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Twisted Sister

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Band Timeline

1972

Formation of the Band Initially as Silver Star

Twisted Sister originated in late December 1972 in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. Initially formed under the name Silver Star, the band was founded by drummer Mel Anderson and included Jay Jay French on guitar. The band was intended as a New Jersey version of the New York Dolls and underwent early lineup changes. The name Twisted Sister was adopted in February 1973, marking the start of their journey under the iconic name.
1973-1975

Early Years and Lineup Changes

During this period, Twisted Sister experienced many personnel shifts, including the departure of original members and arrival of new musicians like guitarist Eddie Ojeda. The band played extensively, developing their style and building a local following through energetic live shows and residencies such as at the Mad Hatter club. Dee Snider had not yet joined; the band underwent short hiatuses and leadership changes, with Jay Jay French sometimes handling vocals.
1976

Dee Snider Joins and Classic Lineup Formation

In 1976, Dee Snider became the lead vocalist, defining the band's image and sound. This marked a pivotal moment as the band steadily evolved into their classic lineup with Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda on guitars, Mark Mendoza on bass (joining in 1978), and A.J. Pero eventually solidifying drums in 1982. This lineup would deliver the band’s major commercial successes.
1982-1983

Debut Albums and Underground Success

Twisted Sister released their first two albums: 'Under the Blade' (1982) and 'You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll' (1983). These records received critical acclaim within the heavy metal underground scene, showcasing their aggressive sound and rebellious attitude. They solidified a loyal fanbase and set the stage for mainstream breakthrough. Drummer changes occurred during this period, finally settling with A.J. Pero in 1982.
1984

Mainstream Breakthrough with Stay Hungry

The 1984 album 'Stay Hungry' marked Twisted Sister’s commercial zenith. Featuring hit singles like 'We’re Not Gonna Take It' and 'I Wanna Rock', the album propelled the band to mainstream recognition. Their theatrical music videos became staples on MTV, embodying their glam metal image and rebellious spirit. The album is considered a landmark of 1980s heavy metal and brings Twisted Sister worldwide fame.
1985-1987

Later Albums and Declining Commercial Success

Following their peak, Twisted Sister released 'Come Out and Play' (1985) and 'Love Is for Suckers' (1987). These albums failed to replicate the success of 'Stay Hungry', coinciding with changing musical trends and internal pressures. Drummer A.J. Pero left in 1986, replaced by Joey 'Seven' Franco. Dee Snider departed in 1987, and the band eventually disbanded in early 1988 after a decade and a half of activity.
1998-2003

Initial Reunion and Reformation

Twisted Sister reunited in 1998 to record 'Heroes Are Hard to Find' for the film 'Strangeland', written by Snider. They performed live again in 2001 at the New York Steel benefit concert for 9/11 victims. A more permanent reunion started in 2003, with the band engaging in live performances and new recordings, reinvigorating their fan base and introducing their music to a new generation.
2004-2006

New Releases and Continued Activity

Rekindling their recording career, Twisted Sister released 'Still Hungry' in 2004, a re-recording of their classic 'Stay Hungry' album. In 2006, they followed up with 'A Twisted Christmas', a holiday album featuring metal-style renditions of Christmas songs, reflecting their playful and theatrical nature while maintaining their heavy metal roots.
2015-2016

Death of Drummer A. J. Pero and Farewell Tour

In March 2015, drummer A.J. Pero died unexpectedly from a heart attack while touring with another band. Twisted Sister announced their final tour in his honor, recruiting Mike Portnoy as the drummer for this farewell run. The band concluded their career with a final show on November 12, 2016, in Monterrey, Mexico, closing the chapter on their storied history.
2023-2024

Metal Hall of Fame Induction and Planned 2024 Appearances

Twisted Sister briefly reunited on January 26, 2023, performing a three-song set for their induction into the Metal Hall of Fame, with some members filling in due to illness or death. The band has planned to reunite again in 2024 for appearances at various political rallies, showing the lasting cultural impact and continued relevance of their music and image decades after their formation.

Albums

twisted-sister_1st_album
Under the Blade
9 tracks
1982
twisted-sister_2nd_album
You Can’t Stop Rock ’n’ Roll
10 tracks
1983
twisted-sister_3rd_album
Stay Hungry
9 tracks
1984
twisted-sister_4th_album
Come Out and Play
11 tracks
1985
twisted-sister_5th_album
Love Is for Suckers
10 tracks
1987
twisted-sister_6th_album
Still Hungry
16 tracks
2004
twisted-sister_7th_album
A Twisted Christmas
11 tracks
2006
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Jay Jay French

N/A

Background vocals

Guitar

Mark Mendoza

1978

Background vocals

Bass guitar

Dee Snider

1976

Lead vocals

Eddie Ojeda

1975

Background vocals

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Toni Petri

1976
1980

Drums (drum set)

A.J. Pero

2001
2015

Drums (drum set)

Richie Teeter

1980
1981

Drums (drum set)

Joe Franco

1986
1987

Drums (drum set)

Walt Woodward III

1982
1982

Drums (drum set)

A.J. Pero

1982
1986

Drums (drum set)

Story of Twisted Sister

Twisted Sister, the New Jersey-born (Ho-Ho-Kus, to be precise), Long Island-based hard rock band, exploded onto the scene in 1972. While initially categorized as glam metal—a label frontman Dee Snider vehemently disputes—their image was undeniably flamboyant, characterized by outrageous hairstyles, androgynous clothing, and theatrical makeup. This visual spectacle perfectly complemented their high-energy live shows.

Their legacy rests on anthemic tracks like "Were Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock," both immortalized in memorably slapstick music videos. The bands evolution from their earlier incarnation, Silver Star, involved several lineup changes before solidifying in 1982 with the iconic quintet of Jay Jay French (guitars), Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda (guitars), Dee Snider (vocals), Mark "The Animal" Mendoza (bass), and A.J. Pero (drums). This lineup powered their first four albums.

While Under the Blade (1982) and *You Cant Stop Rock n Roll* (1983) garnered critical acclaim and built a strong underground following, it was their third album, *Stay Hungry* (1984), that catapulted them to mainstream success. The albums title track, "Were Not Gonna Take It," became their only Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Although subsequent releases, *Come Out and Play* (1985) and *Love Is for Suckers* (1987), didnt replicate Stay Hungrys phenomenal success, Twisted Sisters impact remained undeniable. The band disbanded in 1988 but reunited in the late 1990s, before a more permanent reformation in 2003, releasing Still Hungry (a re-recording of Stay Hungry) in 2004 and a Christmas album, A Twisted Christmas, in 2006.

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