Twisted Sister are reuniting 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 – hung up their touring guitars for good in 2016, but they will be back on stage next year to mark half a century of their legendary heavy metal band.
In a joint announcement with Ultimate Classic Rock, they wrote 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 insisted the group are “answering the call” from fans who are desperate to see them back on stage, and said the band “still want to rock”.
The post continued: “Snider says: “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 replaced longtime bassist Mark Mendoza in the lineup, and the group have “wished Mark well in his future endeavours”.
Guitarist Jay Jay is quoted by Rolling Stone magazine as saying: “Me, Dee and Eddie 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.”
Twisted Sister drummer A.J. Pero passed away in March 2015, aged 55, and Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy has filled in for him since.
But Joe Franco, who has previously played drums for the group, will be the stickman on their upcoming tour.