution of Twisted Sister over the years.

We delved into the friendly rivalry between Twisted Sister and Zebra, emphasizing the spirit of healthy competition that existed between the two bands in the past. Jay Jay highlighted some key topics that listeners can explore further through his podcast “The French Connection” and his book “Twisted Business,” as well as the documentary “We Are Twisted F’ing Sister.”

The conversation took a more personal turn as Jay Jay shared anecdotes about Lemmy and Motorhead’s support for Twisted Sister, drawing parallels between their devoted fans in Long Island and the UK. Jay Jay also acknowledged the crucial role Dee’s wife, Suzette Snider, played in shaping the band’s image and on-stage persona, underscoring that she deserved more recognition for her contributions.

As we explored the possibility of new music from Twisted Sister, Jay Jay candidly addressed the challenges facing classic bands releasing new material today. He hinted at the potential for recording a new song that Dee had presented, sparking anticipation amongst fans for fresh music. Jay Jay also touched on the band’s upcoming festival appearances and their plans to incorporate songs from the album “Love Is For Suckers,” featuring former drummer Joe Franco.

Discussing Dee’s dynamic stage presence and crowd engagement, Jay Jay emphasized the enduring appeal of Twisted Sister’s live performances. When questioned about potential smaller shows, he hinted at the prospect of a warm-up gig under the moniker “Bent Brother,” urging fans to stay tuned to Twisted Sister’s official website for any announcements.

Our conversation, fittingly, concluded with the arrival of Jay Jay’s wife Sharon and their granddaughter, bringing a heartwarming conclusion to our enlightening chat.