The band’s 17-song set included two Skid Row songs plus a tribute to late drummer A.J. Pero
Last night in their native New Jersey, Twisted Sister took the stage at the Starland Ballroom with new singer Sebastian Bach. The band played a 17-song set, which included all their signature songs like “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “The Kids Are Back,” “Under the Blade,” “I Wanna Rock,” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” Two songs made their way back onto the band’s setlist for the first time in a long time. They played “We’re Gonna Make It” for the first time since 2013, and “Ride to Live, Live to Ride” for the first time since 2010.
They also surprised fans by playing two Skid Row hits – “Youth Gone Wild” and “I Remember You,” the latter of which was dedicated to the late Dolly Parton and actor Tim Curry, who passed away this week, and longtime drummer A.J. Pero who died back in 2015. Just before that, they dedicated “The Price” to recently retired frontman Dee Snider.
Check out the complete setlist below, plus fan-filmed footage of the entire performance.
After frontman Dee Snider’s shocking retirement from touring, Twisted Sister enlisted Bach for their upcoming 50th anniversary tour dates and festival appearances.
In a statement, the band said: “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 and future solo touring schedule, which remains fully intact.”
All of the band’s previously scheduled (and subsequently canceled) shows will now go on as planned.
In addition to Bach, Twisted Sister also welcomed drummer Joey Cassata (Z02/Trans Siberian Orchestra) to the band for this run of shows.
“Super excited (and beyond honored) to be drumming for this legendary band,” Cassata said on social media. “I’ve been an SMF [Sick Mutha Fucker) since I was 8 years old…and now this?! Absolutely surreal. You can’t stop rock and roll! Let’s go!”
On February 6, legendary frontman Dee Snider abruptly retired from Twisted Sister while several upcoming reunion shows beginning in April were already scheduled to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
“Due to the sudden and unexpected resignation of Twisted Sister’s lead singer Dee Snider brought on by a series of health challenges, the band has been forced to cancel all shows scheduled, beginning April 25 in Sao Paulo Brazil and continuing through the summer. The future of Twisted Sister will be determined in the next several weeks. Stay tuned for updates.”
Dee Snider’s camp also released a statement.
“A lifetime of legendarily aggressive performing has taken its toll on Dee Snider’s body and soul. Unbeknownst to the public (until now) Snider (70) suffers from degenerative arthritis and has had several surgeries over the years just to keep going, able to only perform a few songs at a time in pain. Adding insult to injury, Dee has recently found out the level of intensity he has dedicated to his life’s work has taken its toll on his heart as well. He can no longer push the boundaries of rock ‘n’ roll fury like he has done for decades. In the immortal words of Dirty Harry, ‘A man’s got to know his limitations.’ Sadly, Dee Snider now knows his.”
Dee himself said, “I don’t know of any other way to rock. The idea of slowing down is unacceptable to me. I’d rather walk away than be a shadow of my former self.”
