Twisted Sister has confirmed its first performance for 2026. The iconic rock band will play at Barcelona Rock Fest as part of its 50th-anniversary reunion tour. This event marks the band's return to the stage after a decade, with the festival celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Key Takeaways
- Twisted Sister will perform at Barcelona Rock Fest from July 3 to 5, 2026.
- This show is part of the band's 50th-anniversary reunion tour.
- The lineup includes Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, Eddie Ojeda, Joe Franco, and Russell Pzutto.
- The tour will feature major European festivals and select U.S. dates.
- Costumes for the tour will pay homage to the band's classic 1980s look.
Barcelona Rock Fest to Host Twisted Sister
The Barcelona Rock Fest will host Twisted Sister for their first confirmed show of 2026. The festival runs from July 3 to 5. This event is significant as it also marks the festival's 10th anniversary. Twisted Sister will join a lineup that currently includes German metal bands Accept, Helloween, and Powerwolf.
The announcement was made by Barcelona Rock Fest, highlighting Twisted Sister's 50th anniversary. Fans have expressed excitement about seeing the band perform live again. The festival is a major European rock event, attracting thousands of attendees each year.
Festival Milestones
- Barcelona Rock Fest: Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026.
- Twisted Sister: Marking 50 years since its formation.
Reunion Tour Lineup and Schedule Details
The upcoming reunion tour will feature a specific lineup for Twisted Sister. Dee Snider will lead the band on vocals. Longtime guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda are also confirmed. Drummer Joe Franco, who played on the band's 1987 album Love Is for Suckers, will be part of the ensemble. Russell Pzutto, who has performed on Snider's last two solo albums, will handle bass guitar duties.
This lineup marks the band's first performances since 2016. Jay Jay French provided more details in a recent Facebook video. He confirmed that the band plans to tour both the United States and Europe in 2026.
"We're gonna be headlining the biggest festivals in Europe, and we're gonna be playing some select shows in the United States," French stated. "We are getting together and we're gonna kick off [with] an American show sometime in May, I believe. We're still confirming the dates. All the rest of them are gonna be headlining the bigger shows in Europe. We're just looking forward to it. It's an amazing experience to be able to celebrate 50 years."
A full list of dates and venues is expected to be announced soon. The band aims to start with a U.S. show in May, followed by major European festival appearances.
Band History
Twisted Sister formed in December 1972. They gained widespread recognition in the 1980s with hits like "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock." The band is known for its energetic live performances and distinctive glam metal image.
Expectations for the Reunion Tour
Dee Snider discussed the upcoming reunion tour on a recent episode of Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk. He shared insights into what fans can anticipate regarding the band's performance and visual presentation. Snider emphasized his personal commitment to maintaining the band's iconic look.
"A lot of the guys were really down to just black jeans and a black leather vest [during the final shows]," Snider explained. "Not me, I always like to throw a little pizzazz." This suggests that Snider will bring his signature theatricality to the stage.
Costume Design and Homage
Snider's wife, Suzette Snider, is working on new costumes for the tour. Suzette is a makeup artist and costume designer. Her goal is to update the band's appearance while honoring its past. "She's not saying we should go back to what we wore in the '80s, but she said, 'I think that you should pay homage.' Maybe age-appropriate, some lipstick on the teeth like your old aunt," Snider recounted.
This approach indicates a modernized version of their classic glam rock aesthetic. Fans can expect a blend of nostalgia and fresh design elements. The visual aspect has always been a significant part of Twisted Sister's appeal.
Bassist Mark Mendoza's Absence
During the interview, Snider also addressed the absence of classic-era Twisted Sister bassist Mark Mendoza from the reunion lineup. He kept the reasons brief and did not elaborate on the specifics.
"I can only simply say irreconcilable differences and leave it at that," Snider told Trunk. "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."
This statement confirms that Mendoza will not participate in the 50th-anniversary tour. The band has chosen to move forward with Russell Pzutto on bass.
Preparing for the Stage
Snider acknowledged the challenge of returning to touring shape. He stressed his commitment to delivering a strong performance for the fans. After a period of inactivity, physical readiness is a key factor.
"Right now it's off-season. It's been off-season for a while," Snider noted. "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." His words indicate a dedicated preparation period for the upcoming shows. The band aims to meet the high expectations of their global fanbase for this milestone anniversary tour.
Tour Preparations
- Physical Readiness: Dee Snider committed to getting into prime touring shape.
- Costume Development: Suzette Snider creating new, age-appropriate designs.
- Rehearsals: Required to ensure band cohesion after a long break.