Sebastian Bach Says Twisted Sister Debut Was Emotional, Talks Setlist Choices

Sebastian Bach described feeling emotional before his debut fronting Twisted Sister, saying he nearly teared up before taking the stage in New Jersey.

Bach replaced longtime frontman Dee Snider, who retired from touring due to health concerns. Bach's first show with Twisted Sister took place Aug. 28 in New Jersey. He spoke about the experience in a recent interview with radio station KATT.

"It was awesome, because Twisted Sister's not the first band that I started in New Jersey," Bach said, referencing his time with Skid Row. "When all five of Twisted Sister walked in the room and the crowd saw me, they gave me a really heartwarming, New Jersey-style welcome."

Bach said the moment before going on stage made him emotional.

"I almost got teary-eyed because we were right about to go on, an AC/DC song is playing, and 'What You Don't Know (Sure Can Hurt You)' by Twisted is such an intense opener," he said. "I've always thought it was one of the best opening songs of any band. I can't fake chills in my arms. Just thinking about that intro gives me chills."

When asked if he felt nervous about replacing Snider, Bach pointed to another source of stress.

"The nerves that I get as a singer is not really the show," he said. "It's the fact that every single person is holding up their phone and filming it. Before I get to my hotel room, the whole show is being dissected and analyzed. No musician likes that. It really sucks. Thank God I'm talented as f-."

Twisted Sister's recent setlists have mostly focused on the band's classic songs. The group has also included a few Skid Row tracks in their shows.

"I mean, why not?" Bach said. "I'm pretty sure when Paul Rodgers filled in for Freddie Mercury in Queen, they did a couple of Bad Company tunes. And it just makes sense. I learned how to be Sebastian from locking myself in my bedroom and singing along to Twisted Sister albums 'Under the Blade' and 'You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll'-and 'Stay Hungry.' My passion for Twisted is kind of before Atlantic Records got too involved. 'You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll' is such a metal album. And more so is 'Under the Blade.' Very, very metal."

Twisted Sister's tour with Bach continues through the fall and is scheduled to end Dec. 11 in St. Petersburg, Florida.