Twisted Sister Announces 50th Anniversary Tour Dates
In an exciting development for rock fans, Twisted Sister has officially confirmed dates for their highly anticipated 50th-anniversary tour. The legendary band, featuring members Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, and Eddie Ojeda, will be taking the stage at major festivals across Europe in 2026, including renowned events like Sweden Rock, Graspop Metal Meeting, and Barcelona Rock Fest.
Tour Details and Lineup Changes
This marks the first tour since their farewell run in 2016, which saw drummer Mike Portnoy stepping in after the untimely passing of longtime drummer A.J. Pero. For this special anniversary tour, Twisted Sister will welcome back Joe “Seven” Franco on drums, returning for the first time since the recording and touring of their 1987 album, Love Is For Suckers. Additionally, Russell Pzütto will join the band on bass, a familiar face from Snider’s solo ventures and previous Twisted Sister appearances.
However, not all original members will participate; bassist Mark “The Animal” Mendoza has opted out of the reunion due to what Snider describes as “irreconcilable differences.”
Reflecting on the Reunion
In a candid conversation, Dee Snider shared insights into the motivations behind the reunion. Having recently turned 70 and experiencing a health scare, he felt compelled to reassess his life and career. “I won’t say exactly what it was, and I’m okay. But it really made me re-evaluate a lot of things,” he stated. Snider reflected on his past thoughts at ages 40, 50, and 60, feeling invincible, but acknowledged the unpredictability of life as he approached this milestone. “Do I really want to go quietly into the night without rocking one more time?” he asked, expressing his desire to celebrate the band’s legacy through this anniversary tour.
Confirmed Tour Dates
Here are the confirmed dates for Twisted Sister’s 50th-anniversary tour in 2026:
- June 3-6 – Sweden Rock – Sweden
- June 10 – Mind Live Arena – Milan, Italy
- June 19 – Graspop Metal Meeting – Dessel, Belgium
- June 26 – Copenhell – Copenhagen, Denmark
- June 27 – Tons Of Rock – Oslo, Norway
- July 3 – Barcelona Rock Fest – Barcelona, Spain
- July 10 – Midalidare Rock In The Wine Valley – Mogilovo, Bulgaria
- July 24-26 – Steelhouse XV – Hafod-Y-Dafal Farm, Ebbw Vale, United Kingdom
- August 23 – Riverside – Aarburg, Switzerland
Conclusion
The reunion of Twisted Sister for their 50th anniversary promises to be a monumental celebration of their storied career. With a mix of familiar faces and new talent, the tour is set to be a thrilling experience for fans old and new. As Dee Snider embarks on this new chapter, the energy and passion of Twisted Sister will undoubtedly resonate through every performance.
FAQs
When does the Twisted Sister 50th-anniversary tour start?
The tour kicks off on June 3, 2026, at the Sweden Rock festival.
Who will be performing with Twisted Sister on this tour?
The confirmed lineup includes Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, Eddie Ojeda, Joe “Seven” Franco on drums, and Russell Pzütto on bass.
Will Mark Mendoza be part of the reunion tour?
No, Mark Mendoza has opted out of the reunion due to irreconcilable differences.
What inspired Dee Snider to reunite the band for this tour?
Dee Snider reflected on his recent health scare and his desire to rock one more time as a significant motivation for the reunion.
