Legendary frontman Dee Snider has officially passed the torch, giving his full blessing for Sebastian Bach to step in as lead singer for Twisted Sister's fall 2026 shows. Bach will take over following Snider's departure due to health concerns, primarily degenerative arthritis, which limits the classic frontman to performing "a few songs at a time in pain."
Snider took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his decision and reassure fans. "For a retired 71 yr old I'm great. But I've only got so much tread left on these tires. I decided to use it for the rest of my journey…and not burn them up on stage trying to prove I'm as good as I ever was. I can live with that choice. I would've been a shadow of my former self out there anyway," he wrote.
Reiterating his approval of Bach, Snider added: "I totally approve of Sebastian Bach stepping in for me. He's a true fan & will honor what I did with every show! My son Jesse and Bas are the only people I believe can deliver. Bas got the call."
The upcoming lineup for the 2026 shows will feature Bach alongside guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda. Russell Pzütto, who has toured with Snider's solo projects, will replace bassist Mark "The Animal" Mendoza, and drummer Joey Cassata, known for his work on Ace Frehley's 10,000 Volts, will fill in for A.J. Pero, who passed away in 2015.
Currently, only one confirmed date has been announced: September 4 at the Alaska State Fair. Snider emphasized that Bach's appearances will not interfere with his solo touring schedule.
A statement on Twisted Sister's website read: "Twisted Sister members Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda are thrilled to announce that iconic vocalist and front man Sebastian Bach will be fronting the band for a handful of select dates this fall. These appearances do not affect or conflict with Sebastian's current or future solo touring schedule, which remains fully intact."
Looking back on their long-standing relationship, Snider praised Bach's loyalty during difficult times. "I love Sebastian Bach! During the darkest period of my career, he stood tall as a Dee Snider fan when few would. I will always be grateful to him for not caring what was 'cool' at the moment and speaking proudly for the things he loved," Snider wrote.
Bach returned the admiration, noting, "I love Dee Snider. I will always love the music he has made. No matter how much Dee sees himself as 'hair metal,' I will always see him on a much higher level than that implies. He is one of the greatest frontmen and vocalists of all time. Any corny label less than that is an insult."
