In a surprising turn of events, Twisted Sister's founding guitarist, Jay Jay French, revealed that dropping their iconic makeup was the secret to the band's increased success. But was it a controversial move or a stroke of genius?
During an interview with Metal Mayhem ROC, French confirmed that the band's reunion tour will not feature the heavy makeup that once defined their early performances. This decision, made back in 2008, was not planned but rather a result of a hilarious travel mishap.
Here's the story: Twisted Sister was set to perform at a massive one-day festival in Holland alongside legendary bands like REO Speedwagon, Kansas, Motörhead, Whitesnake, Journey, Def Leppard, and KISS. With a star-studded lineup and tickets priced at 79 euros, it was an event not to be missed. However, due to a delayed flight caused by bad weather, lead singer Dee Snider arrived just hours before the show, leaving no time for him to change into his stage attire or apply his makeup.
In a last-minute attempt to save the day, the band arranged for Snider to be flown in by helicopter, landing him right behind the stage. But there was a catch—the helicopter was tiny, leaving no room for Snider's stage clothes or makeup. So, in a bold move, Twisted Sister took the stage in t-shirts and jeans, a first for the band.
The crowd's reaction was mixed, but the Dutch national paper captured the essence of the performance, stating that Twisted Sister provided a 'quasi-religious experience.' This unexpected twist led the band to question their signature look, and they ultimately decided to drop the makeup for good.
French believes this decision was pivotal, stating, 'Dropping the makeup was the best thing that could have happened to us.' He explains that their unique appearance had been a barrier for some fans, but without it, the band's popularity soared. The shows got bigger, the offers more lucrative, and the festivals more massive. By 2016, they were playing to an average of 75,000 people per night, with some shows reaching 110,000 attendees.
Twisted Sister's upcoming 2026 reunion tour will feature French, Snider, and longtime lead guitarist Eddie Ojeda, but bassist Mark 'The Animal' Mendoza will be notably absent. The band's statement on Mendoza's departure hints at internal realignments, a common occurrence for bands with such a long history.
The band's recent announcement of their 50th-anniversary tour includes reunion concerts at major European festivals, marking a new chapter in their storied career. But the question remains: was dropping the makeup a bold move that liberated the band, or a controversial decision that changed their trajectory? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
