Questions
When and where did Twisted Sister form?
The band formed in 1972 in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, and later became based on Long Island, New York.
How did they get the name Twisted Sister?
They started out as Silver Star, and Michael O’Neill reportedly suggested Twisted Sister at a rehearsal on Valentine’s Day in 1973. Jay Jay French, who reportedly hated the name Silver Star, pushed for the change.
Who was in the classic lineup?
The iconic 1982 lineup was Dee Snider on lead vocals, Jay Jay French and Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda on guitars, Mark "The Animal" Mendoza on bass, and A.J. Pero on drums. That quintet recorded all four of their most successful studio albums.
What is their biggest album?
Their 1984 album Stay Hungry launched them to stardom and sold over three million copies.
What are their most famous songs?
"We’re Not Gonna Take It," which reached No. 21 in the US, and "I Wanna Rock," which reached No. 68. Both became MTV staples thanks to comedic videos full of slapstick humor involving parents and teachers.
What inspired We’re Not Gonna Take It?
Dee Snider credited the English glam rock band Slade, saying that if not for Slade, there would be no "We’re Not Gonna Take It." He was still finishing the lyrics when Secret Records went out of business.
Did Dee Snider really consider Twisted Sister glam?
No. Snider rejected the glam label, joking that they were not glamorous and should be called "Hid" because they were "hideous."
Why did the band testify before the US Senate?
In 1985 Twisted Sister was singled out by the Parents Music Resource Center, and Snider testified before the US Senate alongside John Denver and Frank Zappa during the famous PMRC hearings.
How hard did they work as a bar band?
During their early residency period the band reportedly played five 40-minute shows per night, complete with costume changes.
What was their fan club called?
Fans were known as the S.M.F.F.O.T.S., which stood for Sick Motherfucking Friends Of Twisted Sister.
How did they break into the UK?
They appeared on the UK TV series The Tube in 1982, reportedly taking $22,000 of their own money to the UK to make the appearance.
What happened to drummer A.J. Pero?
On March 20, 2015, A.J. Pero died in his sleep of a heart attack while on Adrenaline Mob’s tour bus. A farewell tour followed.
Did Twisted Sister ever break up and reunite?
Yes. They first broke up in 1988 after their label dropped them, reunited in 1998 for Dee Snider’s film Strangeland, and reunited more permanently in 2003 for festival appearances.
Is the band still around?
They announced a 50th anniversary reunion in 2025. In 2026 Dee Snider departed due to health issues and was replaced as vocalist by Sebastian Bach, formerly of Skid Row.
What honors has the band received?
They were inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Metal Hall of Fame in 2023, and Loudwire named them the 43rd best metal band of all time in 2016.
