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Twisted Sister celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2026 with a big Reunion tour-but without bass player Mark Mendoza. Frontmann Dee Snider, founding member Jay Jay French and guitarist Eddie Ojeda are on stage again. It is the first tour since the “40 and Fuck IT” Farewell round in 2016.
Return without Mendoza
Details such as tour dates or cities have not yet been announced. Joe Franco, who played with the band in the eighties and was heard on the album Love is for Suckers in 1987, sits on the drums. Bass takes over Russell Pzütto, who was already active in Snider’s solo band.
Mark Mendoza has been part of the band since 1978 and shaped the sound during the high phase in the eighties and at the Reunion in the 2000s. He was also there when he was included in the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame 2023. Why he was missing this time was not explained in more detail. Jay Jay French only explained: “Almost all bands with 50 years of history have experienced re -occupiers. We wish Mark all the best.”
Snider emphasized that the decision to return was influenced by the fans: “If you are lucky that people want to see you after 50 years, how can you say no? In 2026, Twisted Fucking Sister will conquer the stages worldwide because we still want to rock!”
50 years of band history
Since the first appearance on February 2, 1976 at the Turtleneck Inn in Hunter Mountain, New York, Snider, Ojeda and French have been on stage together – despite many reins. “We are proud to celebrate an anniversary that once seemed unthinkable: 50 years of Twisted Sister,” said French. “Our music and shows have inspired millions of fans – and will continue to do it. Twisted Forever, Forever Twisted!”