Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French recently discussed Sebastian Bach joining the band as their new singer. He explained how the collaboration has restored the band’s original sound in an interview with Stage Vault Podcast.
French addressed the experience of performing with Bach for the first time in years. He particularly focused on the technical and musical aspects of their collaboration.
When asked about walking on stage for the first time in years with Sebastian Bach on the microphone and what that feels like from the guitarist’s perspective, French provided detailed insights into their rehearsal process and musical chemistry.
“I’ve known Sebastian for a long time and when this whole thing kind of came together, I asked him to come to New York City and and to play for a while because I wanted to hear how it would sound,” French said. “Not so much for him. I don’t doubt his abilities. I just hadn’t stood on stage really for long periods of time with the guitar.”
French explained how their extensive rehearsal session confirmed Bach’s capabilities and revealed an important musical development.
“So, Sebastian came in and we did eight hours of rehearsal and it was great,” he continued. “So, you know, I mean, he sounded great. He sings the songs in the original key which we haven’t done since 1987.”
French elaborated on the technical significance of returning to the original tuning. He highlighted how previous lineup changes had affected their sound.
“We’ve, you know, when Dee joined he we tuned down a half step and then we tuned down yet again years later,” French explained. “So the songs sound very different when they’re down a half step and they sound even more different when they’re down a full step. So from a musician standpoint, it’s a technicality to a observer. They may not know or care to know the difference, but to a musician uh who knows the music, it’s different.”
“So, it’s actually sounds really good. He’s a great So, Sebastian is a great singer and a great performer,” French concluded.
Bach’s addition to Twisted Sister comes after Dee Snider stepped down from the reunion tour due to health issues.
The collaboration between French and Bach represents a significant chapter in Twisted Sister’s ongoing legacy. This is particularly notable given the circumstances that led to this partnership and the band’s ambitious touring plans ahead.
Louder Sound reported that Dee Snider announced his retirement early in 2026 due to health issues that made sustained performing impossible. This prompted Twisted Sister to seek a replacement. The departure marked the end of an era for the band, as Snider had been the iconic voice of Twisted Sister for decades.
Bach, the former Skid Row frontman, brought impressive credentials to the collaboration. Louder Sound noted that Bach impressed in rehearsals by nailing Twisted Sister’s songs in their original keys. This represented a significant shift from the band’s detuned versions since 1987, with French calling him “phenomenal.” The secret rehearsals in New York proved that Bach could handle the demanding vocal requirements of Twisted Sister’s catalog.
The partnership has already yielded concrete touring plans for the band. The reunion tour with Bach is set for summer 2026, starting with U.S. dates in July. European festivals will follow in August and September, based on official band announcements. This ambitious schedule demonstrates the band’s confidence in their new lineup and Bach’s ability to deliver the high-energy performances that Twisted Sister fans expect.
The technical aspects of Bach’s integration into the band extend beyond just vocal ability. French’s emphasis on returning to the original keys represents more than a musical preference. It signals a return to the band’s authentic sound from their peak years, something that had been compromised due to previous lineup adjustments and the natural evolution of the band’s approach to their material over the decades.
