Sebastian Bach Calls His First Three Twisted Sister Shows ‘Incredible’

Sebastian Bach has spoken about taking over as touring frontman for Twisted Sister this fall, filling in for Dee Snider after the band’s longtime singer stepped away from the road due to health problems. In recent interviews, Bach described his first three shows with the group as “incredible” and reflected on the nerves, the setlist and the new lineup surrounding him.

• Bach’s first show with Twisted Sister happened August 28, 2026 at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, a concert first billed as an appearance by the band’s alter ego Bent Brother before being revealed as the new lineup’s debut.
• His second show landed September 4 at the Alaska State Fair, which he said drew the largest crowd the venue had ever hosted.
• The third show took place September 6 at the L.B. Day Amphitheater during the Oregon State Fair in Salem, Oregon, under rainy skies.
• Twisted Sister’s touring band now includes Bach on vocals, Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda on guitar, Russell Pzütto on bass and Joey Cassata on drums.

Why Dee Snider Stepped Back From Twisted Sister

Snider explained to Bach in a phone call that doctors had diagnosed him with arthritis and bone-on-bone knees, telling him he should no longer be jumping around on stage. Bach has said getting that kind of direct conversation and approval from Snider mattered to him before agreeing to take the microphone.

Sebastian Bach on His Emotional Twisted Sister Debut

Bach said all three of his opening shows fronting Twisted Sister were “incredible,” singling out Alaska for its record crowd and calling the Sayreville date “really special.” He recalled that walking into the Starland Ballroom and being greeted by the crowd nearly moved him to tears just before the band launched into its longtime opening number, “What You Don’t Know (Sure Can Hurt You).”

Bach described that song’s intro as one of the most powerful openers in rock, saying the moment gave him chills even thinking back on it afterward.

New Lineup and Setlist Choices

Bassist Russell Pzütto, who had previously worked with Snider’s solo band, has stepped in for longtime Twisted Sister bassist Mark “The Animal” Mendoza. The September 6 Oregon State Fair setlist blended Twisted Sister staples with two songs from Bach’s former band Skid Row, “I Remember You” and “Youth Gone Wild,” alongside cuts like “Under the Blade,” “The Price,” “Burn in Hell” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”

Bach said the full show is being played in the same keys as the original studio recordings, with nothing tuned down and no backing tracks used to fill in the sound.

Full Oregon State Fair Setlist

1. What You Don’t Know (Sure Can Hurt You)
2. You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll
3. We’re Gonna Make It
4. Shoot ‘Em Down
5. Tear It Loose
6. Destroyer
7. The Kids Are Back
8. Like A Knife In The Back
9. Ride To Live, Live To Ride
10. Under The Blade
11. The Beast
12. Burn In Hell
13. The Price
14. I Remember You (Skid Row song)
15. I Wanna Rock
16. Youth Gone Wild (Skid Row song)
17. We’re Not Gonna Take It

Why Bach Says Performing Is Not What Makes Him Nervous

Bach said his anxiety on stage has nothing to do with the performance itself but comes from watching every audience member film the show on a phone, knowing footage will be picked apart online before he even reaches his hotel room. He noted the constant filming is simply part of the job now, even if it adds pressure most musicians would rather avoid.

Twisted Sister 2026 Tour Dates

• August 28: Sayreville, New Jersey, Starland Ballroom
• September 4: Alaska State Fair
• September 6: Salem, Oregon, L.B. Day Amphitheater (Oregon State Fair)
• September 12: Durant, Oklahoma
• September 27: Puyallup, Washington, Washington State Fair Event Center
• December 11: St. Petersburg, Florida (tour finale)

More Info

• SEBASTIAN BACH Says The First Three TWISTED SISTER Shows With Him On Vocals Were Incredible | Blabbermouth
• Sebastian Bach ‘Almost Got Teary-Eyed’ at Twisted Sister Debut | Ultimate Classic Rock