Still Hungry

Continuing our special series on "roots," today we take a look at the beginnings of Twisted Sister.

This glam quintet started in New York City unlike many of their Sunset Strip counterparts. The boys in Twisted Sister didn't really get famous until Stay Hungry hit stores in 1984. The album enjoyed strong sales, thanks in large part to over-the-top videos for "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock."

Back in 1973, guitarist Jay Jay French formed the band Silverstar, which later became the basis of Twisted Sister. This line-up included:

Michael O'Neill - vocals
Billy Stiger - guitars
Jay Jay French - guitars
Kenny Neill - bass
Mell Anderson - drums

Years later, he teamed up with singer Dee Snider, Eddie Ojeda (guitars), Mark Mendoza (bassist) and A.J. Pero (drums).

There's so much more to Twisted Sister besides Dee's huge pink stage costume. When the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) threatened to censor rock artists for their "depraved behavior," Snider headed to Capitol Hill and argued the case of famous musicians right before the Senate.

Before Stay Hungry, Twisted Sister released Ruff Cuts (EP) and the magnificent Under the Blade. A few years later, the band's popularity waned and Snider left for other projects.

Fast forward to 2001 and a reunited Twisted Sister. A few months ago the glam boys released Twisted Christmas, which turned out to be a surprise hit.

Over the weekend, I learned of a new Twisted Sister DVD compilation. Rhino records plans to release Twisted Sister: The Video Years including "We're Not Gonna Take It," "Can't Stop Rock n' Roll," "I Wanna Rock," "Be Chrool to Your Scuel," and even live performances from a 1984 concert in support of Stay Hungry. A May 22 release date is planned.

Last night I was flipping channels and happened to catch Dee Snider walking around on MTV Cribs. Let me just say, glam rock has been very kind to dear old Dee. His seemingly normal family enjoy a rock star lifestyle in a mansion, complete with about nine cars and a fleet of motorcycles.

Ah, the kids are back.

Comments

[Hard Rock Hideout]

That picture truly scares me, but I love Twisted Sister. I wish they would get their act together and do something new beside the Christmas Tunes.

[Metal Mark]

They were one of the first bands I really got into back in 1984.

[aXe mAn]

The roots of Twisted Sister.... very interesting stuff! Dee Snider is an underated frontman. The "other stuff" you were talking about, that Dee Snider did, was a band called Widowmaker! They put out 2 albums. The 1st was very good! It is called "Blood & Bullets"!
That would be very cool if the Twisted boys could get back together and come up with a new studio album!

[Christian Graus]

erm... wasn't 'u can't stop rock n roll' also before Stay Hungry ?

[Die]

i luv the Sister since 84 when i was a baby!! a "prepuber" boy hahahahaa (lol) i guess 10 or 11 years ol' , then them and others bands in the 80`s like Hanoi Rocks opened the doors to me to knew the glam style. New York Dolls, T Rex's Bolan, the finnish boys, stooges and many others i think that's the attitude of rock n roll yeaaahhhhhhhhhhhh
I said
From Buenos Aires, Argentina
Dieeeeeeeee

[Andirockr]

i luv twisted sister nd deir songs:I wonna rock
and were no gonna take it.i wonna be like them:a twisted ROCKR.
Whoooaaa.

[80'sChick]

even though I am 13 loooove i this music. my best friend got me into Rock. I kind of scooted myself to glam and metal, all that fun stuff! i was going to go see them in new york city with like the V.I.P. package, and the signing things, and front row seats...... i showed my mom that i had the cash. $145.00, i think. but knowing my mom..... I WILL THINK ABOUT IT....NO! i am a total Twisted Sister Fan. Awesome picture too! I would D-I-E- to see them ,to talk to them, and to go to just one of their concerts.. But my mom would just say.....NO. I could talk my friend and her brother into going. Then she would have to say yes! Long Live Twisted Sister!
Love Twisted Sister Lots!
80'sChick