Twisted Sister Announces 50th Anniversary Tour Dates for 2026
Iconic heavy metal band Twisted Sister has officially announced the dates for their highly anticipated 50th-anniversary tour. Featuring legendary members Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, and Eddie Ojeda, the band will be performing at major music festivals throughout Europe in 2026. Fans can look forward to seeing them at renowned events such as Sweden Rock, Graspop Metal Meeting, Copenhell, Tons Of Rock, and more.
Lineup and Changes
This upcoming tour marks a significant moment in the band’s history, as it is their first major tour since 2016. During that tour, they were joined by drummer Mike Portnoy following the heartbreaking loss of longtime drummer A.J. Pero. For the 50th-anniversary celebrations, Twisted Sister will welcome back Joe “Seven” Franco on drums, who last performed with the band during the recording and touring of their 1987 album, Love Is For Suckers. Additionally, Russell Pzütto will be stepping in on bass, a familiar face from Snider’s solo projects and past Twisted Sister performances.
Absences and Reflections
Notably absent from the reunion will be bassist Mark “The Animal” Mendoza, who has decided not to participate due to what Snider describes as “irreconcilable differences.” This decision comes during a time of reflection for Snider, who shared insights into the motivations behind the reunion.
In a candid statement, Snider revealed his personal journey leading to this decision: “I turned 70 this year, and I had a health scare. And I’m okay… And it shook me up… It really made me re-evaluate a lot of things.” He emphasized the importance of seizing the moment, stating, “You never know when your time is up. And do I really want to do that without rocking one more time?”
Confirmed Tour Dates
Here are the confirmed dates for Twisted Sister’s 50th-anniversary tour in 2026:
- 06/03-06 – Sweden Rock – Sweden
- 06/10 – Mind Live Arena – Milan, Italy
- 06/19 – Graspop Metal Meeting – Dessel, Belgium
- 06/26 – Copenhell – Copenhagen, Denmark
- 06/27 – Tons Of Rock – Oslo, Norway
- 07/03 – Barcelona Rock Fest – Barcelona, Spain
- 07/10 – Midalidare Rock In The Wine Valley – Mogilovo, Bulgaria
- 07/24-26 – Steelhouse XV – Hafod-Y-Dafal Farm, Ebbw Vale, United Kingdom
- 08/23 – Riverside – Aarburg, Switzerland
Conclusion
Twisted Sister’s 50th-anniversary tour is shaping up to be a monumental celebration of their legacy in the heavy metal scene. With a mix of nostalgia and new beginnings, fans are eager to witness the band rock out one last time. As Dee Snider reflects on mortality and the importance of seizing the day, this tour promises to be a heartfelt and electrifying tribute to their five decades of music.
FAQs
Will Mark Mendoza be part of the reunion tour?
No, Mark “The Animal” Mendoza has opted out of the reunion due to irreconcilable differences.
Who will be playing drums for the tour?
Joe “Seven” Franco will be returning as the drummer for the anniversary tour.
What venues will Twisted Sister be performing at?
The band will be performing at various major festivals across Europe, including Sweden Rock, Graspop Metal Meeting, and Barcelona Rock Fest.
Why is Dee Snider reuniting the band now?
Dee Snider has expressed that a recent health scare made him reevaluate his life and led him to the decision to reunite the band for one last tour.
