Dee Snider Discusses Mark Mendoza’s Absence from Twisted Sister’s Reunion Tour
Dee Snider, the iconic frontman of Twisted Sister, recently shared insights on why classic-era bassist Mark Mendoza will not be participating in the band’s newly announced 2026 reunion tour. During an interview with radio host Eddie Trunk, Snider mentioned the situation can be boiled down to “irreconcilable differences.”
Irreconcilable Differences: A Brief Explanation
Snider clarified, “I can only simply say irreconcilable differences and leave it at that. I can’t get into the weeds. I can’t go down that path and I won’t, but irreconcilable differences, and people change. I’m not saying he changed. Maybe we changed, whatever it is.”
Introducing Russell Pzutto
In light of Mendoza’s absence, Russell Pzutto will step in as the bassist for the upcoming tour. Pzutto has previously played on Snider’s last two solo albums, 2018’s For the Love of Metal and 2021’s Leave a Scar. He also has experience as Mendoza’s bass tech.
How Russell Pzutto Was Selected
Snider revealed that the band had previously agreed to choose alternative musicians to fill in if needed. Given Pzutto’s long-standing relationship with both Twisted Sister and Snider, he was a natural choice. “He did an amazing job on those two [solo] albums,” Snider praised. “He was a great guy to tour with the band. All knew him from years of working with Twisted, and again, he seemed like a likely choice.”
Interestingly, Snider noted that Pzutto had previously filled in for Mendoza at a show in Belgium during the Graspop festival, making his transition into the band even smoother.
Future Possibilities with Mendoza
When asked about the potential for Mendoza to join Twisted Sister for a one-off performance, Snider expressed uncertainty: “I can’t imagine it right now. I plead the Fifth. I can’t go beyond that, but things have happened that I don’t see being reconciled, hence the term ‘irreconcilable differences.’
What Fans Can Expect from the Reunion Tour
While specific tour dates have yet to be announced, Snider hinted at an exciting visual experience for fans. He indicated that the makeup and costumes would be more elaborate than during the band’s final performances in 2016, when many members opted for simpler attire. Snider’s wife, Suzette Snider, who has worked as the band’s makeup artist and costume designer, is already crafting new looks for the tour.
“A lot of the guys were really down to just black jeans and a black leather vest [during the final shows],” Snider recalled. “But she’s working on costumes for the tour… Maybe age-appropriate, some lipstick on the teeth like your old aunt.”
Preparing for the Rigors of Touring
Regarding his readiness for the demanding 90-minute sets, Snider commented, “Right now it’s off-season. It’s been off-season for a while. But I’m not about to embarrass myself. I can’t. I can’t disappoint people. I can’t disappoint myself. So I’ll be ready.”
Conclusion
As the excitement builds for Twisted Sister’s 2026 reunion tour, fans can look forward to Russell Pzutto stepping into the bassist role and a fresh take on the band’s iconic image. While the absence of Mark Mendoza is felt, Snider’s commitment to delivering a memorable experience signals a promising return for the legendary band.
FAQs
Will Mark Mendoza ever return to Twisted Sister?
As of now, Dee Snider has stated that there are “irreconcilable differences,” making Mendoza’s return uncertain.
Who is Russell Pzutto?
Russell Pzutto is the bassist who will replace Mark Mendoza for the upcoming reunion tour. He has worked with Dee Snider on solo projects and has experience as Mendoza’s bass tech.
What can fans expect from the reunion tour?
Fans can expect more elaborate costumes and makeup, along with the band’s classic energetic performances, as they prepare for the tour.
When will the tour dates be announced?
Specific tour dates for Twisted Sister’s 2026 reunion tour have not yet been announced, but fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates.
