Twisted Sister has officially announced their return to the stage with a worldwide reunion tour planned for 2026 to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The announcement was made on Twisted Sister’s official website.
The legendary heavy metal band is known for hits like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.” They last toured in 2016 with drummer Mike Portnoy following the death of longtime drummer A.J. Pero. The upcoming tour will feature returning drummer Joe “Seven” Franco, who last performed with the band in 1987, and bassist Russell Pzütto, who has previously toured with Dee Snider’s solo projects.
“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?” frontman Dee Snider said. “In 2026, Twisted Fucking Sister will hit stages around the world because WE STILL WANNA ROCK!!”
Guitarist Jay Jay French reflected on the band’s longevity and milestone achievement.
“Beginning on February 2nd, 1976 in a little bar called The Turtleneck Inn in Hunter Mountain, NY, Dee Snider, Eddie Ojeda and I have called ourselves Twisted Sister and stood shoulder to shoulder for nearly five decades, through multiple personnel changes and thousands of performances,” French said. “We are proud to celebrate a milestone that once felt unthinkable: a 50-year anniversary!! We have created a music and performance legacy that has and will continue to inspire millions of fans around the world. Twisted Forever, Forever Twisted!”
Guitarist Eddie Ojeda also commented on the band’s enduring appeal.
“Fifty years on, and Twisted Sister is still the soundtrack for every rebel with a reason, and a reason to turn it up,” Ojeda said.
The band’s official announcement emphasized their return as “bigger, louder, and more unapologetic than ever.” Tour dates and venues are expected to be announced soon.
This reunion marks a significant moment in heavy metal history. The band prepares to celebrate five decades of rebellious rock anthems that defined a generation.
Louder Sound reported that while Twisted Sister originally formed in 1972 in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, the classic lineup that fans know and love truly came together in 1976. This marked the beginning of their legendary status in heavy metal. This timeline clarifies why the band is celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2026, counting from when the core members first united.
The announcement comes after nearly a decade-long hiatus from touring. This makes the reunion particularly meaningful for longtime fans. 98 Online noted that this will be Twisted Sister’s first tour since 2016. This underscores the significance of their return and the lasting devotion of their fanbase who have waited patiently for the band’s comeback.
The band’s enduring legacy received recent recognition when 98 Online confirmed that Twisted Sister was inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame in 2023. This highlighted their lasting influence on the heavy metal genre. However, guitarist Eddie Ojeda was unable to attend that ceremony due to COVID-19. This makes the upcoming reunion tour even more special as it will bring all the core members together on stage once again.
The 2026 tour represents more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It serves as a testament to the band’s ability to transcend generations and maintain their rebellious spirit that first captured audiences in the 1970s and exploded into mainstream success during the MTV era of the 1980s.
