Jay Jay French has said Twisted Sister’s audience will ultimately determine whether Sebastian Bach is the right person to replace Dee Snider.
The We're Not Gonna Take It guitarist has discussed the legendary group’s lineup change, which was announced earlier this year after Snider revealed he was dealing with degenerative arthritis. The former Skid Row singer will now lead the band on its upcoming 50th anniversary tour, marking Twisted Sister’s first reunion in 10 years.
During an appearance on the Rock 'N' Blues Experience, French said: “Freddie Mercury, greatest vocalist in the history of the world, can never be replaced. Guess what? They got a guy [Adam Lambert] from The Voice [to replace him].
“Steve Perry, greatest singer in the history of the world. Guess what? They got a guy [Arnel Pineda] from YouTube [to replace him].
“I’m just saying, we got a guy whose pedigree is metal, who’s a legitimate artist with platinum records. A phenomenally talented human being.
“And, of course, now the public is gonna ultimately decide. They decide. If the public likes it, they like it.”
Although the decision received mixed reactions, French maintained that Bach was “the only person that could do it”.
He continued: “He’s the only larger than life guy with the chops and the stage presence to do it.”
French said an eight hour rehearsal session left him with “no doubts how great it’s gonna be”.
However, a number of listeners have argued that Twisted Sister should not return without the singer they consider impossible to replace.
French responded: “It's either gonna work, or it's not gonna work. The public buys it or they don't buy it.”
French and Eddie Ojeda announced Bach as the group’s new vocalist in February, revealing that the decision had received Snider’s approval.
In a statement, they shared: “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. These appearances do not affect or conflict with Sebastian’s current or future solo touring schedule, which remains fully intact.”
Bach responded with an emotional and lengthy message that began: “I am the lead singer of Twisted Sister. I keep saying that over and over to myself and anybody else who will listen.”
He explained that he is “absolutely honoured and overjoyed to pay tribute to the legacy of some of my favourite music and musicians of my whole life!”
Bach also revealed that he contacted Snider before the announcement became public: “We were both kind of emotional on the phone. 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, Suzette and his wonderful family.”
Following growing concern about his health, Snider spoke openly about the reports on his House of Hair radio program.
He clarified: “I’m not dying! No, not never; I mean, we’re all dying, but not immediately.”
He continued: “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. Alright? Otherwise I’m alive and well. I’m enjoying life.”
