There is NOTHING I was more excited about for 2026 than the Twisted Sister reunion shows. This is the band that got me started playing music back in 1984 and opened the door for me to become a lifelong metal fan. They are also a band that I NEVER got to see live. By the time I was old enough to start seeing shows, Twisted Sister was putting out “Come Out and Play,” which, unfortunately, marked the beginning of their decline, and they then ceased touring.
2026 was going to be my year, but to put my own selfishness aside, the fact that they are cancelling these shows due to Dee Snider’s deteriorating health hits hard.
From the Twisted Sister social media platforms:
A lifetime of legendarily aggressive performance has taken its toll on Snider’s body and soul. Unbeknownst to the public (until now),the 70-year-old Snider suffers from degenerative arthritis and has had several surgeries over the years just to keep going, able to perform only a few songs at a time in pain. Adding insult to injury, Dee has recently found out the level of intensity he has dedicated to his life’s work has taken its toll on his heart as well. He can no longer push the boundaries of rock ‘n’ roll fury as he has done for decades.
Earlier today, TWISTED SISTER guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda, representing French Management Enterprises, released the following statement via the band’s website and social media: “With regrets, TWISTED SISTER cancels 50th anniversary celebration performance.
“Due to the sudden and unexpected resignation of TWISTED SISTER’s lead singer Dee Snider brought on by a series of health challenges, the band has been forced to cancel all shows scheduled, beginning April 25th in Sao Paulo Brazil and continuing through the summer.
“The future of TWISTED SISTER will be determined in the next several weeks.
“Stay tuned for updates,
“Jay Jay French/Eddie Ojeda
French Management Enterprises”.
Dee Snider released his own statement:
“I don’t know of any other way to rock. The idea of slowing down is unacceptable to me. I’d rather walk away than be a shadow of my former self.”
Twisted Sister’s 2026 shows were supposed to feature the band’s three core members: Snider, French and Ojeda. Bassist Mark “The Animal” Mendoza was not going to be joining the celebration. Russell Pzütto, who has toured with Snider’s solo projects, was slated to replace Mendoza on bass. Joe Franco, who briefly played with the group in the mid-1980s, was supposed to sit behind the drum kit, stepping in for A.J. Pero, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 55.
Stay tuned for more news as it becomes available.
About The Author
