Twisted Sister Announces Reunion Tour—They’re Not Gonna Take Retirement Anymore

After a decade-long hiatus, Twisted Sister is officially reuniting for a 50th anniversary tour. The heavy metal legends, who last performed together in 2016, are set to return to stages around the world in 2026—bringing their signature rebellious energy back to life.

“We Still Wanna Rock”: Dee Snider Confirms Comeback

In a press release confirming the reunion, frontman Dee Snider emphasized the band’s excitement and gratitude toward their enduring fanbase.

“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?” Snider stated. “In 2026, Twisted Fucking Sister will hit stages around the world because WE STILL WANNA ROCK!!”

The upcoming lineup will include Snider, along with original guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda. Notably absent from the announcement is longtime bassist Mark Mendoza. Taking his place will be Russell Pzutto, a musician who has worked closely with Snider on various solo projects. On drums will be Joe Franco, who previously recorded with the band on their 1987 album Love is for Suckers.

Specific dates and venues for the tour have not yet been announced.

From Farewell to Full Circle

Twisted Sister originally retired from live performance following the conclusion of their 40 and F**k It farewell tour in November 2016. That tour came after the sudden passing of drummer A.J. Pero in March 2015, with Mike Portnoy stepping in to fill the void for the final run of shows.

At the time, Snider was adamant about the band staying retired. In a 2021 interview with Metal From the Inside, he stated bluntly, “I’m 100% committed to not reuniting. It doesn’t matter what they’re offering; we’re not doing it.”

However, the band briefly came together again in 2023 when Snider, French, and Mendoza reunited to accept their induction into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame. Ojeda was unable to attend due to a COVID diagnosis.

A Change in Tune

By 2024, Snider’s outlook on a potential reunion began to soften. In an interview with The Hook Rocks, he acknowledged that the ever-growing interest in the band—especially as many legacy acts either retire or pass away—was becoming hard to ignore.

“As a result of all the bands retiring and dying, the offers get bigger and bigger for the holdouts to come back,” he explained. “We’re on eight years now of not playing, with no intention of coming back. But at some point, you’ve gotta say, ‘Well, how can I say no to that?’”

According to Snider, internal discussions had already started among the band members regarding a possible return if the offers continued to increase in scale. With the 50th anniversary now on the calendar, it appears the stars—and dollar signs—finally aligned.

As anticipation builds, fans can expect a full-blown celebration of the band’s five-decade legacy. One thing is certain: Twisted Sister isn’t going quietly into retirement just yet.