Joey Cassata revealed how the process went for him to play with Twisted Sister at the scheduled performances. Joey will be taking over on drums for the upcoming shows, replacing Joe “Seven” Franco, who had initially been announced for the position.
In an interview on the Rock City Podcast, the musician explained that the opportunity arose after years of being close to the band's world—something that began in his childhood when he became a fan of the group.
“To give a little context before explaining how it all happened, I’ve known the guys from
Twisted Sister for a long time. To start, let’s go back even further in time. I’ve been a huge fan since I was seven or eight years old. I remember seeing the video for ‘You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll’ and I remember seeing that and falling in love with them. I’ve always loved them.” [Transcription via Blabbermouth]
Since then, he has closely followed the band's career and ended up getting close to people connected to the group over time, creating connections within the so-called "Twisted Sister camp." "I had the opportunity to play with them. And we did a few more shows with them, opening for their Christmas tour in 2007 and 2008. So, we've been going back and forth in the Twisted Sister universe. [...] So, fast-forwarding a bit, I got a call in early January from their manager, Danny [Stanton]. I think it was a day or two after Peter [Criss, original KISS] was at our house. I know
Danny loves KISS. And I thought he was just calling to talk about Peter coming," said Joey.
The invitation to join Twisted Sister
Cassata, who also played on 10,000 Volts guitarist Ace Frehley, was invited to join the lineup that will feature Sebastian Bach on vocals for some shows. “And he said, 'Twisted.' And I thought, 'Wait a minute.' 'Well, first of all, my God. Of course. I'm flattered and honored that you asked me that. What, are you serious?' Joe Franco, who they had hired to tour with them, couldn't participate due to some health issues—very minor things, but he simply couldn't tour with them. And Joe said to Danny, 'Hey, how about Joey?' They all knew me. So, it ended up being easy to call me, because I already knew all those guys. They know me, they know my playing style, they know my personality. So, of course, I accepted right away,” confessed Joey Cassata.
The change comes at a time of reorganization for the band, which had planned a 50th-anniversary tour since its formation, canceled in January. Currently, only guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda remain as confirmed classic members for the shows. Sebastian Bach, former vocalist of Skid Row, will take over vocals in a series of performances.
So far, the only confirmed date in the official announcement is the performance at the Alaska State Fair on September 4th. The band will announce more shows in the coming weeks.
READ ALSO: Sebastian Bach has Dee Snider's "full blessing" to lead Twisted Sister
