Sebastian Bach to Perform with Twisted Sister for 50th Anniversary Shows
Sebastian Bach will be stepping in to fill some big shoes for an upcoming tour with Twisted Sister following Dee Snider’s unexpected retirement from touring last month. Twisted Sister, known for their hard rock anthems and flamboyant style, will be celebrating their 50th anniversary with Bach as their new frontman.
In a statement released by the band, it was revealed that Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda are excited to welcome Sebastian Bach to the stage for select tour dates this fall. While Bach joins the band for these special appearances, his solo touring schedule remains unaffected.
The band initially had to cancel all upcoming shows due to Snider’s sudden resignation and health challenges, but now with Bach on board, all previously scheduled performances will proceed as planned. In addition to Bach, Twisted Sister will also feature drummer Joey Cassata (Z02/Trans Siberian Orchestra) for their upcoming tour.
Excited to drum for the legendary band, Cassata took to social media to express his thrill at being part of Twisted Sister. The sudden retirement of Dee Snider due to health reasons was a shock to fans as the band was gearing up for their 50th-anniversary reunion shows starting in April.
In a statement released by Snider’s camp, it was revealed that years of intense performing had taken a toll on his body, leading to degenerative arthritis and heart issues. Known for his powerful on-stage presence and energetic performances, Snider felt it was time to step down rather than compromise the quality of his shows by pushing beyond his physical limitations.
Twisted Sister, formed in the early 1970s in New Jersey, became a heavy metal icon in the late 1970s and 1980s. With their confrontational attitude and anthemic songs, the band redefined the heavy metal genre. The addition of Dee Snider as lead vocalist in 1976 transformed the band’s sound and image, setting them apart from their peers.
The classic lineup of the band, featuring Jay Jay French, Eddie Ojeda, Mark Mendoza, and A.J. Pero, established a unique sound that combined traditional heavy metal with punk influences and arena-rock flair. Their debut album, “Under the Blade,” released in 1982, may not have made a huge impact in the US initially, but it gained traction in the UK and underground metal scenes.
Twisted Sister’s grassroots approach to building their fanbase through relentless live performances in local clubs helped them refine their sound and attitude, leading to later mainstream success. Now, with Sebastian Bach as their frontman, the band will continue to celebrate their legacy and rock on for their 50th anniversary.