Mike Portnoy says he is honored to work with Twisted Sister as he steps in to support the group following the passing of drummer AJ Pero on March 20.
Portnoy will join the group for their previously scheduled 2015 shows and will handle drum duties for a 40th anniversary farewell tour next year.
“As a teenager growing up on Long Island in the late 70's/early 80's,” says Portnoy, “Twister Sister were local legends to me (this was years before the rest of the world discovered them via MTV). Along with Kiss and The Ramones, they are the quintessential New York band...true Empire State Rock & Roll Royalty!
“Almost 40 years and 10,000 gigs later, they are still one of the greatest live bands on earth and Dee Snider one of the greatest frontmen in the history of Rock.
“When their fallen brother AJ Pero tragically passed away last month, I didn't hesitate a single moment when asked if I could help out with the remaining shows on their calendar. Not only because I love the band and will always be an S.M.F. at heart...but most importantly, because AJ was my friend and I want to honor his memory and the band's legacy.
“It's a strange twist of fate as AJ had stepped in and helped my old band (Adrenaline Mob) when I left...so I'm glad that I can now return the favor and help out his band in their time of need!
“It is my absolute honor to help out my fellow Long Island Rock & Roll Saviors, Twisted Sister!”
Twisted Sister will perform in Las Vegas on May 30; they’ll follow that up with a tribute to Pero in New Jersey on June 13 and the head to Europe for a series of festival dates.
Twisted Sister
2015 shows
May 30 - Las Vegas, NV - The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel
Jun 13 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
Jun 19 - Halden, Norway - Tons Of Rock Festival
Jun 20 - Horsens, Denmark - State Prison Motorcycle Festival
Jun 27 - Piestany, Slovakia - TopFest
Jun 28 - Kavarna, Bulgaria - Kavarna Rock Festival
Jul 24 - Barcelona, Spain - Rock Fest
See also:
Twisted Sister: Dee Snider says AJ Pero’s death was preventable
Twisted Sister announce farewell tour plans
Twisted Sister announce AJ Pero tribute concert
Twisted Sister: AJ Pero’s family asks fans for help with bills
Search Twisted Sister at hennemusic
