Sebastian Bach Takes Over as Twisted Sister's New Frontman
In a major development for the rock music world, legendary heavy metal band Twisted Sister has officially announced that Sebastian Bach will be taking over as the group's new lead vocalist. This move comes following the retirement of founding frontman Dee Snider, who stepped away from performing due to serious health concerns.
Dee Snider's Health Challenges Force Retirement
Snider, 70, announced his departure from the band last month after being diagnosed with degenerative arthritis. The rock icon revealed that decades of high-energy performances have taken a significant toll on his body, particularly affecting his heart health.
"A lifetime of legendarily aggressive performing has taken its toll on Dee Snider's body and soul," read a statement shared to Snider's Instagram page. "Adding insult to injury, Dee has recently found out the level of intensity he has dedicated to his life's work has taken its toll on his heart as well. He can no longer push the boundaries of rock 'n' roll fury like he has done for decades."
During an appearance on the House of Hair radio show, Snider clarified that while he's dealing with health issues, he's not in immediate danger. "I mean, we're all dying, but not immediately," Snider said in a Facebook clip. "My announcement about cancelling the tour for health reasons, problems with my heart, arthritis, things like that ... the rumours have run wild that I'm on my death bed, I am not. I just can't do those things that I did in my 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and even 60s. Otherwise I'm alive and well. I'm enjoying life."
Bach's Enthusiastic Response to the New Role
Sebastian Bach, the 57-year-old rocker best known as the former lead singer of Skid Row, expressed overwhelming excitement about his new position with Twisted Sister. The Peterborough, Ontario-raised musician shared his enthusiasm on Instagram, posting a photo of himself holding both a Twisted Sister LP and a Skid Row album.
"What a feeling! I am in shock! I am the Lead Singer of Twisted Sister?" Bach captioned his image. "I keep saying that over and over to myself and anybody else who will listen today. I am absolutely honoured and overjoyed to pay tribute to the legacy of some of my favourite music and musicians of my whole life!"
Bach revealed that he spoke with Snider for nearly an hour and received the retiring frontman's blessing to take over the band. "We were both kind of emotional on the phone," Bach continued. "I know I was a little bit teary-eyed because I have nothing but respect for Dee and I have always been a fan and a friend of Dee, (his wife Suzette) and his wonderful family. We have agreed to do six shows this year together and I am really looking forward to this."
The rocker expressed particular excitement about performing Twisted Sister's biggest hits, including the iconic 1984 metal anthems "I Wanna Rock" and "We're Not Gonna Take It."
Snider's Long-Term Vision for Bach's Involvement
Interestingly, Snider had identified Bach as his potential replacement as far back as 2014. During an appearance on the Beardo and Weirdo podcast this week, Snider revealed that the band had discussed finding stand-in performers in case any members couldn't make shows.
"We realized that if somebody got sick or had a problem at home and they couldn't do a show, it would be a great loss," Snider explained. "So we said, 'Listen, let's all find a stand-in guy who will do the job in case we can't make a show.' I was trying to get someone to replace me and no one would take the job. I called up Sebastian Bach ... I was like, 'Dude, will you be the fill-in,' and he goes, 'No way.' That's a thankless job. I'm not standing in for you, never.'"
Snider added that he's aware of rehearsals with Bach and fully supports the transition. "I know there's been rehearsals with him... I think he knows he has my blessing and I would never begrudge anybody continuing to rock," Snider said.
Twisted Sister's Official Announcement
Remaining Twisted Sister members Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda made the official announcement this week through the band's website. "Twisted Sister members Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda are thrilled to announce that iconic vocalist and frontman Sebastian Bach will be fronting the band for a handful of select dates this fall," the statement read.
The band had previously cancelled upcoming tour dates following Snider's health announcement, but now plans to continue performing with Bach at the helm.
Historical Context of Frontman Replacements
Bach's appointment continues a long tradition in rock music where established bands bring in new vocalists to replace departing frontmen. Notable examples include:
- Brian Johnson replacing Bon Scott in AC/DC
- Sammy Hagar taking over from David Lee Roth in Van Halen during the 1980s
- Ronnie James Dio replacing Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath
Bach himself has been in the news recently beyond his Twisted Sister appointment. Actress Christina Applegate revealed this week that she dumped Brad Pitt at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards to run off with the Skid Row rocker, adding another chapter to Bach's colorful rock and roll history.
The six scheduled shows featuring Bach as Twisted Sister's new frontman are expected to take place this fall, though specific dates and venues have not yet been announced. Fans of both Bach and Twisted Sister are eagerly anticipating this new chapter for the legendary metal band.
