TWISTED SISTER

TWISTED SISTER
Chronicle of Glam Metal's Anomalous and Rebellious Icon

1. The Monster of Long Island

TWISTED SISTER occupies an extremely unique position in music history. While TWISTED SISTER is remembered as an icon symbolizing the 1980s MTV boom and the golden age of heavy metal, the reality is that they possess a complex and resilient background that cannot be confined to the simplistic category of "hair metal."

From their formation in 1972 to their global breakthrough in 1984, TWISTED SISTER spent over a decade paying their dues through grueling work in the club circuits of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut—the so-called "Tri-State Area." The overwhelming live performance ability honed during this period to captivate audiences under any harsh conditions, combined with the exceptional crowd-commanding power of frontman Dee Snider, are the factors that make TWISTED SISTER a true rock legend rather than a mere one-hit wonder.

2. Biography

2.1 Genesis: Silver Star and the Afterglow of Glam Rock (1972-1973)

The story of Twisted Sister begins in the early 1970s, an era when glam rock shone with brilliant splendor.

The Band's Origins: Ho-Ho-Kus

In December 1972, guitarist Jay Jay French (born John Segall), who would later become the band's leader, auditioned at a band house in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. The band he was asked to join was performing under the name "Silver Star."

This Silver Star was formed by drummer Mel Anderson (stage name: Mell Star). Interestingly, Mel Anderson's brother, Al Anderson, is well known as a guitarist for Bob Marley & The Wailers. Mell Star's vision was to create a New Jersey version of the New York Dolls, aiming for a "glitter band" characterized by flamboyant costumes and androgynous makeup.

Renaming to Twisted Sister

Jay Jay French began to exercise leadership shortly after joining, but he intensely disliked the name "Silver Star." Due to his strong insistence, according to one theory, the band's name was officially changed to "TWISTED SISTER" on Valentine's Day in February 1973, while another theory suggests the renaming occurred in March. This name came to symbolize the twisted aesthetics of glam rock, their musical roots, along with the "twisted" sense of humor that would later become Twisted Sister's trademark.

2.2 The Purgatory of the Club Circuit (1973-1975)

Following the name change, the band immediately launched into a grueling schedule of live shows. The club scene around New York at the time was incomparably more vibrant than it is today, and it was not uncommon for the band to perform six nights a week at the same venue.

Legendary Residency at "The Mad Hatter"

The band secured a residency (long-term performance contract) at "The Mad Hatter," a club in East Quogue, New York. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, TWISTED SISTER performed for an astonishing 105 nights.

Of particular note were the frequency and length of their performances. TWISTED SISTER delivered five 40-minute sets a night, changing costumes between each set. It is said that the shows sometimes did not conclude until 8:00 AM the following morning. This insane schedule exponentially improved the band's playing skills while serving as a breeding ground for polishing their entertainment value to keep audiences engaged. By the time this early lineup collapsed in December 1974, Jay Jay French is said to have already performed for about 600 nights, totaling nearly 3,000 shows.

A Chaotic Lineup

The member changes during this period (1973–1975) were rampant, leaving the band far from stable.

• First Vocalist: Michael O'Neill (1973-1974)
• Second Vocalist: Rick Prince (1974-1975). He was fired after failing to show up for rehearsals.
• Guitars: Players like Billy Steiger and Keith Angelino moved in and out of the lineup.
• Drums: Several drummers rotated through even after Mel Anderson's departure.

On Labor Day weekend in 1975, the band virtually disbanded. However, Jay Jay French set about rebuilding the band with indomitable resolve.

2.3 The Arrival of Dee Snider and the Band's Transformation (1976-1978)

In October 1975, Jay Jay brought in his high school friend Eddie Ojeda (nicknamed "Fingers") as a second guitarist and vocalist. Furthermore, he recruited drummer Kevin John Grace through an ad in the Village Voice. Resuming activities, the lineup was rounded out with bassist Kenny Neill.

However, it was the arrival of Dee Snider in 1976 that decisively altered the band's destiny.

The Ultimate Frontman

Dee Snider was far more than just a vocalist. He was an outstanding songwriter and, above all, a genius at inciting crowds. Prior to his joining, Twisted Sister was a glam rock band focusing primarily on covers of artists such as David Bowie, Slade, Mott the Hoople, The Rolling Stones, and the New York Dolls.

With Snider on board, the band seriously plunged into creating original material. Snider wrote the lyrics and music for nearly all songs from 1976 onward, steering the band's musical direction toward a heavier and more aggressive sound. His lyrics, themed around social alienation, rebellion against authority, and a pure faith in rock 'n' roll, resonated deeply with the youth trapped in the suffocating atmosphere of the era.

Stepping Stones to the Golden Lineup

In 1978, early-era bassist Kenny Neill departed, and Mark "The Animal" Mendoza, formerly of The Dictators, joined. Mendoza's addition brought a definitive heaviness and aggression to the band's sound. His bass playing featured a unique style of pounding the strings with his fist, which, combined with his fierce look, earned him the nickname "The Animal."

The lineup at this point:

• Dee Snider: Vocals
• Jay Jay French: Guitars
• Eddie Ojeda: Guitars
• Mark Mendoza: Bass
• Tony Petri: Drums (1976-1980)

2.4 The SMF Bond and Rejection by Record Labels (1979-1982)

From the late 1970s to the early 1980s, Twisted Sister reigned as the "uncrowned kings" around the New York area. Thousands of fans packed TWISTED SISTER's live shows, yielding a drawing power that surpassed even major-label acts.

SMF (Sick Mother F***** Friends)

The fanatical fanbase formed during this period came to be known as "SMF." This originally stood for "Sick Mother F***** Friends," but later also became established as "Sick Mother F***** Fans." Dee Snider addressed the fans from the stage as SMFs, and the fans wore it as a badge of honor. This tight bond between the band and the fans laid the foundation for their later success.

Rejection by the Industry

Astonishingly, despite possessing such drawing power, major American record companies unanimously refused to sign TWISTED SISTER. The reason was clear. TWISTED SISTER's look—garish makeup, tattered women's clothing, and hair cemented with hairspray—was far too bizarre, casting them as an "unidentifiable entity" that was neither punk nor traditional hard rock. Additionally, the American music industry at the time was booming with disco and new wave, meaning that a sweaty rock band was frequently viewed as old-fashioned.

The Arrival of A.J. Pero and Completion of the Classic Lineup

In the spring of 1982, following tenures by drummers Ritchie Teeter and Joey Brighton, A.J. Pero finally joined the ranks. Hailing from Staten Island, Pero was a technical yet powerful drummer with a background in jazz, and his addition completed the Twisted Sister sound. At this moment, the "Classic Lineup" destined to leave its mark on history was assembled.

2.5 Advancing on the UK: Riding the Wave of NWOBHM (1982)

Giving up on securing a contract in America, the band sought a breakthrough in the United Kingdom (UK). At the time, the UK was witnessing the rise of the "NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal)" movement, spearheaded by bands like Iron Maiden and Saxon, and the passion for heavy metal was surging.

Signing with Secret Records

Advised by journalists from the music magazines Sounds and Kerrang!, the band traveled to the UK in April 1982 and signed a deal with the indie punk label Secret Records.

Debut Album: Under the Blade

In September 1982, they released their debut album, Under the Blade. UFO bassist Pete Way was brought in as producer. Produced on a low budget, the album featured a raw sound production, but successfully vacuum-packed the band's raw energy and ferocity. The title track and "What You Don't Know (Sure Can Hurt You)" instantly became live staples.

The Impact of the Reading Festival

Performing at the 1982 Reading Festival was the biggest gamble of the band's career. Facing an entirely unknown American band, the British audience was initially skeptical and even hurled boos. However, Dee Snider provoked the crowd with his trademark incitement, ultimately sweeping tens of thousands of spectators into a frenzy. The next day's press showered TWISTED SISTER with praise, and the name Twisted Sister echoed across the entire UK overnight.

2.6 Global Breakthrough and Darlings of MTV (1983-1984)

With their UK success as leverage, the band finally won a contract with major American label Atlantic Records.

『You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll』 (1983)

In 1983, they released their major-label debut and second album, You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll. A music video for the title track began infiltrating TWISTED SISTER's visual image into American households. "I Am (I'm Me)" scored a hit on the UK charts, accelerating the band's momentum.

『Stay Hungry』 and a Social Phenomenon (1984)

In May 1984, they released their third album, Stay Hungry. This record became the definitive work that propelled the band into arena-class stardom.

The single biggest factor in its success lay in the explosive proliferation of MTV and the heavy rotation of its music videos. The videos for "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock" were directed by Marty Callner.

These videos featured Mark Metcalf, famous for playing Niedermeyer in the film Animal House, as an oppressive father and teacher. The slapstick comedy style, where he ranted and Snider retaliated with pranks, was enthusiastically supported as a comical voice for the teenage rebellion of the era. The album sold over three million copies, placing the band at the pinnacle of stardom in name and reality.

2.7 The PMRC Hearings: A Battle for Freedom of Expression (1985)

In 1985, at the peak of their popularity, Twisted Sister faced an unexpected adversary: the PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center).

The Condemnation of "Porn Rock"

Founded by Tipper Gore (wife of then-Senator Al Gore) and other "Washington wives," the PMRC argued that rock lyrics were sexual, violent, or occult, and exerted a harmful influence on youth. They targeted metal bands in particular, creating a blacklist known as the "Filthy Fifteen." It included Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It" (for violence) and "Under the Blade" (for sadomasochism, bondage, and rape).

September 19, 1985: Senate Hearing

Dee Snider was summoned as a witness to a hearing of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation regarding this issue, alongside Frank Zappa and John Denver. Senators viewed Snider as a low-intelligence thug and were waiting to make an example of him. Instead of a suit, Snider entered the chamber in a rocker's uniform: a denim vest, jeans, and a T-shirt. The atmosphere in the room was chilly as he pulled a folded memo from his pocket.

However, the moment Snider opened his mouth, the tables turned. He disassembled the contradictions in the PMRC's arguments in an extremely intelligent and eloquent manner.

Historic Testimony: Mrs. Gore's "Dirty Mind"

The most famous highlight of Snider's testimony was his rebuttal concerning the interpretation of "Under the Blade." The PMRC had asserted that the song was about sadomasochism and rape. In response, Snider testified:

"The song was written about the band's guitarist, Eddie Ojeda, who was about to undergo surgery for a throat polyp, and the fear surrounding it. The lights of the operating table, the shining scalpel, the fear of having your throat cut open... those are the scenes of surgery."

"I can state categorically that the only place sadomasochism, bondage, and rape can be found in this song is in the mind of Ms. Gore."

This devastating counterpunch exposed the PMRC's arbitrary interpretations to the light of day. He also referenced his own Christian background and clean lifestyle, abstaining from alcohol and drugs (he was married and had children), teaching the foolishness of judging by appearances.

Snider's courageous stance at this hearing remains highly praised today as a monumental moment for defending freedom of expression in the rock world.

2.8 The Collapse of Glory and Disbandment (1985-1988)

While they achieved a moral victory in the battle against the PMRC, the band's inner workings were sliding toward collapse.

The Failure of 『Come Out and Play』

Released in November 1985, their fourth album, Come Out and Play, was loaded with over-production and pop elements in an overeager attempt to replicate its predecessor's success. The single "Be Chrool to Your Scuel," featuring a guest appearance by Alice Cooper, generated buzz, but its music video—reminiscent of a zombie movie—was banned by MTV. This dealt a fatal blow to promotion.

The Departure of A.J. Pero and 『Love Is for Suckers』

Interpersonal relationships within the band also deteriorated, leading to the departure of drummer A.J. Pero in 1986. Joey Franco was brought in as his replacement.

The fifth album, Love Is for Suckers (1987), came to symbolize the band's loss of direction. It was originally developed as a Dee Snider solo album, but was released under the Twisted Sister name due to strong pressure from Atlantic Records. Numerous outside musicians (such as Reb Beach and Kip Winger) participated in the recordings, and it is rumored that drum machines were used for parts of the drum tracks.

The album's polished pop-metal sound overshadowed their former fierce heavy metal, disappointing the traditional fans (SMFs). Following tour cancellations and sluggish sales, Dee Snider announced his departure from the band in October 1987. Disbandment was officially announced in early 1988.

2.9 Solo Careers and the Era of Silence (1989-2000)

Following the split, the members went their separate ways.

• Dee Snider: Formed "Desperado" with former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr and others, but suffered the misfortune of the album being shelved. He later formed "Widowmaker," pursuing a more modern heaviness. In 1998, he wrote and starred in the horror film Strangeland, gaining a cult following.
• Jay Jay French: Retired from performing to focus exclusively on management. He demonstrated his acumen by discovering and nurturing the alternative metal band Sevendust.
• Mark Mendoza: Briefly joined Blackfoot before engaging in production work and the construction business.
• Eddie Ojeda: Played in bands such as "Scarecrow" and "Prisoners of War" while also working as a guitar instructor.
• A.J. Pero: Returned to "Cities" and participated in various session activities.

2.10 9/11 and NY Steel: Return of the Phoenix (2001-2014)

The catalyst that broke the long silence was the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

NY Steel

As a New York-based band, TWISTED SISTER stood up for local recovery and victim support. In November 2001, a reunion featuring the classic lineup (Snider, French, Ojeda, Mendoza, Pero) materialized at the "NY Steel" benefit concert organized by radio DJ Eddie Trunk. It was their first full-scale live performance in 14 years, yet their performance was so fierce it showed no signs of a hiatus, enveloping the venue in a whirlwind of excitement.

Full Resurrection and Masters of the Festivals

Following this success, they kicked off full-fledged reunion tours in 2003. TWISTED SISTER enjoyed immense popularity, particularly at European metal festivals. Headlining massive festivals such as Germany's "Wacken Open Air," the sight of them leading tens of thousands of spectators in a massive sing-along of "I Wanna Rock" became one of the highlights of the 21st-century metal scene.

In 2004, they released Still Hungry, a re-recording of the classic album Stay Hungry designed to rectify their past dissatisfaction with its audio quality. In 2006, they released a holiday album, A Twisted Christmas, where metal-arranged Christmas carols scored an unexpected major hit.

2.11 The Finale: The Death of A.J. Pero and "Forty and Fuck It" (2015-2016)

A sudden full stop was brought to the band's history on March 20, 2015.

The Sudden Passing of A.J. Pero

Drummer A.J. Pero was found unconscious inside a tour bus in Poughkeepsie, New York, while touring with his side project, Adrenaline Mob. He was pronounced dead after being rushed to a hospital. The cause of death was a heart attack. He was 55 years old. The passing of Pero, who served as the band's "engine" and "heart," brought profound grief to the members.

Final Tour and Disbandment

The remaining members decided to undertake a final tour to pay tribute to Pero and wrap up the band's 40-year history. Mike Portnoy, a founding member of Dream Theater who deeply admired Pero, was brought in to fill his shoes.

The tour was titled "Forty and Fuck It." Roaming all over the globe throughout 2016, TWISTED SISTER closed the curtain on their activities following their performance on November 12 of the same year at the "Corona Northside Rock Park Meeting Fest" held in Monterrey, Mexico. The final song was, naturally, "We're Not Gonna Take It."

3. Discography

Twisted Sister's body of work holds significant meaning not only through their studio albums but also through live and demo recordings unearthed after their disbandment. The details are documented below. Note that catalog numbers focus primarily on verified major Japanese releases.

3.1 Studio Albums

Year	Original Title	Major Catalog Numbers (Japan)	Description / Remarks
1982	Under the Blade	P-13147 (LP) AMCY-376 (CD)	Debut release from Britain's Secret Records. Produced by Pete Way. Though the sound quality is raw, it is brimming with the band's raw energy. Reissued later as a remixed version by Atlantic.
1983	You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll	P-11358 (LP) AMCY-216 (CD)	First release after moving to a major label (Atlantic). Includes "The Kids Are Back" and "I Am (I'm Me)." Established the band's identity with the powerful visuals of the album jacket.
1984	Stay Hungry	P-11492 (LP) 18P2-2744 (CD)	The band's biggest hit album, breaking into the US Top 20. Contains the two massive anthems "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock." Produced by Tom Werman.
1985	Come Out and Play	P-13233 (LP) 32XD-396 (CD)	Produced by Dieter Dierks, famous for working with Scorpions. Aimed for a lavish sound but struggled commercially. Contains "Leader of the Pack."
1987	Love Is for Suckers	32XD-807 (CD)	Originally developed as a Dee Snider solo effort. Features a flamboyant pop-metal sound produced by Beau Hill. A.J. Pero is absent.
2004	Still Hungry	APCY-8182 (CD)	A full re-recording of Stay Hungry. Produced by the band to reclaim their original heaviness, as they were dissatisfied with the thin sound quality back in '84. Bonus tracks added.
2006	A Twisted Christmas	AVCY-13137 (CD)	Covers Christmas carols with heavy metal arrangements. Includes "White Christmas" and "O Come All Ye Faithful." Features a guest appearance by Lita Ford.

3.2 Live Albums

A collection of works capturing TWISTED SISTER's true essence: their live performances.

Year	Title	Details
1994	Live at Hammersmith	Completely captures their peak performance at London's Hammersmith Odeon on June 15, 1984. Tracks were unreleased during their Atlantic era.
2002	Club Daze Volume II: Live in the Bars	Contains radio broadcast live recordings (WLIR, WBAB) from 1979 to 1980, among others. A valuable historical document letting listeners hear the fierce playing of their early dues-paying days.
2005	Live at Wacken: The Reunion	The reunion live show at Wacken, Germany, in 2003. A masterful performance in front of nearly 120,000 spectators.
2011	Live at the Marquee	A live performance at London's Marquee Club in 1983, conveying the feverish heat of the Secret Records era.
2016	Metal Meltdown - Live from the Hard Rock Casino Las Vegas	A live performance from Las Vegas in May 2015. Features Mike Portnoy and includes a tribute to A.J. Pero.

3.3 Compilations

Year	Title	Details
1992	Big Hits and Nasty Cuts: The Best of TWISTED SISTER	The first official best-of album released after their split. Selection focuses primarily on their first three albums and includes live tracks.
1999	Club Daze Volume 1: The Studio Sessions	A collection of demos and unreleased studio recordings captured between 1978 and 1981. Includes the original version of "Under the Blade."
2002	The Essentials	A greatest-hits album spanning their signature tracks from the Atlantic era.

3.4 Videography

• Stay Hungry Tour (1984): VHS. Captures footage from the 1984 tour.
• Come Out and Play (1985): VHS. A compilation of music videos from the album of the same name.
• The Video Years (2007): DVD. Comprehensively covers their music videos from their heyday.
• We Are Twisted F***ing Sister! (2014): A documentary film focusing on the "Club Daze" spanning from their formation to just before their 1983 breakthrough. Structured with a vast amount of archival footage and interviews.

4. Members

While Twisted Sister's history is also a history of lineup changes, it is the five members of the "Classic Lineup" who remain etched in fans' memories.

The Classic Lineup

Active Period: 1982-1986, 2003-2015

Other Key Members

• Kenny Neill: Bass (1973-1978). Sustained their early club era.
• Tony Petri: Drums (1976-1980).
• Joey Franco: Drums (1986-1988). Participated during the Love Is for Suckers era.
• Mike Portnoy: Drums (2015-2016). Support member.

5. Legacy of an Anti-Hero

Looking back on Twisted Sister's history is nothing less than a process of reaffirming the innate "impurity" and "vitality" that rock 'n' roll originally possessed. TWISTED SISTER was ridiculed by critics, vilified by parents, and ignored by record companies. Yet, covered in sweat and blood on the floors of live venues, TWISTED SISTER carved out their own path entirely through their own power.

TWISTED SISTER's music, particularly "We're Not Gonna Take It," contains an incredibly resilient message. It stands as a universal declaration that "we will not submit to unreasonable authority," which is precisely why it continues to be sung across generations and borders.

What Dee Snider sought to protect at the PMRC hearings was not merely his own band's lyrics, but "freedom of interpretation" and "individual dignity." That stance proved that TWISTED SISTER was not a mere "novelty act," but a truly intelligent artist collective possessing a steadfast will. While their 2016 disbandment marked the end of an era, the name and spirit of "TWISTED SISTER" will continue to cast a distorted yet intense radiance that will never vanish from rock history.