Sebastian Bach recently discussed his upcoming performances with Twisted Sister, where he will be replacing Dee Snider who had to step down due to health struggles, in an interview with Billboard.
The former Skid Row frontman explained the circumstances that led to his involvement with the legendary metal band. He also shared Snider’s supportive response to the arrangement.
“I am a fan. They had the tour booked and (Snider’s) doctors told him he couldn’t do it. They had a choice to either try to get another singer or cancel the whole tour,” Bach said. “I just look at it in the same way as when Brian Johnson couldn’t do the AC/DC shows (in 2016) and Axl Rose stepped in, or when Queen wanted to tour and Paul Rodgers came in.”
Bach expressed his genuine appreciation for Twisted Sister’s catalog. He described the impact their music has had on him personally.
“And, I am a fan. I love the (1983) album You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll. I Love (1982’s) Under the Blade. I love ‘I Wanna Rock,’ ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It.’ I like their version of the Rolling Stones’ ‘It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll;’ it’s like punk/thrash/metal,” he continued. “My album I put out (in 2024) was called Child Within the Man; a band like Twisted Sister 100 percent makes me feel like a child within the man. That music is very youthful and fun.”
The singer also revealed that Snider gave his blessing for the arrangement. He shared a special designation he received from the Twisted Sister frontman.
“Dee gave me his blessing. He just explained that he was very, very happy being a grandpa, and the doctors told him he can’t do it…I’m S.M.F. No. 2 (‘S.M.F.’ is a track from Twisted Sister’s 1984 breakthrough album Stay Hungry and an abbreviation for Sick Mother F***er — also the band’s designation for its fans.) That’s what Dee named me a couple of years ago,” Bach said. “He’s S.M.F. No. 1. If you can’t have S.M.F. No. 1, you’ve got S.M.F. No. 2.”
The health challenges that forced Snider to step away from touring are more extensive than initially revealed. This highlights the serious nature of his medical situation and the difficult decision he faced regarding his performing career.
Alternative Nation reported that Snider’s health issues include a needed hip replacement, hypertension, undiagnosed heart problems, and a knee injury that was aggravated by stage activity. At 71 years old, doctors told him that his body could no longer handle the physical demands of performing, with his surgeon bluntly stating “You’re done.”
The severity of Snider’s condition became apparent during a test performance with Lita Ford. Entertainment Now detailed that his knee failed after just three bounces on stage, reinforcing the medical warnings he had received. Despite undergoing hip replacement surgery in hopes of continuing his career, Snider ultimately chose to prioritize his health and family time over touring.
MetalSucks noted that Snider made the decision to focus on non-touring projects like directing a film and his “House of Hair” radio show. He stated he did not want to “burn rubber on stage” or perform as a “shadow of [his] former self.” This thoughtful approach to retirement demonstrates his commitment to maintaining the integrity of Twisted Sister’s legacy.
The reunion tour was originally planned to celebrate Twisted Sister’s 50th anniversary in 2026. It has been adjusted rather than completely canceled, with Sebastian Bach stepping in for several fall 2026 shows. While only early dates have been confirmed so far and no full itinerary has been announced, Snider has publicly endorsed Bach as his replacement, calling him a “genuine fan who will honour the material.”
