Full Breakdown
Twisted Sister to Reunite for 50th Anniversary World Tour in 2026
9/11/2025, 12:16:04 AM
Announcement of the Reunion Tour
Twisted Sister, the iconic glam metal band known for anthems like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock,” has announced a reunion tour to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2026. This marks the band's first extended tour since their farewell run, the "40 and Fuck It" tour, which concluded in 2016. The reunion was confirmed through a press release from the band members, including frontman Dee Snider, founding guitarist Jay Jay French, and longtime guitarist Eddie Ojeda.
Lineup Changes and Tour Details
The 2026 tour will feature Snider, French, and Ojeda, alongside bassist Russell Pzütto and drummer Joe "Seven" Franco. Pzütto has previously performed with Twisted Sister and has been part of Snider's solo projects. Franco, who last played with the band in 1987, will take over drumming duties, replacing Mike Portnoy, who filled in after the death of drummer A.J. Pero in 2015. Notably, longtime bassist Mark Mendoza is not part of the reunion lineup, which has raised questions among fans.
Band Members' Reflections
Dee Snider expressed enthusiasm for the reunion, stating, “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 Fucking Sister will hit stages around the world because WE STILL WANNA ROCK!!” Jay Jay French reflected on the band's history, noting their journey since their first performance on February 2, 1976, at The Turtleneck Inn in Hunter Mountain, New York. He emphasized the band's legacy, saying, “We are proud to celebrate a milestone that once felt unthinkable: a 50-year anniversary!!”
Historical Context
Twisted Sister has a rich history marked by numerous lineup changes and significant achievements, including over 35 million albums sold worldwide and multiple platinum certifications. Their music has become a staple in heavy metal culture, with their songs being the most licensed in the genre's history for film, television, and advertising. The band was inducted into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame in 2023, further solidifying their impact on the music industry.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding the reunion, some fans have expressed disappointment over Mendoza's absence from the lineup. French addressed this by stating, “The band has never discussed internal realignment before and has no intention of doing it now.” This sentiment reflects the band's commitment to their current configuration while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a long-standing group.
What's Next
While specific dates and venues for the 2026 tour have yet to be announced, the band has promised more details in the future. Fans eagerly await the opportunity to celebrate this significant milestone with Twisted Sister, a band that has inspired generations of rock enthusiasts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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 Fucking Sister will hit stages around the world because WE STILL WANNA ROCK!!” — Dee Snider, Frontman
- “We are proud to celebrate a milestone that once felt unthinkable: a 50-year anniversary!!” — Jay Jay French, Founding Guitarist
- “Fifty years on, and Twisted Sister is still the soundtrack for every rebel with a reason and a reason to turn it up.” — Eddie Ojeda, Lead Guitarist
