Is Twisted Sister Still Together
I’ve been asked a lot lately: is Twisted Sister still together? This is an intriguing question as the band has a storied history of breaking up and reuniting. To provide clarity, I’ll delve into their journey filled with heavy metal anthems and outrageous stage antics.
Twisted Sister, known for their iconic hits like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock”, officially disbanded in 2016. Over the course of four decades, they’ve had several breakups and reunions, but this time it seems to be permanent. The last performance was held at the Badlands Pawn Gold & Jewelry in Sioux Falls, and since then there’s been no talk about another reunion.
However, that doesn’t mean individual members aren’t active in music or public life. Some have embarked on solo careers while others are involved in different projects. So although we might not see them rocking out together under the Twisted Sister banner anymore, their influence remains prominent in rock ‘n’ roll culture.
The Origins of Twisted Sister
Let me take you all the way back to 1972, a significant year in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. That’s when Twisted Sister first burst onto the scene in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. It all started with John Segall, better known as Jay Jay French. He was just a local bar band guitarist with dreams bigger than most could comprehend.
With an unshakeable belief in his musical prowess and vision, French began assembling what would eventually become one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. The initial lineup comprised Billy Diamond on lead vocals and guitars, Mel Anderson on drums, and Kenneth Harrison Neill on bass guitar. I bet you’re thinking it’s hard to imagine Twisted Sister without Dee Snider! But yes, there was indeed a time before Snider joined the group.
In these early days, Twisted Sister struggled for recognition and success like many other up-and-coming bands. They played gigs at various local clubs around New York City and New Jersey while constantly refining their sound and image. Despite several lineup changes during this period (which included Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda joining), it wasn’t until 1976 that they truly found their definitive character.
Enter Daniel “Dee” Snider in early ’76 – charismatic frontman extraordinaire! His addition to the band marked a turning point for Twisted Sister. With his distinctive voice, flamboyant stage presence, and undeniable energy – plus his talent for songwriting – he helped shape what we now know as Twisted Sister’s signature style.
Twisted Sister’s Heyday in the 80s
I’ll be honest, when you mention the 1980s, one of the first bands that come to my mind is Twisted Sister. They were wild, they were loud, and boy could they rock! Their heyday was truly something to behold.
Their breakthrough came with their third album – “Stay Hungry”. Released in 1984, it catapulted them straight into the limelight. The singles “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock” became anthems for a generation. They resonated with fans who felt misunderstood or marginalized by society. These songs weren’t just catchy tunes – they carried an empowering message that made listeners feel seen and heard.
| Year | Album | Sales (Million Copies) |
| 1984 | Stay Hungry | Over 3 |
Twisted Sister wasn’t just about music; they had a unique image that set them apart from other bands of their time. With their outrageous hairdos, garish makeup, and flamboyant costumes, I’d argue that they were as much visual artists as musicians. Their look was so distinctive that it became synonymous with the band’s name.
The band toured extensively throughout the mid-80s. Live shows were raucous affairs filled with energy and excitement. Their performances are still remembered fondly by those fortunate enough to witness them live.
Yet despite all this success, things weren’t always smooth sailing for Twisted Sister behind the scenes. Tensions within the band started escalating which led to lineup changes and eventually resulted in a hiatus in 1987.
Despite these challenges though, there’s no denying Twisted Sister’s significant contribution to rock music during their heyday in the ‘80s:
- They popularized glam metal
- Their anthems gave voice to a generation
- And they were pioneers in using music videos as a promotional tool
So, is Twisted Sister still together? Well, that’s a story for another section. But one thing’s for sure: their legacy from the ’80s lives on!
So are they still together? It depends on how you look at it! While we may not get another studio album or a world tour, Twisted Sister’s presence can still be felt in the music industry today.
