Twisted Sister

Formation and Early Years

Twisted Sister is an American heavy metal band that was formed in 1972 in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. The band's classic lineup consisted of Dee Snider (lead vocals), Jay Jay French (guitar), Eddie Ojeda (guitar), Mark Mendoza (bass), and A.J. Pero (drums). Initially, the band was heavily influenced by the glam rock movement, which was characterized by flamboyant costumes and theatrical performances. The early years of Twisted Sister were marked by numerous lineup changes and a relentless touring schedule, which helped them build a dedicated fan base in the New York City club scene.

Musical Style and Influences

Twisted Sister's music is a blend of heavy metal and glam rock, with a strong emphasis on catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and aggressive guitar riffs. Their sound has been compared to bands like KISS, Alice Cooper, and AC/DC. The band's lyrics often focus on themes of rebellion, empowerment, and social issues. Dee Snider's distinctive vocal style and the band's energetic live performances have been key elements of their appeal.

Breakthrough and Commercial Success

The band's breakthrough came with the release of their third studio album, "Stay Hungry," in 1984. The album featured the hit singles "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock," both of which became anthems of the 1980s heavy metal scene. "Stay Hungry" achieved multi-platinum status and solidified Twisted Sister's place in rock history. The success of the album was bolstered by the popularity of the accompanying music videos, which received heavy rotation on MTV.

Controversies and Legal Battles

Twisted Sister has been involved in several controversies throughout their career. One of the most notable incidents was Dee Snider's testimony before the United States Senate in 1985, during the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) hearings. Snider defended the band's music against accusations of promoting violence and obscenity. His articulate and composed testimony was widely praised and helped to highlight issues of censorship and freedom of speech in the music industry.

Decline and Disbandment

Despite their early success, Twisted Sister struggled to maintain their commercial momentum in the late 1980s. The band's subsequent albums, "Come Out and Play" (1985) and "Love Is for Suckers" (1987), failed to achieve the same level of success as "Stay Hungry." Internal tensions and changing musical trends led to the band's disbandment in 1988. However, Twisted Sister's influence on the heavy metal genre remained significant, and their music continued to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

Reunions and Legacy

Twisted Sister reunited in 2001 for a series of live performances and continued to tour sporadically until their final farewell tour in 2016. The band's legacy is marked by their contributions to the heavy metal genre and their role in the glam metal movement of the 1980s. Twisted Sister's music has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing their place in popular culture.

Discography

"Under the Blade" (1982)
"You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll" (1983)
"Stay Hungry" (1984)
"Come Out and Play" (1985)
"Love Is for Suckers" (1987)
"Still Hungry" (2004)