Twisted Sister

Twisted Sister
Company type	Private
Industry	Music
Founded	1972 in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, United States
Founder	Jay Jay French (originally John Segall)
Headquarters	Long Island, New York, United States
Products	Heavy metal music, albums, singles

Twisted Sister is a heavy metal group originating from the United States, established in 1972 in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey and later relocating to Long Island, New York. Among their most iconic tracks are We're Not Gonna Take It and I Wanna Rock, both accompanied by music videos notable for their comedic slapstick style. The band’s visual identity, characterized by unique hairstyles and gender-neutral attire, firmly placed them within the 1980s hair metal genre.

Initially emerging from the band Silver Star, Twisted Sister experienced several personnel changes before finalizing their classic lineup in 1982: Jay Jay French on guitars, Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda also on guitars, Dee Snider as lead vocalist, Mark "The Animal" Mendoza handling bass, and A. J. Pero on drums. This ensemble produced the band's first four albums. Their early works, Under the Blade (1982) and You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll (1983), gained underground recognition. They achieved mainstream breakthrough with Stay Hungry (1984), which featured the Billboard Top 40 hit "We're Not Gonna Take It." However, subsequent releases—Come Out and Play (1985) and Love Is for Suckers (1987)—did not meet commercial expectations, culminating in their disbandment in 1988.

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Twisted Sister reunited intermittently before officially reforming in 2003. They issued two albums during this period: Still Hungry (2004), a re-recorded version of their 1984 release, and a festive collection titled A Twisted Christmas (2006). Following drummer A.J. Pero’s passing in 2015, the band completed a farewell tour in 2016 before disbanding once more. A reunion has been planned for September 2025.

Twisted Sister holds the No. 73 spot on VH1’s ranking of the "100 greatest artists of hard rock."

Formation and Early Years (1972–1976)

In late 1972, John Segall from Manhattan—who would later adopt the stage name "Jay Jay French"—joined Silver Star, a "glitter band" based in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. Founded by drummer Mel Anderson ("Mel Star"), Silver Star was inspired by acts like the New York Dolls and featured members Billy Diamond, Wayne Brown, Tony Bunn, and Steve Guarino. After several lineup adjustments and Segall’s initiative to rename the band, Michael O'Neill proposed "Twisted Sister" in 1973. Subsequent member departures resulted in a lineup consisting of Diamond, Star, Segall—now performing as "Johnny Heartbreaker" before settling on "Jay Jay French"—and bassist Kenneth Harrison Neill.

The group quickly secured regular engagements including a summer residency at the Mad Hatter club in East Quogue, New York during 1973, performing over one hundred shows. By December 1974, Jay Jay had accumulated nearly 600 live nights and approximately 3,000 total performances. After a temporary split and further personnel changes—with Jay Jay taking over lead vocals—the fourth incarnation included Eddie Ojeda as co-lead vocalist and guitarist alongside drummer Kevin John Grace. Embracing a glam rock sound influenced by David Bowie and the Rolling Stones, they remained relatively unknown at this stage.

Club Circuit Period (1976–1982)

In February 1976, following guidance from agent Kevin Brenner, Jay Jay enlisted Danny Snider—who would become Dee Snider—to broaden the band's setlist with Led Zeppelin covers. This sixth formation was short-lived; drummer Grace departed within six weeks. By April 1976, Tony Petri had joined as drummer, steering the band toward heavier metal influences such as Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper. In 1978, bassist Neill left due to religious reasons and was replaced by Mark Mendoza.

By 1978 Twisted Sister had further embraced heavy metal, producing demos that were featured on WBAB radio compilations and later incorporated into their first two albums. Their dynamic live performances and rapport with audiences cultivated a devoted following known as "S.M.F.F.O.T.S." The band set attendance records throughout the Tri-State Area and sold out New York's Palladium in March 1982 despite lacking a record contract or radio exposure. This momentum accelerated their efforts to secure a recording deal ahead of anticipated challenges posed by new drinking age regulations affecting club venues.

Between 1979 and 1982, drummer positions saw frequent changes: Joey Brighton succeeded Petri; Richie Teeter followed Brighton; then on April 1, 1982, A.J. Pero was appointed as the permanent drummer. For a brief three-day period in 1982, Walt Woodward III also joined.

The group established its own T-shirt business and record label to release singles that attracted attention in the UK market. After relocating to Britain seeking a contract, they were signed by Martin Hooker of indie label Secret Records in April 1982. Jay Jay managed the band until 1981 before bringing on promoter Mark Puma. The quintet of Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, Eddie Ojeda, Mark Mendoza, and A.J. Pero is widely regarded as the definitive lineup responsible for most studio recordings and videos. With $22,000 raised, they made an appearance on the UK television program The Tube, marking an important milestone in their international business development.

Initial Releases (1982–1984)

In July 1982, the band introduced their debut EP, Ruff Cutts, under Secret Records, featuring Tony Petri on drums. This was succeeded by their first full-length album, Under the Blade, produced by Pete Way of UFO. Although the production quality was subpar, the album gained underground acclaim in the UK, allowing the band to support metal legends such as Motörhead. Characterized by a gritty metal style, it included "Tear It Loose," a rapid speed-metal number showcasing a guitar solo by "Fast" Eddie Clarke from Motörhead. Plans for a single release of "We're Not Gonna Take It" were abandoned after Secret Records ceased operations.

Following an appearance on the television show The Tube, Atlantic Records signed the band—one of several labels that had previously declined them during their early Club Days. Their first album with Atlantic, You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll (1983), produced by Stuart Epps, featured the UK Top 20 hit "I Am (I'm Me)". This release showcased enhanced production values while preserving their heavy metal energy. Atlantic boosted promotion efforts by creating a music video for the title track and producing a series of humorous videos that significantly increased the band's visibility.

Rise to Mainstream Success (1984–1985)

Twisted Sister reached global recognition with their third studio album, Stay Hungry, released on May 10, 1984. The supporting tour included opening acts like a young Metallica, and by mid-1985, the album had sold over two million copies, eventually surpassing three million sales in subsequent years. This record marked their peak commercial achievement.

Popular singles such as "We're Not Gonna Take It" (peaking at No. 21 in the US) and "I Wanna Rock" (No. 68 US) enjoyed extensive airplay on MTV. The band also appeared in the offbeat comedy film Pee-wee's Big Adventure, which further elevated their public profile. Despite their comedic video style, some conservative organizations criticized their lyrics for themes perceived as promoting defiance against authority. In 1985, Twisted Sister became a focus of the PMRC, with tracks like "Under the Blade" and "We're Not Gonna Take It" highlighted during Senate hearings. Lead vocalist Dee Snider testified before a Senate committee alongside figures such as John Denver and Frank Zappa on September 19, 1985.

Decline and Disbandment (1985–1988)

On November 9, 1985, Twisted Sister released their fourth studio effort, Come Out and Play, produced by Dieter Dierks. While it achieved gold status with sales of 500,000 units, it did not match the commercial success of its predecessor. The lead single "Be Chrool to Your Scuel" featured guest appearances from artists including Alice Cooper, Brian Setzer, Clarence Clemons, and Billy Joel, but MTV declined to broadcast its video due to explicit content. The subsequent tour experienced poor attendance and numerous cancellations. Additionally, a remixed reissue of Under the Blade by Atlantic failed to rekindle interest. Notably, Come Out and Play was among the earliest CDs to be discontinued.

Following this period, drummer Pero departed to rejoin Cities and was succeeded by Joey "Seven" Franco, formerly of Good Rats, named for being the band's seventh drummer.

In 1986, Snider initiated a solo project and approached future Iron Maiden guitarist Janick Gers, who declined due to differing image perspectives.

Snider then recorded an album with Franco handling drum programming and session musicians such as Reb Beach, Kip Winger, and Steve Whiteman contributing. Atlantic Records mandated that this release be credited as a Twisted Sister album, leading to Love Is for Suckers being issued on August 13, 1987. The band members did not participate in recording but received credits and performed some tracks live. Produced by Beau Hill, the album adopted a polished pop metal style while abandoning their trademark makeup. The lead single "Hot Love" achieved moderate MTV exposure; however, overall sales were disappointing and alienated much of their metal fanbase.

Shortly after this release, on October 12, 1987, Snider exited the group, Atlantic terminated their contract, and Twisted Sister officially disbanded. The dissolution was publicly announced in January 1988.

Hiatus period (1988–1998)

Following the band's dissolution, the individual members embarked on distinct endeavors:

Snider initiated projects including Desperado, Widowmaker (with Joey Franco on drums), and SMFs; additionally, he authored and starred in the movie Strangeland.
Ojeda became involved with Scarerow, established Prisoners of War, and worked extensively as a session guitarist and teacher.
French stepped back from regular performances but took charge of French Management and produced Sevendust’s first album.
Mendoza briefly played with Blackfoot before turning his attention to production, management, and solo pursuits.
Pero participated in various projects, toured alongside Snider’s SMFs, and was employed at an audio store in Staten Island.
Franco continued session drumming and contributed to Widowmaker’s lineup.

In 1992, Atlantic Records issued Big Hits and Nasty Cuts, a compilation album curated by French that included live recordings from the Under The Blade era. Two years later, in 1994, CMC International released Live At Hammersmith, capturing a live performance from the Stay Hungry timeframe.

Reunions and reissues (1998–2014)

Twisted Sister came together again in 1998 to record "Heroes Are Hard to Find" for Snider’s film Strangeland. The following year, Spitfire Records re-released the band’s earlier catalog featuring previously unreleased material, followed by Club Daze Volume 1: The Studio Sessions—a collection of demos predating Under the Blade—and its live counterpart, Club Daze Volume 2: Live In The Bars.

In 2001, Koch Records presented Twisted Forever: A Tribute To The Legendary Twisted Sister, showcasing artists influenced by the band such as Lit, Motörhead, Anthrax, Joan Jett, and Sebastian Bach. Twisted Sister contributed a rendition of AC/DC’s "Sin City". That November, the reunited group performed at the benefit event New York Steel, which raised over $100,000 for widows and orphans of NYPD and FDNY personnel affected by 9/11. This positive reception sparked further touring activities.

The year 2002 saw the release of Essentials, a remastered compilation. Additionally, "I Wanna Rock" was featured on the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

In 2003, Snider and Franco launched Van Helsing's Curse with their album Oculus Infernum, blending orchestral elements with heavy metal. Twisted Sister also appeared at Sweden Rock Festival and Wacken Open Air; footage from Wacken was subsequently issued on DVD.

The band revisited their classic album in 2004 by re-recording Stay Hungry as Still Hungry through Demolition Records to enhance production quality while including seven additional tracks.

In 2005, Twisted Sister performed a complimentary show at Edmonton's Klondike Days festival and released their 2003 Wacken performance on CD/DVD. Snider lent his vocals to an Iron Maiden tribute album that year. The band also toured supporting Alice Cooper.

Snider and French collaborated with Lordi on their 2006 album The Arockalypse. That same year, Twisted Sister signed with Razor and Tie to release the heavy metal-themed holiday album A Twisted Christmas, which achieved notable commercial success upon its October debut. The band played in front of audiences up to 80,000 in Quebec City alongside Scorpions.

Before headlining shows, they performed under the name Bent Brother without makeup at smaller venues. In 2006, Twisted Sister was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. They made appearances on prominent television programs performing rock-infused holiday classics. Due to strong sales and enthusiastic responses to their Christmas album tour, plans for retirement were reconsidered.

In July 2007, they appeared at Rocklahoma festival. Their track "I Wanna Rock" was included in the game Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s, utilizing the version from Still Hungry.

In 2008, Snider participated in CMT's reality show Gone Country. The band played benefit concerts including one commemorating five years since The Station nightclub fire as well as free performances in Bulgaria and Canada. They also took part in Rock The Bayou festival held in Houston.

On June 4, 2009, Twisted Sister performed the entire Stay Hungry album live for the first time at Sweden Rock Festival. In July that year, Snider announced it would be their final year performing with makeup and costumes.

They were booked for Bloodstock Open Air in 2010 and Masters of Rock festival in 2011. In 2014, during their Stay Hungry 30th Anniversary World Tour, Twisted Sister played before an audience of 20,000 at Denmark’s Copenhell festival—their first Danish appearance in thirty years—earning critical praise.

On October 13, 2011, they revealed plans for a five-disc DVD collection titled From the Bars to the Stars, documenting live performances throughout their career.

Former drummer Richard Teeter died from esophageal cancer on April 10, 2012.

Passing of A. J. Pero and final tour (2015–2016)

Drummer A. J. Pero passed away in his sleep due to a heart attack on March 20, 2015. Twisted Sister conveyed deep sorrow and appreciation for the outpouring of support from their fans and loved ones. Soon after, Adrenaline Mob, another group featuring Pero, confirmed his death occurred while on their tour bus.

On April 7, 2015, TMZ.com announced that Twisted Sister planned a concluding tour titled "Forty and Fuck It" set for 2016. Mike Portnoy (known for The Winery Dogs, Transatlantic) stepped in as drummer for this farewell run. The band also organized tribute concerts to honor Pero: the first took place in Las Vegas on May 30 and was recorded for the CD/DVD Metal Meltdown—Featuring Twisted Sister Live at The Hard Rock Casino—Las Vegas, which was released in July; the second tribute event, named "Twisted Sister – A Concert to Honor AJ Pero," occurred on June 13 in Sayreville, New Jersey.

Throughout the farewell tour, a video of one of Pero’s final drum solos—captured at the Summarfestival in the Faroe Islands—was projected on stage screens, allowing audiences a last glimpse of the classic lineup’s energy. Twisted Sister’s ultimate live performance happened on November 12, 2016, in Monterrey.

Induction into Metal Hall of Fame and 50th anniversary reunion tour (2023–present)

On January 26, 2023, Twisted Sister reunited to accept their Metal Hall of Fame induction at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. They delivered a special three-song performance with Mike Portnoy on drums substituting for A. J. Pero and guitarist Keith Robert War filling in for Eddie Ojeda, who was absent due to COVID-19.

Dee Snider revealed on April 7, 2023, that the band would regroup in 2024 to perform at several Democratic campaign events during the 2024 election cycle. The following year, Snider mentioned that offers to reunite were becoming "nearly impossible to decline," reflecting increased demand even though specific details remained unsettled.

On September 10, 2025, Twisted Sister announced plans for a global tour in 2026 titled Twisted Forever, Forever Twisted, celebrating their half-century milestone. This tour will proceed without bassist Mark Mendoza due to "irreconcilable differences," with Russell Pzütto handling bass duties and Joe Franco returning on drums.

Musical style and influences

Twisted Sister's sound encompasses elements of heavy metal, glam metal, hard rock, and shock rock, with frontman Dee Snider describing their music simply as rock and roll. Their debut album, Under the Blade, has drawn comparisons to the early 1980s new wave of British heavy metal. Although glam metal was often polarizing during the 1980s, Twisted Sister successfully bridged styles by attracting fans from both glam and thrash metal scenes; prominent thrash bands such as Metallica, Anthrax, and Overkill have covered their tracks.

Reflecting on their varied audience base, Snider noted:

Snider rejected the glam metal label outright: "I don't think Twisted Sister is 'Glam' because that implies glamour, and we're not glamorous. We should be called 'Hid' because we're hideous." The group cited influences including Slade, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, KISS, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, David Bowie, Queen, Van Halen, and AC/DC. Snider particularly highlighted Slade's significance: "If not for Slade, there would be no 'We're Not Gonna Take It'."

Band members

Current lineup

Jay Jay French – guitar, backing vocals (1972–1987, 1998, 2001, 2003–2016, 2023, 2025–present)
Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda – guitar, backing vocals (1975–1988, 1998, 2001, 2003–2016, 2025–present)
Dee Snider – lead singer and occasional guitarist (1976–1988, 1998, 2001, 2003–2016, 2023, 2025–present)
Joey Franco – drums (1986–1987, 2025–present)
Russell Pzütto – bass guitar, backing vocals (touring: 2013, 2025–present)

Past members

Mark "The Animal" Mendoza – bass guitar and backing vocals (1978–1988, 1998, 2001, 2003–2016, 2023)
A. J. Pero – drums and backing vocals (1982–1986, 1998, 2001, 2003–2015; deceased)

Discography