X17 spoke with Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider at LAX airport this weekend, who was returning early from vacation with his wife Suzette Snider, after hearing about the untimely death of his friend and bandmate A.J. Pero. 

Pero passed away on March 22nd at the age of 55 while on the road with Adrenaline Mob. Pero was a member of Twisted Sister from 1982-1986, from 1997-1998, and again from 2003-present. Pero performed on Adrenaline Mob latest albums, and was recently confirmed to be working with Four By Fate, featuring former Frehley's Comet bandmates, Tod Howarth and John Regan.

“He had a massive heart attack in his sleep and we lost him," Snider says. "It was the first member of the band to die and it’s very sad.” 

When asked how do you replace him Snider said “You don’t. Will we continue to play? Probably for his family. His family will benefit finanically with us playing. But the band is heartbroken."

The members of Twisted Sister have posted comments about Pero:

Guitarist Jay Jay French: “A.J. Pero was a force, the likes of which I doubt I will ever have the chance to play in front of again. His drumming was legendary but his heart, as a human being, was even greater.

“This April 1st would have been his 33rd year as a member. In the Twisted Sister world he was always affectionately known as ‘the new guy’. That is how long and deep our history was/is. In our hearts he will always be the engine that drove the train. I loved him and today my heart has been ripped out. RIP"

Singer Dee Snider: “Today I lost a brother. Anthony Jude Pero passed away. A.J. was the final piece in a band that would become an international sensation and one of the greatest live rock acts to ever hit the stage. His sledgehammer assault on the drums helped drive Twisted Sister and I to greatness and inspired me to rock every single show. My heart breaks knowing I will never feel the power of his beat behind me, or turn to see his face smiling broadly from the sheer joy he got from doing what he loved. I will always remember that smile. RIP my friend."

Bassist Mark “The Animal” Mendoza: “This morning I received the tragic news about AJ's passing. As anyone would be, I am devastated. With such a loss, even I broke down and cried, allegedly the tough guy in the band. One statement says it all, ‘AJ was my band mate, my friend and my brother and I will miss him forever’.”

Guitarist Eddie Ojeda: “My family, extended Twisted Sister family and I are heartbroken and devastated to hear the news of Anthony Jude Pero's passing. A.J. was a dear friend and brother to me, and in my opinion, one of the most talented drummers of all time. I will always remember the amazing experiences and great laughs we shared. A.J. always had an amazing sense of humor and did his best to please everyone he came in contact with.

“Back in the day, when the band first started touring, we were often room-mates and he never failed to keep me smiling. It's very difficult for me to talk about this right now. However, I feel that out of respect for his legacy, it's important for us to let the world know how we all felt and will always feel about him. I know I will dearly miss him, but I'm grateful to have been his friend and musical partner for thirty three years.

“At this time, my sincerest sympathies go out to his family. Heaven just got a great drummer, one that will live forever in our hearts.

“The Ojeda Family”

The Artisan News Service has uploaded an interview with Pero and he talked about his drumming style, Twisted Sister, and what he was doing for a side-project, Tred, that never made it off the ground: