Sebastian Bach performed his first show with Twisted Sister. Fan reactions are already pouring in, according to a Twisted Sister fan’s video of the show. The former Skid Row singer took the stage on Friday night, August 28, at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. He stepped in for Dee Snider, who stepped down from the band’s comeback tour due to health issues.
The fan described the moment in the caption of the video capturing Bach’s performance as “Twisted Sister featuring Sebastian Bach.”
Reactions from fans in the comments were mixed, ranging from cautious optimism to outright criticism. One self-described diehard Twisted Sister fan shared their initial hesitation. The fan ultimately praised Bach’s effort.
“Diehard TS SMF fan… I was kinda scared when they mentioned Sebastian as the replacement.. And for the shoes he has to fill he is doing awesome.. Ive always loved Sebastian but ive never thouight of the two bands in the same style… Thanks for bringing it Sebastian.. As always the boys of TS.”
Other fans offered brief words of encouragement. Their reactions stayed short and positive.
“Sounds great, Good job Bas,” another fan wrote.
Not all responses were favorable, however. One commenter took issue with Bach’s performance. The commenter argued it fell short of capturing the band’s original sound.
“Sebastian doesn’t do justice to this song. Sounds nothing like Dee. Russell doesn’t have the impact that Mark has. Bass doesn’t have the right feel. They should hang it up after this one off. Doesn’t even resemble TS.”
The mixed reactions reflect the challenge Bach faces in filling Snider’s role during the band’s ongoing comeback tour. Snider’s absence from the stage, and the circumstances surrounding it, remain central to how fans are processing this new chapter for Twisted Sister.
The band’s reunion was originally announced as a full-fledged 50th-anniversary tour, marking the group’s first proper run of shows since its 40th-anniversary trek back in 2016. Those plans shifted earlier this year. Snider revealed health challenges that led to his sudden and unexpected resignation from the band’s live lineup.
Snider has since pushed back on speculation about the severity of his condition. He clarified that he can no longer perform the way he once did, but he remains in good health overall. He addressed the rumors directly, dismissing exaggerated claims about his wellbeing.
“The rumors have run wild that I am on my deathbed. I am not,” Snider said.
Twisted Sister’s fall lineup has continued to grow with Bach now fronting the band. The lineup has expanded to include additional dates beyond the original schedule. Bach joins longtime guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda as the trio works to carry the band’s legacy forward without its founding frontman on stage.
Fan reception will likely remain divided as the tour progresses. The band’s decision to press on with Bach signals a commitment to keeping Twisted Sister’s live shows going despite the unexpected lineup change.
