Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider has addressed the absence of longtime bassist Mark Mendoza from the band’s upcoming 2026 reunion tour. He cited “irreconcilable differences” in a recent interview with Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk.
Snider provided a candid but diplomatic response about the situation when asked about Mendoza’s exclusion from the reunion.
“I can only simply say irreconcilable differences and leave it at that,” Snider said. “I can’t get into the weeds and I can’t go down that path. And I won’t. But irreconcilable differences.”
The vocalist acknowledged that relationships can evolve over time. He avoided placing blame on any particular party.
“People change, and however it is, and I’m not saying he changed; maybe we changed whatever it is,” he continued. “So in deciding who to use on bass, my bass player on the last two Dee Snider albums, ‘For The Love Of Metal’ and ‘Leave A Scar’, was Russ Pzütto. And he was Mark Mendoza’s bass tech, and a great bass player.”
Snider explained that Pzütto was a natural choice for the reunion tour. His experience with both the band and Mendoza himself made him an ideal candidate.
“So, he did an amazing job on those two albums. He was a great guy to tour with. The band all knew him from years of working with Twisted, and again, he seemed like a likely choice,” Snider said. “As a matter of fact, one time he was Mark’s choice to fill in for him. And one gig, it was in Belgium at Graspop, and Mark couldn’t make it, and Russ stepped in and played with Twisted. So he actually has performed with Twisted once before.”
Twisted Sister prepares for a significant milestone in their career. The personnel changes come as they mark five decades in the music industry.
Blabbermouth reported that the 2026 reunion tour will celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary with worldwide performances. The lineup will include founding members Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, and Eddie Ojeda. Returning drummer Joe “Seven” Franco will also join them after last performing with the band in 1987.
The announcement has generated significant excitement among fans who have been calling for the band’s return. Snider has embraced this enthusiasm and stated his commitment to answering their demands. “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 said, as Loudwire noted.
The band’s decision to reunite reflects their enduring connection with their fanbase. It also shows their recognition of their lasting impact on rock music. American Songwriter highlighted that Snider emphasized the band’s continued passion for performing. He declared “In 2026, Twisted F***ing Sister will hit stages around the world because WE STILL WANNA ROCK!!”
The upcoming tour represents a new chapter for Twisted Sister. It balances respect for their legacy with the practical realities of lineup changes. With Pzütto stepping into Mendoza’s role and Franco returning after nearly four decades, the 2026 performances will showcase both continuity and evolution within the band’s ranks.
