Twisted Sister, the iconic rock band, has announced plans for reunion concerts in 2026. These shows will celebrate the band's 50th anniversary. Founding member and guitarist Jay Jay French recently confirmed the details during an interview with Canada's The Metal Voice.
The reunion will feature key members: Jay Jay French, lead vocalist Dee Snider, and guitarist Eddie Ojeda. However, bassist Mark 'The Animal' Mendoza will not participate in these upcoming performances. French addressed Mendoza's absence without disclosing specific reasons.
Key Takeaways
- Twisted Sister will reunite for 50th-anniversary concerts in 2026.
- Jay Jay French, Dee Snider, and Eddie Ojeda are confirmed to perform.
- Bassist Mark Mendoza will not be part of the reunion lineup.
- Drummer Joe Franco, who previously played with the band, will join the reunion.
- French cited business realignments as the reason for lineup changes.
Twisted Sister's 50-Year Milestone
The decision to reunite for the 50th anniversary marks a significant moment for Twisted Sister. The band has a long history, extending back to 1972 when Jay Jay French first formed it. Over five decades, the group has seen various lineup changes.
French emphasized the band's enduring core. He noted that he, Snider, and Ojeda have performed together for thousands of shows. This shared experience forms the foundation of the upcoming celebration.
Lineup Changes and Business Decisions
During his interview with Jimmy Kay and Alan Dixon for The Metal Voice, French discussed the nature of band dynamics. He compared bands to marriages, where changes can occur over time. This analogy helps explain shifts in personnel without detailing private matters.
"It happens with bands. Bands are like marriages and things happen. Me, Dee, and Eddie (Ojeda) have played through 10 different drummers and bass players, right? Most people don’t know this. We have never spoken about why someone is in and why someone is out. We never have."
— Jay Jay French
French stated that the band has a policy of not discussing why certain members join or leave. He explained that such decisions are part of maintaining the band's operations. The focus remains on moving the business forward.
Band History Fact
Jay Jay French revealed that Twisted Sister has had 13 former members before the current reunion, excluding himself, Snider, and Ojeda. This highlights the band's long and evolving history.
Mark Mendoza's Absence
Mark Mendoza, known as 'The Animal,' has been a prominent bassist for Twisted Sister. His absence from the 50th-anniversary shows has drawn attention from fans. French's comments suggest that the decision is a result of internal band realignments.
French chose not to elaborate on the specific reasons for Mendoza's non-participation. He maintained a stance of privacy, stating, "I have no reason to throw, you know, dirt on anything whatsoever." This approach aims to keep the focus on the celebration rather than past issues.
Context on Band Lineups
Many long-standing bands experience lineup changes. These can be due to creative differences, personal reasons, or business strategies. Twisted Sister's history reflects this common trend in the music industry. The band's ability to continue for 50 years with a core group is notable.
Original Members and New Additions
Despite Mendoza's absence, French highlighted the strong presence of original members in the reunion lineup. He stated that the band will feature "four original members." This means 80% of the reunion lineup will consist of musicians from the band's early days.
- Jay Jay French (Guitarist)
- Dee Snider (Lead Vocalist)
- Eddie Ojeda (Guitarist)
The fourth original member French referred to is drummer Joe Franco. Franco had previously played on Twisted Sister albums and toured with the band. His return ensures a high percentage of original talent for the anniversary shows.
Original Member Percentage
With French, Snider, Ojeda, and Franco, the reunion lineup boasts an 80% original member presence. This is a high figure compared to some other long-running bands that tour with few or no original members.
Celebrating a Legacy
French expressed pride in the band's longevity and the commitment of its core members. He emphasized the thousands of shows performed together by himself, Snider, and Ojeda. This long history is what they plan to celebrate.
The upcoming concerts are more than just performances; they are a tribute to Twisted Sister's impact on rock music. Fans anticipate these shows as a chance to experience the band's energy once more. The anniversary celebration aims to honor five decades of rock and roll.
The reunion shows in 2026 will serve as a testament to the band's enduring appeal. They also highlight the dedication of its founding members to their musical legacy. The focus remains on the music and the shared history of the band and its fans.