Dee Snider shouldn't feel embarrassed by his Senate appearance. It was one of the most eloquent speeches about free speech and parental rights and responsibilities ever uttered in the Senate. The fact that it came from a "metal head" only made it more striking. I salute you Mr. Snider.
When my daughter was in 6th grade (about 1987), she and her friends did a school talent show. They all three dressed and with make up like Dee Snyder and my daughter had her long white blonde hair all kinked. After the other kids sang "Annie" or "Over the Rainbow" songs like that), here comes my daughter with her friends and starts blasting out song and singing to " We're Not Going to Take it Anymore". Her step dad and I jumped up clapping and I'm yelling "that's my daughter!!" It was a proud moment for this young mother!! My daughter and I still giggle about it to this day. God I love her❣️
I will never forget Dee Snider and John Denver testifying at the Senate hearings. Two of the most disparate persona's in music but united against censorship.
Exactly. They thought with John Denver there he would be on their side. When he said that he didn't believe in censorship they were shocked. Zappa, Snider and Denver were united. That reminds me of "Married With Children." Terry Rakolta trashed the show and only made it more successful.
Now musicians are all in favor of censorship they cheer on the FBI and CIA, shutting people down from expressing themselves. As Elon Musk said, they went from raging against the machine to raging for it!
@@pablodiaz8946 Yup. OED: "things so unlike that there is no basis for comparison". If that doesn't sum up the stage personas of Dee Snider and John Denver I don't know what does.
I'll always respect Snider for taking on Congress. I think he blew them away that he was intelligent and prepared. Like you said, the media twisted it, but Snider's speech knocked it out of the park in my opinion.
Dee's testimony was so very important to correcting the message. It might have been a foregone conclusion as to what would be done, but his professional delivery of the message was still needed.
My youngest daughter has loved this song since she was five years old. She started Kindergarten during the COVID lock downs. Let's just say the a virtual kindergarten class room was difficult for most of her class. Anyway, the teacher asked the kids to sing a song or nursery rhyme with their parents for music time and report back. My kiddo asked me to pull out my guitar and we sang "We're Not Gonna Take It" for music time. Her teacher was...well mortified...as my young daughter shared and sang along with a short video of her singing the ultimate stick-it-to-the-man anthem. It was a proud dad moment for sure...
Hahaha! That’s great! When my stepdaughter came to live with us at age 10, my now-ex showed up to his first parent-teacher conference wearing an “Explicit Lyrics Inside” t-shirt. Let’s just say that didn’t win him friends in the PTA. 😂 Sounds like you and he might have gotten along very well!
My biggest memory of this song and the band as a whole, my mother hated the look of the band but loved this song and others I would play for her. When that song made the filthy fifteen she was dumbfounded. She thought the whole thing was dumb as hell. Like he said it was up to the parents to monitor what their children hear, watch or read. But that child is going to see that movie at a friend's house, they'll hear that music through friends and the radio. The books? Well they'll just read them in the library. She had basic rules for me, any music with objectionable language use your headphones, movies cannot be pornographic same with your books and magazines. After that, do what you want. My mother was awesome. All my friends loved her too. I believe our world was a better place because she was in it. RIP
I remember my parents not letting me listen to a lot of bands back in the 80s and 90s. My parents even hated a lot of Christian rock bands back then. It took a long time before they even allowed me to listen to Petra, Stryper, Michael Sweet, Holy Soldier, and stuff like that. Well, let’s be honest, they just didn’t let me listen to it at home.
She sounds like a great mom! ❤ Agreed. Amazing how many confusingly stupid arguments there are in the comments after listening to such eye opening appeals for people to just LISTEN to their children and TALK about the art that makes them come alive. My parents were ..less restrictive 😏 with the music and movies we took in. At least by the time I showed up, maybe it was easier for me to sneak in some of those Filthy 15 songs. I was too young to really know what those lyrics meant, but I knew that Darling Nikki was saying something I’d usually get kicked out of the room for when she left that note, “Thank you for a funky time…” My older bro’s favorite artist at the time was Prince. I remember LOVING “We’re not gonna take it” and the video! I was exactly the right age to latch onto the cartoonish antics of the seemingly invincible father, but I also understood the theme of thinking and standing up for yourself somewhere in my child’s mind. I am fascinated - and pissed off - by the way the senate hearing and media spin played out, even leading to recognizable music labeling practices present day. It gave me flashbacks to learning at the Smithsonian’s NMAAHC about earlier decades, when parent political groups used newspaper ads and editorials to incite fear around music that was becoming popularized by black artists, specifically, including rock. But I think my biggest shock is how Dee used “Oh come all ye faithful!” 🤯🤯🤯😂😂❤
Fun part is they now want to force your kids to read and see obscene things and want the right to refuse to tell you about when they do it. They want to force your kids to see material they would have banned outright, and they want the right to refuse to let you know.
My dad was a rebel at heart. When this was given a warning label, he listened and looked at the lyrics. Shrugging his shoulders, he said “Let’s go to the record store and buy it.” I’ll never forget that. I could always count on him to have my back no matter what. I miss him.
We should have known then what the shrill tyrants in the Dems & Pepubs had in mind for us when they tried to ban a fun song with a slightly tongue in cheek message of standing up against tyrannical rules. Just listen to his warnings in his testimony and then look what they've been doing with covid etc. Remember Tipper Gore was married to the witless Al Gore who went on the become the leading proponent of an elite having the "right" to control and ban everything you do under the guise of "saving the world" while endlessly enriching that said insular elite. Don't say the weird man in stilettos, makeup and lingerie didn't warn you.
I don't mind if they don't have the p.a. labels, but when they do, let's just say that you know it's always going to be a little more interesting, lol! I have plenty discs in my collection(also cassettes) with the labels!
I will never forget Dee talking to the congressional hearing on the "evils of metal", Mr. Snider made every metalhead look good. He was articulate, well researched and very compelling and made every teenager I knew cheer for "sticking it to the man". Got to see them in concert twice and they put on a helluva show
Something interesting is that (and I’m not referring specifically to your comment) I’ve never heard anyone mention that back then, the people who spearheaded the anti metal movement were the liberals in government at the time.
@@jetagelullabyyes! This absolutely blows me away that Al and Tipper Gore were ... The LIBERALS. And that Dee Snyder's position was "the Government should back off, and let parents decide what's best for their kids" - a statement that would be familiar to today's Conservatives.
My dad has done business with him. I heard the voice mail he left. My dad got to talk to him on the phone to get his order processed, but my dad's a bit too old to have much appreciation for Twisted Sister or Dee Snider. But it was still kind of cool. As a matter of fact, he was ordering custom parts for his bike, so we've kind of got that common ground.
Anyone whom has seen the Dee Snider and John Denver Senate hearings, knows both are very intelligent individuals. And as such promoting Free Speech is everyones CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT! R.I.P. John! And Dee Snider, you have nothing to be ashamed of, nothing!
Don't forget the late iconoclastic genius Frank Zappa, simultaneously one of the most brilliant musicians ever and also one of the strangest as his mind worked on a completely different level than 99% of the population.
@@darthmeow1370 im so sick of these dummies always mentioning john denver and dee snider but failing to mention Frank Zappa ... John Denver shocked them at the hearing , Dee snyder educated them about who he really was ... while frank zappa strait up put the PMRC in it's place. i'd argue frank zappa's testimony more so than John Dever's even , did more to sway the verdict of that hearing than any other arguments. don't get me wrong i really like Dee Snyder , (not a fan of JD though), but for so many people to seemingly forget Zappa's involvement , is down right criminal. considering he was the most formally educated muscian there and brought it.
@@darthmeow1370 No one could or should forget Frank Zappa. Hell I was buying his records when they used to be sold behind the counter only LOL! Who remember those days besides me? Anyway I don't believe Adam mentioned Frank in this video. R.I.P Frank you are forever remembered and a legendary genius!
Dee Snyder himself told a great story about the making of the video. His concept for the father was inspired by the ROTC character Neidermeyer in the classic movie Animal House, and Snyder wanted a "Niedermeyer type" for the role. While trying to figure out who they could cast, one of the other band members asked "why not find out what (name of actor) is doing right now? Maybe he's got some time in his schedule and would take the job." Snyder hadn't even thought it possible that they could get the actual original Neidermeyer actor to appear, but he had to agree it was worth a try. So they contacted his agent, and in a pleasant surprise he agreed. By all reports, the actor appreciated the humor in the video and had a blast playing the role. He absolutely knocked it out of the park with his performance, and his comedic talent was the key component that made the video such a smash success. The cherry on top of this sundae of awesome is that his participation led to a cameo in their second video from another Animal House actor, the late lamented talent who had played the character of Flounder. Talk about a bonus!
The acoustic version of this song Dee Snyder did a few years ago in support of youth cancer research and treatment is amazingly haunting and beautiful.
I remember during those Senate hearings John Denver surprised everyone. Dee didn't think John could help their cause,but Denver did a great job. He had been involved in this Black listing thing because of "Rocky mountain High"! Wow,he needed to explain what that ment. Can you imagine? PEACE!
I sent my daughter to her room. She looked over her shoulder and said “ Jim Morrison was over rated!” I said” What have I told you about slamming Doors in this house!?” 😂
Even as an 8 or 9 year old the censorship hearings were bizarre. If you don't like it, don't listen to it. If you're a parent, pay attention to what your kids are doing.
kinda like i was browsing through rolling stone reissue 50 years of led zep bought for my nephew article about our relationship with zep stone was very critical of them page told them something like if you are anyone else doesnt like our music listen to another band those hearings every once in a while dee zappa old footage how bizzare the whole thing was i was in u.k 08 9 the music censorship argument came up again matt johnson others were discussing on b.b.c. one time
For 40 years I've listened to this song and never made the connection with the music from O Come All Ye Faithful. Now, I can't UNHEAR it. Merry Christmas, I guess!
I’ll never forget it… I got my allowance & my best friend and I went to the only retail store in my small West Virginia town to buy our first 45….. she bought New Edition’s “Cool it Now” but I picked up “We’re Not Gonna Take It”. 🤘🤘 I was nine years old when I bought it… I still have that little 45 to this day! As always, thanks the nostalgia & memories, Professor!
recalls the ARE YOU BEING SERVED episode where the floor staff in the canteen start chanting "Why are we waiting, why are we waiting, why we are waiting..." to that Christmas carol...
The actor in the videos for "I Wanna Rock" and "We're Not Gonna Take It" is Mark Metcalf, who played sadistic frat boy Douglas Niedermeyer in "Animal House", and he basically recreates the character in the way he screams at the kids. As the teacher in "I Wanna Rock", he yells at a student for drawing on his textbook, the way he yelled at Flounder (Stephen Furst) for how he treated his horse. And in "We're Not Gonna Take It", he yells at the kid for wearing a Twisted Sister pin, as he yelled at Flounder for wearing a Delta House pledge pin.
@@davidmorris4826 yes, then the horse bolted and dragged him screaming, as his foot was caught in the stirrup. I loved that they used Metcalf in their videos. It played great on the nostalgia of Animal House, one of the greatest comedy movies of all time.
It was also a way to give his Animal House character another chance at life. At the end of the movie, we're informed that Douglas C. Niedermeyer was killed in action in the Vietnam War when he was "accidentally" shot by his own troops. In the video, the wife calls him Douglas, and when he's yelling at his kid he mentions carrying an M-16, which is most likely a reference to his time in Vietnam. So in Twisted Sister's version of the multiverse, Douglas C. Niedermeyer survived Vietnam only to come up against Dee Snider. 😂😂🤣🤣 I'm not sure who's idea it was, but it was brilliant.
@@brandonshuttleworth8374 "Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son." ("But we're trying", said the back of a T-shirt with the Animal House quote on the front that was sold at my college).
YES! I have friends named Karen who are lovely people, and the whole ‘Karen’ thing upsets them very much. ‘Tipper’ is a much better fit, and a much less common name!
I loved Twisted Sister's appearance in Pee Wee's Big Adventure. Pee Wee runs past and yells "How's it going?" I laughed my head off the first time I saw that.
I loved every song on that album. Not just the big hits, but also The Beast, Burn in hell, Horror-Teria, and especially S.M.F. Fantastic album all around.
This is why every U.S. citizen should fight against more government control. The founders never wanted the federal government to get as big and powerful as it has become. Instead of saying "the government should do something about" whatever it is, the people need to recognize their own sovereignty and do something about it in their own communities. Another thing that irritates me is when people point at those with wealth and scream that they should have to pay for everyone else. Why should they? We all have the same opportunity to make money in this country, and when you make money, it should be yours to dispose of as you desire. Some people are more generous than others, but to force people to be generous is a losing proposition. Wealthy people can afford better lawyers to find loopholes. Besides which, if you cannot enjoy the fruits of your own labor, why bother?
Twisted Sister was my first heavy metal purchase as a kid in the 80s. Dee is awesome. I got to see them in 2005 and I was right up front. Such an awesome time
I was at a record store in about 2002 looking for whatever struck my fancy and saw this album there with that sticker. I made a sarcastic joke like, “Oh, yeah. I can’t WAIT to get my Twisted Sister album.” This guy heard me and laughed. He said, “Hey, man. I remember when it was dangerous to listen to Twisted Sister.”
As an 80's kid, into Hard Rock, Hard Core, and Metal, Twisted Sister was never a huge band in the boom box rotation, but "I wanna Rock", "We're Not Gonna Take It", and "You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll" were, absolutely, anthems, that did get a lot of play! And, Dee's appearance before the Congressional Kangaroo Court was f*cking stellar! He was a true HERO for that! Thank you, Dee, for standing up for us Gen X kids!
I'm glad Dee stood his ground on the three songs. Arguably, they shaped an entire decade of music. I don't know if the 80's would have been so great with only Depeche Mode and a Flock of Seagulls....
Years ago, I worked in a Union shop. As the then current contract was getting closer to expiration the company kept offering terrible deals. For the last 2 weeks of the pre-strike vote, this song was blasted from every stereo in the shop, on repeat, every day. It was annoying after a couple of days, but it aggravated the managers so it was worth it. I hate the way overly concerned parents and senators always want to control and censor every form of media. It's just funnier that the "Explicit Advisory" label sold more albums when it was applied.
September of 1984 Cumberland County Civic Center Portland Maine. A group of friends wanted to go to the Twisted Sister concert so I went along. Dokkan and TNT were the opening acts. The arena was only half full. The following year they returned to a sold out show.🎸🎶🥁
I remember Twisted Sister's I Wanna Rock. There was a classic rock radio station 104.9 in Wausau Wisconsin some years back, that was going to change their music format and the DJs played I Wanna Rock on repeat for almost a week in protest, unfortunately the stations owners got their way and it went country.
While Kiss and Alice Cooper's look and stage presents drew large audiences, I don't think it worked for Twisted Sister. "We're Not Going to Take it" is a classic. The video for the song is one of the best of that era. It reminded me of the Saturday morning cartoons I watch as a child. I can definitely see Wylie Coyote's influence. 😄
In my view, they had several “hits” that were played on radio and Mtv constantly for several years. Maybe “chart wise” they had one hit, but for us that graduated in 85’, they were a mainstay for 2-3 years.
Snider was pretty transparent about it if you listen to their Christmas Album. O’ Come All Ye Faithful was literally just the original lyrics laid over a slightly altered track for We’re Not Gonna Take It. They even use the exact same solo. Whole album was pretty tongue in cheek tbh
Memory, two young children just barely out of diapers pumping their tiny fists in the air in their play pen singing what they could to this song! mommy & I sipping pink lemonade laughing at their toddler defiance! It was hilarious! 🤠
Dee said he thinks that the downfall was that when Stay Hungry took off he began trying to write hits instead of using the spontaneity that made the band.
Great Album! I was 14 when I bought a copy. I remember TS was touring with Dio back then. In college I did my thesis on the PMRC and censorship. Years later while on tour with the Lunachicks, I met Jello Biafra of the Dead Kennedys who were also an early target of the PMRC and we had a great discussion about how it ended the Dead Kennedys. Thanks for this video. What memories!
My ex was a parachute rigger with the 101st Airborne, when that came out.. They loved that song sang as a drill cadence on their in PT runs. Within a week the the General in charge called their CO and said that they couldn't sing it any more. He felt that it was, "subversive." It was an Airborne anthem to them. I love Dee Snyder
The first time I saw Twisted Sister on MTV, was during a promo clip. They were singing, "You Can't Stop Rock N Roll." A few months later, they finally featured "I Wanna Rock"
Interesting the 1985 Senate hearing on the music industry, so called decentcy and offensive lyrics, not only included Dee Snider and Frank Zappa, but also John Denver who was a huge advocate for the freedom of speech and artistic freedom (and for parental responsibility to monitor the music their children listened to).
Crazy how times have changed. Those songs were harmless. Now we have explicit books in school libraries about sex acts. They're so bad they can't be read out loud in public meetings due to indecency.
Thankfully, some helpful folks have pointed out the rated X content in the books of the bible. Hopefully we can get all copies banned and removed before innocent children are exposed to such content.
Great video. One of the best in fact. As a teen I had a passing interest in the coolness of twisted sister, certainly loved the video for we’re not gonna take it. But as I learned more about Snider as I grew into adulthood, I really began to respect the man behind the song and the lyrics. Thanks for covering this one!
I remember when it went down. I was so proud of Dee Snider. Not all of us were drugged out sex deviants. My favorite part was when he told Gore that maybe it was Tipper that had the dirty mind if she was finding dirty lyrics in his songs. He was amazing.
I graduated HS on Long Island in 84. The song and the album were huge. They were rehearsing during the day at a club called the Mad Hatter in Stony Brook. We were too young to go in but the guy at the door let us stand in the doorway to watch and listen. What a great time to be 18.
@@chrisbenson6683Remember, the House Band of the Haight-Asbury, the Grateful Dead, was technically just a one-hit wonder (Touch Of Grey, long after their most iconic songs like Uncle John’s Cabin, Casey Jones, or Truckin’).
Dee’s words at that senate hearing should be listened to even today. With growing censorship, the attack on The First and Second Amendments on the rise and the lack of parental responsibility that we see in this day and age… It makes me happy that I decided to be a stay home mom and homeschool our daughters. My girls are learning about The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and The Bill of Rights which seems to be lacking in public education recently.
Soon as I saw the header for the episode-i knew what song it HAD to be !! One of my all-tine coming of age songs along with goody 2 shoes !!! Thanks so much for the reminders and laughs that came in the episode !!! 😂❤😊
The main anthem for rebels everywhere for the longest time, and still is for some. We used to listen to this song on the school bus every morning. By the time we got to our first class of the day, we were all pumped up. LOL. Such a great rocker! :)
Oh my gosh, dude, you just summed up my childhood! 😂 Our school bus driver was a Metal-Head and we loved him for it! He'd crank AC/DC "Big Balls", Quiet Riot - "Metal Health" & "Cum On Feel The Noise", "We're Not Gonna Take It", and every other Head-Banger under the sun! He made going to school a blast!
You really do brilliant work, I hope you know that -- I'm not just blowing smoke... I have learned so much,but while enjoying...I find myself looking forward to and being excited when a new show drops ...honestly thank you, and you can definitely be proud of your work -- your work ethic and diligence shows in your videos...💥💯
I remember when Dee Snider came to DC! I WATCHED THE FEED (we have access to the Senate going’s on living in the area. Not sure if it’s a Nationwide cable channel). I was UTTERLY IMPRESSED! I should’ve known better at the time, but when he gave his speech, I was flabbergasted at how eloquent he was! He has well spoken, direct and got to the point QUICKLY! I was CHEERING HIM ON while watching! I never did like the song at the time (and I never did like the song years after), but the thoughts and emotions behind the song. I eased back on my diatribe of how “It sounds like every other song on the radio!” But his speech MADE ME THINK! WHY were the “Old Men” trying to dictate what I was listening to?! It’s MY CHOICE to listen to it, NOT THEIRS! They can continue listening to Perry Como and the Carpenters! I DONT LIKE THEM! I like my music LOUD and CRUNCHY! I never did get into TS, but I started listening to all their songs (just one time to give the band a fair shake) and ended up liking a COUPLE of their songs. And DONT GET ME STARTED IN TIPPER GORE AND HER CRONIES! I was convinced they were just being BORED HOUSEWIVES! Tipper’s “labels” had the OPPOSITE effect. Whenever a “kid” saw the label, they ABSOLUTELY HAD to get the album!! SCREW THE PARENTAL RATING! LOL… Yup, bored housewives.
THANK YOU so much for such an interesting & information packed presentation!!! I can't claim to be a genuine fan of hard rock or heavy metal; and my exposure to the repertoire of the genre is limited. But all good music has its "time & place" (appropriate occasion/situation)! And as a DJ I've gotten some of my best responses & created some of my most memorable & magical moments by dropping a clever remix of some of these anthems at just the right spot in my sets... Actually, most dance floors/festival fields go crazy for a week programmed/placed well crafted & produced remix of any well-known anthem from the 80s (and 70s, and even some 90s). And even though I've never been especially rebellious, I've loved this song (Not Gonna Take It) since the first time i heard it! It is a true classic, and it perfectly & masterfully captures an archetypal emotional scenario that every human that reaches adulthood is familiar with & relates to! And I SO love the heavy inspiration drawn from Adeste Fidelis! Genius! And brilliantly executed...
While I was a huge fan of the costumes back in the 80s...I definitely appreciated Twisted Sisters. The music rocked hard...and the lyrics, while simple in structure, were perfect! His lecture to the "board" was most excellent...and should be heard by all parents! Rock on, Professor!!!
Loved and respected Dee my entire life for his words at the PMRC hearing. Too bad i lost all that respect during the pandemic bullshit. Still love Stay Hungry, among my childhood faves. Also, the videos had a nice nod to Animal House (if you know what you're looking at).
I grew up in the '50s and '60s. I liked most of the genres of music, but there were a few that I would avoid due to violence towards others' content, and violence glorification. Your videos bring back a lot of good memories from my past. Keep it up, and I will continue to keep bookmarking your videos.
Funny, I didn’t give theses guys much respect when they first came out. Thought they were not a serious rock group. But over the years I’ve gain more and more respect for them, that and their spot in rock history. Dee Schneider’s testimony before congress was a very important event in rock history. He wasn’t given much respect when he first came in, but he left with the panels respect. His testimony helped shape the modern rock we have today.
Snider. Go listen to the You Can’t Stop Rock & Roll album if you still need to be convinced to accept them as a legitimate rock band. The title track, I Am I’m Me. Knife in the Back. Power & The Glory, The kids Are Back… That album just ROCKS!
I remember Tipper and Al Gore. I was in my mid 20s when Dee spoke before the senate. I am a Christian who enjoys heavy metal and alt rock. I thought PMRC's beliefs were pure nonsense and tactics heavy-handed. If you want teens and adults to become more curious and listen or watch something, ban it or apply labels. It really boils down to parents not taking responsibility and talking WITH, not TO their kids about sensitive subjects. Adults not giving teens/young adults enough credit.
Just want to say I am blessed to have found your channel. Everything is top notch: production, style, content, presentation, etc..... Please keep up the good work. I will join your Patreon soon.
Twisted Sister were huge in Sweden in '84, but I knew about them way before that and I've followed them ever since. "You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll" was the first riff I learned on guitar, and Dee still has one of the best voices in metal. Twisted Sister is the epitome of an underrated band. Do yourselves a favor and check out "Love Is For Suckers", "The Fire Still Burns", "The Price", "You're Not Alone (Suzette's Song)", "Under The Blade" & "Destroyer". All brilliant songs. ;)
I still to this day crank up Twisted Sister, just like back in the 80's. Even my 7 year old daughter can sing We're Not Gonna Take It and The Price, word for word. Please do Skid Row!
Seeing Dee Snider in full makeup and a Santa Claus outfit at the Twisted Christmas concert at Hard Rock Live was a bucket list moment! Come All Ye Faithful was awesome Live. We’re Not Gonna Take It is a timeless anthem that grows with the ages. It’s one of my favorites.
The video parity to the movie by National Lampoon's, Animal House featuring Needlmier was so perfect. Their music video will always be one of the greatest in music or MTV history. "Now, drop down and give me 20..."
I absolutely love The Price. To this day it is my favorite Twisted Sister Song. To hear almost didn’t make the album, whoa! Any way a bit of news for you. Dee Snider is a DJ at a local radio station here in PA, Rock 107. He hosts the House of Hair every Saturday night @ 10:00 pm. Just another juicy tidbit for those who are curious. I also liked learning about ruff cuts, I will be adding that to my collection. Thanks for another great show!
I crank that sh*t up every time I'm in my car and it comes on. 😂 It will NEVER get old. My fellow co-workers and myself, at the post office, have somewhat of a parody song a la "We're Not Gonna Take It " It's "I'm Not Gonna Make It." And it's mainly sung during the Christmas season. Brutal time of the year for us. Lol. I was very young when those hearings took place, but I do remember them. They did, sadly, have their minds made up long before Dee's testimony.
I remember when I first saw this video. To me, it was the best video ever made at that point! It is still amazing! I love hearing the stories about your dad and your son. Hopefully, your boy takes over for you one day down the road. Cheers, Adam!
You always bring the classic bands and artists from the past back to the present along with the greatest songs and albums that they put out and you keep the great Rock n Roll memories alive Thank You Professor.🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶
I remember reading about and seeing clips of Dee's Senate appearance back when it happened. I was 12 years old and proud of him. I was proud to call myself a fan, and I still am to this day.
I can still recite the Dad's commentary to this day from memory. I remember, I went to record the whole video nto cassette tape and told my little brother not to say anything but he couldnt' refrain from it, say,ing what do want to do with your life? I want to rock! Messed up my recording and got walloped.
Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST "RAISE YOUR FIST IN THE AIR" Anthem in Rock History?
Free Will and 2112😮😮
We Will Rock You by Queen followed by We Aren't Going to Take It.
Fight For Your Right - Beastie Boys
Back in Black or Highway to Hell by AC/DC
Radio Ga Ga!
Dee Snider shouldn't feel embarrassed by his Senate appearance. It was one of the most eloquent speeches about free speech and parental rights and responsibilities ever uttered in the Senate. The fact that it came from a "metal head" only made it more striking. I salute you Mr. Snider.
and look at him now, he wants authoritarians to tell us all what to do and supports politicians banning books. smh. he's an awful human being.
he also put the Senate and Tipper Gore in their place. Dee is a hero, who has absolutely nothing to be ashamed about.
@@BigTimeRushFan2112What are you talking about?
@@BigTimeRushFan2112so you want porn in elementary schools
@@BigTimeRushFan2112are you sniffing glue? Dee Snider is not a republican 😂
When my daughter was in 6th grade (about 1987), she and her friends did a school talent show. They all three dressed and with make up like Dee Snyder and my daughter had her long white blonde hair all kinked. After the other kids sang "Annie" or "Over the Rainbow" songs like that), here comes my daughter with her friends and starts blasting out song and singing to " We're Not Going to Take it Anymore". Her step dad and I jumped up clapping and I'm yelling "that's my daughter!!" It was a proud moment for this young mother!! My daughter and I still giggle about it to this day. God I love her❣️
Music can create those special life memories sometimes!I loved your story
Awesome!!!!
Where's the video? 😁
I salute you for that fantastic response to your daughter's choice.
I will never forget Dee Snider and John Denver testifying at the Senate hearings. Two of the most disparate persona's in music but united against censorship.
Exactly. They thought with John Denver there he would be on their side. When he said that he didn't believe in censorship they were shocked. Zappa, Snider and Denver were united. That reminds me of "Married With Children." Terry Rakolta trashed the show and only made it more successful.
Now musicians are all in favor of censorship they cheer on the FBI and CIA, shutting people down from expressing themselves.
As Elon Musk said, they went from raging against the machine to raging for it!
Disparate???
@@pablodiaz8946 dis·pa·rate /ˈdispərət,dəˈsperət/ adjective
essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.
@@pablodiaz8946 Yup. OED: "things so unlike that there is no basis for comparison". If that doesn't sum up the stage personas of Dee Snider and John Denver I don't know what does.
I'll always respect Snider for taking on Congress. I think he blew them away that he was intelligent and prepared. Like you said, the media twisted it, but Snider's speech knocked it out of the park in my opinion.
Dee's testimony was so very important to correcting the message. It might have been a foregone conclusion as to what would be done, but his professional delivery of the message was still needed.
My youngest daughter has loved this song since she was five years old. She started Kindergarten during the COVID lock downs. Let's just say the a virtual kindergarten class room was difficult for most of her class. Anyway, the teacher asked the kids to sing a song or nursery rhyme with their parents for music time and report back. My kiddo asked me to pull out my guitar and we sang "We're Not Gonna Take It" for music time. Her teacher was...well mortified...as my young daughter shared and sang along with a short video of her singing the ultimate stick-it-to-the-man anthem. It was a proud dad moment for sure...
Hahaha! That’s great! When my stepdaughter came to live with us at age 10, my now-ex showed up to his first parent-teacher conference wearing an “Explicit Lyrics Inside” t-shirt. Let’s just say that didn’t win him friends in the PTA. 😂 Sounds like you and he might have gotten along very well!
Buy that little girl her favorite treat, on behalf of Uncle Shaundalf, and get yourself one as well, for being such a cool Dad...
@Shaundalfthegrey make it two treats each. Uncle Mike will chip in as well.
Hot damn for being a cool dad!
Her teacher sounds like a pill
My biggest memory of this song and the band as a whole, my mother hated the look of the band but loved this song and others I would play for her. When that song made the filthy fifteen she was dumbfounded. She thought the whole thing was dumb as hell. Like he said it was up to the parents to monitor what their children hear, watch or read. But that child is going to see that movie at a friend's house, they'll hear that music through friends and the radio. The books? Well they'll just read them in the library. She had basic rules for me, any music with objectionable language use your headphones, movies cannot be pornographic same with your books and magazines. After that, do what you want.
My mother was awesome. All my friends loved her too. I believe our world was a better place because she was in it. RIP
Thanks for sharing.
I remember my parents not letting me listen to a lot of bands back in the 80s and 90s. My parents even hated a lot of Christian rock bands back then. It took a long time before they even allowed me to listen to Petra, Stryper, Michael Sweet, Holy Soldier, and stuff like that. Well, let’s be honest, they just didn’t let me listen to it at home.
She sounds like a great mom! ❤
Agreed. Amazing how many confusingly stupid arguments there are in the comments after listening to such eye opening appeals for people to just LISTEN to their children and TALK about the art that makes them come alive.
My parents were ..less restrictive 😏 with the music and movies we took in. At least by the time I showed up, maybe it was easier for me to sneak in some of those Filthy 15 songs. I was too young to really know what those lyrics meant, but I knew that Darling Nikki was saying something I’d usually get kicked out of the room for when she left that note, “Thank you for a funky time…” My older bro’s favorite artist at the time was Prince.
I remember LOVING “We’re not gonna take it” and the video! I was exactly the right age to latch onto the cartoonish antics of the seemingly invincible father, but I also understood the theme of thinking and standing up for yourself somewhere in my child’s mind.
I am fascinated - and pissed off - by the way the senate hearing and media spin played out, even leading to recognizable music labeling practices present day. It gave me flashbacks to learning at the Smithsonian’s NMAAHC about earlier decades, when parent political groups used newspaper ads and editorials to incite fear around music that was becoming popularized by black artists, specifically, including rock.
But I think my biggest shock is how Dee used “Oh come all ye faithful!”
🤯🤯🤯😂😂❤
@ErikSamys - My mom was awesome like that, too. I miss her so much. I hope the memories and the music bring you happiness, as they do me. ✌🏼
Fun part is they now want to force your kids to read and see obscene things and want the right to refuse to tell you about when they do it. They want to force your kids to see material they would have banned outright, and they want the right to refuse to let you know.
Tipper Gore: the original Karen
Legend has it she still wants to talk to Dee's manager
Ha! Original Karen is right!
😂😂😂
Epic comment 😂
Dee was a fantasy. Tipper wants to do more than talk to Dee's manager.
@@ObiPleasant Oh man that's a visual I didn't need 😂
My dad was a rebel at heart. When this was given a warning label, he listened and looked at the lyrics.
Shrugging his shoulders, he said “Let’s go to the record store and buy it.”
I’ll never forget that. I could always count on him to have my back no matter what. I miss him.
We should have known then what the shrill tyrants in the Dems & Pepubs had in mind for us when they tried to ban a fun song with a slightly tongue in cheek message of standing up against tyrannical rules. Just listen to his warnings in his testimony and then look what they've been doing with covid etc. Remember Tipper Gore was married to the witless Al Gore who went on the become the leading proponent of an elite having the "right" to control and ban everything you do under the guise of "saving the world" while endlessly enriching that said insular elite. Don't say the weird man in stilettos, makeup and lingerie didn't warn you.
Sounds like the father we all need.
Putting a parental advisory made it that much more appealing
If our albums didn't have parental advisory: explicit lyrics, it was a hard pass for me and my buddies
I don't mind if they don't have the p.a. labels, but when they do, let's just say that you know it's always going to be a little more interesting, lol! I have plenty discs in my collection(also cassettes) with the labels!
I bought a 2 Live Crew album to get the raunchiest album I knew of. Still have that cassette.
I will never forget Dee talking to the congressional hearing on the "evils of metal", Mr. Snider made every metalhead look good. He was articulate, well researched and very compelling and made every teenager I knew cheer for "sticking it to the man". Got to see them in concert twice and they put on a helluva show
Something interesting is that (and I’m not referring specifically to your comment) I’ve never heard anyone mention that back then, the people who spearheaded the anti metal movement were the liberals in government at the time.
Dee took congress to school that day! So did Frank Zappa.
2Live Crew & Luther Cambell also shut down this censorship Government
@@jetagelullabyyes! This absolutely blows me away that Al and Tipper Gore were ... The LIBERALS. And that Dee Snyder's position was "the Government should back off, and let parents decide what's best for their kids" - a statement that would be familiar to today's Conservatives.
Right, then the same dude when full commie apologist during cove aids and demanded everyone get the clot shot. Disgusting hypocrite and charlatan.
I worked for a Harley Davison dealership in NJ and I went to a trade show in NYC and actually met him. He is just a genuine honest man. Rock on sir!!!
My dad has done business with him. I heard the voice mail he left. My dad got to talk to him on the phone to get his order processed, but my dad's a bit too old to have much appreciation for Twisted Sister or Dee Snider. But it was still kind of cool.
As a matter of fact, he was ordering custom parts for his bike, so we've kind of got that common ground.
Anyone whom has seen the Dee Snider and John Denver Senate hearings, knows both are very intelligent individuals. And as such promoting Free Speech is everyones CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT! R.I.P. John! And Dee Snider, you have nothing to be ashamed of, nothing!
Don't forget the late iconoclastic genius Frank Zappa, simultaneously one of the most brilliant musicians ever and also one of the strangest as his mind worked on a completely different level than 99% of the population.
@@darthmeow1370 im so sick of these dummies always mentioning john denver and dee snider but failing to mention Frank Zappa ... John Denver shocked them at the hearing , Dee snyder educated them about who he really was ... while frank zappa strait up put the PMRC in it's place. i'd argue frank zappa's testimony more so than John Dever's even , did more to sway the verdict of that hearing than any other arguments.
don't get me wrong i really like Dee Snyder , (not a fan of JD though), but for so many people to seemingly forget Zappa's involvement , is down right criminal. considering he was the most formally educated muscian there and brought it.
@@darthmeow1370 No one could or should forget Frank Zappa. Hell I was buying his records when they used to be sold behind the counter only LOL! Who remember those days besides me? Anyway I don't believe Adam mentioned Frank in this video. R.I.P Frank you are forever remembered and a legendary genius!
Dee Snyder himself told a great story about the making of the video. His concept for the father was inspired by the ROTC character Neidermeyer in the classic movie Animal House, and Snyder wanted a "Niedermeyer type" for the role. While trying to figure out who they could cast, one of the other band members asked "why not find out what (name of actor) is doing right now? Maybe he's got some time in his schedule and would take the job." Snyder hadn't even thought it possible that they could get the actual original Neidermeyer actor to appear, but he had to agree it was worth a try. So they contacted his agent, and in a pleasant surprise he agreed. By all reports, the actor appreciated the humor in the video and had a blast playing the role. He absolutely knocked it out of the park with his performance, and his comedic talent was the key component that made the video such a smash success.
The cherry on top of this sundae of awesome is that his participation led to a cameo in their second video from another Animal House actor, the late lamented talent who had played the character of Flounder. Talk about a bonus!
Mark Metcalf! He was a client where I worked in the 80's. He was really nice!
My son was 3 when "We're not gonna take it " came out. He LOVED that song and oftened asked me " What are you gonna do with your life." 😅
The acoustic version of this song Dee Snyder did a few years ago in support of youth cancer research and treatment is amazingly haunting and beautiful.
I remember during those Senate hearings John Denver surprised everyone. Dee didn't think John could help their cause,but Denver did a great job. He had been involved in this Black listing thing because of "Rocky mountain High"! Wow,he needed to explain what that ment. Can you imagine? PEACE!
Back in a time when the populace was better educated in what government will do if you let them.
Love that your son blasted Were Not Gonna Take It when you sent him to his room 😂. You're raising him well Adam!
Ha ha! Thanks!
@@ProfessorofRock I Played "I'm Moving Out" by Billy Joel (& my dad took it serious, oops!)
@@kurtvanluven9351😂
I sent my daughter to her room. She looked over her shoulder and said “ Jim Morrison was over rated!” I said” What have I told you about slamming Doors in this house!?” 😂
@kurtvanluven9351 I played his "My Life" at age 11. My mom liked it & would remind me about what I played many times over the years.
Dee's comments about parenting is needed more than ever today.
Even as an 8 or 9 year old the censorship hearings were bizarre. If you don't like it, don't listen to it. If you're a parent, pay attention to what your kids are doing.
kinda like i was browsing through rolling stone reissue 50 years of led zep bought for my nephew article about our relationship with zep stone was very critical of them page told them something like if you are anyone else doesnt like our music listen to another band those hearings every once in a while dee zappa old footage how bizzare the whole thing was i was in u.k
08 9 the music censorship argument came up again matt johnson others were discussing on b.b.c. one time
Yup.
Yeah I heard this argument then, as well. Turns out we should’ve limited them. Now you can’t get away from them. Only works if there’s an alternative
For 40 years I've listened to this song and never made the connection with the music from O Come All Ye Faithful. Now, I can't UNHEAR it. Merry Christmas, I guess!
Yeah! That's awesome!
who'd a thunk it? If Dee hadn't told us would we have ever known?
Same here.
They have a whole Christmas album and it's really worth checking out.
@@thezombie7839it's the only Christmas album that gets played at my house. Love that album
I also love the acoustic version Dee Snider did for child cancer awareness. It is chilling.
I’ll never forget it… I got my allowance & my best friend and I went to the only retail store in my small West Virginia town to buy our first 45….. she bought New Edition’s “Cool it Now” but I picked up “We’re Not Gonna Take It”. 🤘🤘 I was nine years old when I bought it…
I still have that little 45 to this day! As always, thanks the nostalgia & memories, Professor!
What a cool memory!
recalls the ARE YOU BEING SERVED episode where the floor staff in the canteen start chanting "Why are we waiting, why are we waiting, why we are waiting..." to that Christmas carol...
The actor in the videos for "I Wanna Rock" and "We're Not Gonna Take It" is Mark Metcalf, who played sadistic frat boy Douglas Niedermeyer in "Animal House", and he basically recreates the character in the way he screams at the kids. As the teacher in "I Wanna Rock", he yells at a student for drawing on his textbook, the way he yelled at Flounder (Stephen Furst) for how he treated his horse. And in "We're Not Gonna Take It", he yells at the kid for wearing a Twisted Sister pin, as he yelled at Flounder for wearing a Delta House pledge pin.
Didn't he wear a crome helmet and get hit by a golf ball while riding his horse ?
@@davidmorris4826 yes, then the horse bolted and dragged him screaming, as his foot was caught in the stirrup. I loved that they used Metcalf in their videos. It played great on the nostalgia of Animal House, one of the greatest comedy movies of all time.
It was also a way to give his Animal House character another chance at life. At the end of the movie, we're informed that Douglas C. Niedermeyer was killed in action in the Vietnam War when he was "accidentally" shot by his own troops. In the video, the wife calls him Douglas, and when he's yelling at his kid he mentions carrying an M-16, which is most likely a reference to his time in Vietnam. So in Twisted Sister's version of the multiverse, Douglas C. Niedermeyer survived Vietnam only to come up against Dee Snider. 😂😂🤣🤣 I'm not sure who's idea it was, but it was brilliant.
Zero… point! Zero.
@@brandonshuttleworth8374 "Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son."
("But we're trying", said the back of a T-shirt with the Animal House quote on the front that was sold at my college).
We should call them Tippers instead of Karens.
YES! I have friends named Karen who are lovely people, and the whole ‘Karen’ thing upsets them very much. ‘Tipper’ is a much better fit, and a much less common name!
I agree, thanks!
I loved Twisted Sister's appearance in Pee Wee's Big Adventure. Pee Wee runs past and yells "How's it going?" I laughed my head off the first time I saw that.
That was so great!
The Price is a really amazing song that did not get nearly the attention that it deserved.
Agreed!
Great song
I loved every song on that album. Not just the big hits, but also The Beast, Burn in hell, Horror-Teria, and especially S.M.F. Fantastic album all around.
@@darrinwatts3419The Beast was stellar!
Stay Hungry (the song) is awesome. And it's a great album opener
So “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!” Was Oscar worthy, but “we’re not gonna take it” was subversive?
This is why every U.S. citizen should fight against more government control. The founders never wanted the federal government to get as big and powerful as it has become. Instead of saying "the government should do something about" whatever it is, the people need to recognize their own sovereignty and do something about it in their own communities. Another thing that irritates me is when people point at those with wealth and scream that they should have to pay for everyone else. Why should they? We all have the same opportunity to make money in this country, and when you make money, it should be yours to dispose of as you desire. Some people are more generous than others, but to force people to be generous is a losing proposition. Wealthy people can afford better lawyers to find loopholes. Besides which, if you cannot enjoy the fruits of your own labor, why bother?
@@SunshineCatwomanAMEN !!!
Went to school for Halloween in 85 as Dee Snider with a costume my mom made for me! Small school of 200 k-12 so stood out!Loved that band!
Twisted Sister was my first heavy metal purchase as a kid in the 80s. Dee is awesome. I got to see them in 2005 and I was right up front. Such an awesome time
I was at a record store in about 2002 looking for whatever struck my fancy and saw this album there with that sticker. I made a sarcastic joke like, “Oh, yeah. I can’t WAIT to get my Twisted Sister album.”
This guy heard me and laughed. He said, “Hey, man. I remember when it was dangerous to listen to Twisted Sister.”
If the only way you remember anything about the 70s and 80s is because you have photos as proof you were there, you’ll love this channel❤
Lol ..How bout "If you remember one hour photo finishing" you'll love this channel
Great one! I'll use it!
@@SPak-rt2gb Good one!
1. I worked at Fotomat
2. Lots of people do those "stamps" at a Grateful Dead Concert!
I have no proof of anything I did in the 70's and 80's as it should be....😂
Dee Snyder spoke eloquently during the senate hearing and I was so proud to show these senators that metal rockers and their supporters are no dummies
That's right!
As an 80's kid, into Hard Rock, Hard Core, and Metal, Twisted Sister was never a huge band in the boom box rotation, but "I wanna Rock", "We're Not Gonna Take It", and "You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll" were, absolutely, anthems, that did get a lot of play! And, Dee's appearance before the Congressional Kangaroo Court was f*cking stellar! He was a true HERO for that! Thank you, Dee, for standing up for us Gen X kids!
I loved it when Dee put it back to Mrs Gore about maybe because she saw certain things in the lyrics she was thinking about it herself.
He was so good!
His slowed down version featuring Kriss Angel and his wife dealing with cancer is amazing
I'm glad Dee stood his ground on the three songs. Arguably, they shaped an entire decade of music.
I don't know if the 80's would have been so great with only Depeche Mode and a Flock of Seagulls....
Years ago, I worked in a Union shop. As the then current contract was getting closer to expiration the company kept offering terrible deals. For the last 2 weeks of the pre-strike vote, this song was blasted from every stereo in the shop, on repeat, every day. It was annoying after a couple of days, but it aggravated the managers so it was worth it.
I hate the way overly concerned parents and senators always want to control and censor every form of media. It's just funnier that the "Explicit Advisory" label sold more albums when it was applied.
Literally every kid : Which album should I buy ? Ooh, explicit lyrics!!!!! ...Yoink.🤣
Parental Advisory Labels actually lead to more sales which is ironic in and of itself.
September of 1984 Cumberland County Civic Center Portland Maine. A group of friends wanted to go to the Twisted Sister concert so I went along. Dokkan and TNT were the opening acts. The arena was only half full.
The following year they returned to a sold out show.🎸🎶🥁
This is one of those songs that I think isn’t as big of a hit without the amazing video. It dominated MTV for months.
So true. And it still stands up!
Yep.
I love that video. And I Wanna Rock too.
His Senate appearance was as close to perfect as it gets.
Oh, man! I can't believe I never realized that. Now, I must find the We're Not Gonna Take It / O Come, All Ye Faithful mash-up!
Dee Snider hosts a syndicated radio show called "The House Of Hair" which airs every weekend on classic rock stations from coast to coast.
I will check it out! Thanks.
i can get his show on sat. night sometimes
I remember Twisted Sister's I Wanna Rock. There was a classic rock radio station 104.9 in Wausau Wisconsin some years back, that was going to change their music format and the DJs played I Wanna Rock on repeat for almost a week in protest, unfortunately the stations owners got their way and it went country.
While Kiss and Alice Cooper's look and stage presents drew large audiences, I don't think it worked for Twisted Sister. "We're Not Going to Take it" is a classic. The video for the song is one of the best of that era. It reminded me of the Saturday morning cartoons I watch as a child. I can definitely see Wylie Coyote's influence. 😄
True.
In my view, they had several “hits” that were played on radio and Mtv constantly for several years. Maybe “chart wise” they had one hit, but for us that graduated in 85’, they were a mainstay for 2-3 years.
Ok, I'm 65 years old and I still sing, yell, along with rebellious joy. LOL
Breakin' the Law, Breakin the Law 🤘🎶🎶🎵🎵
Snider was pretty transparent about it if you listen to their Christmas Album. O’ Come All Ye Faithful was literally just the original lyrics laid over a slightly altered track for We’re Not Gonna Take It. They even use the exact same solo. Whole album was pretty tongue in cheek tbh
Best video ever. "What do you want to do with your life?!" 😆These guys rocked hard. Dee Snider is one in a million.
The video rules! I wanna ROCK!
Dee Snyder is a loser who made a few really great songs. Mic drop.
@@ProfessorofRock Neidermeyer
Absolutely! 🤘😝🤘
Oh Yeah? Well......... Earache My Eye!
Dee Snider is an amazing artist. He spoke from his heart combined with facts, and he sure showed them.
Memory, two young children just barely out of diapers pumping their tiny fists in the air in their play pen singing what they could to this song! mommy & I sipping pink lemonade laughing at their toddler defiance! It was hilarious! 🤠
Dee said he thinks that the downfall was that when Stay Hungry took off he began trying to write hits instead of using the spontaneity that made the band.
Great Album!
I was 14 when I bought a copy. I remember TS was touring with Dio back then. In college I did my thesis on the PMRC and censorship. Years later while on tour with the Lunachicks, I met Jello Biafra of the Dead Kennedys who were also an early target of the PMRC and we had a great discussion about how it ended the Dead Kennedys. Thanks for this video. What memories!
My ex was a parachute rigger with the 101st Airborne, when that came out.. They loved that song sang as a drill cadence on their in PT runs. Within a week the the General in charge called their CO and said that they couldn't sing it any more. He felt that it was, "subversive." It was an Airborne anthem to them.
I love Dee Snyder
The first time I saw Twisted Sister on MTV, was during a promo clip. They were singing, "You Can't Stop Rock N Roll." A few months later, they finally featured "I Wanna Rock"
Dee Snider's testimony before Congress is up there with Howard Hughes. Just epic refutation.
I added Twisted Sister to my "fed up with education playlist" at the end of my career. They were there for me as a student and again as a teacher.
Interesting the 1985 Senate hearing on the music industry, so called decentcy and offensive lyrics, not only included Dee Snider and Frank Zappa, but also John Denver who was a huge advocate for the freedom of speech and artistic freedom (and for parental responsibility to monitor the music their children listened to).
Crazy how times have changed. Those songs were harmless. Now we have explicit books in school libraries about sex acts. They're so bad they can't be read out loud in public meetings due to indecency.
Thankfully, some helpful folks have pointed out the rated X content in the books of the bible.
Hopefully we can get all copies banned and removed before innocent children are exposed to such content.
I’m pretty sure the Bible doesn’t contain instructions on how to use a b*tt plug.
@@joeTrigbyPlease share an example of x-rated material in the Bible.
Great video. One of the best in fact. As a teen I had a passing interest in the coolness of twisted sister, certainly loved the video for we’re not gonna take it. But as I learned more about Snider as I grew into adulthood, I really began to respect the man behind the song and the lyrics. Thanks for covering this one!
I remember when it went down. I was so proud of Dee Snider. Not all of us were drugged out sex deviants. My favorite part was when he told Gore that maybe it was Tipper that had the dirty mind if she was finding dirty lyrics in his songs. He was amazing.
Mine too!
I graduated HS on Long Island in 84. The song and the album were huge. They were rehearsing during the day at a club called the Mad Hatter in Stony Brook. We were too young to go in but the guy at the door let us stand in the doorway to watch and listen. What a great time to be 18.
It’s crazy to think that anyone would consider Twisted Sister a one hit wonder?! They were huge and the way bigger than the charts reflect!
People need to stop looking at the charts so much.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 how would we determine one-hit wonders without the charts? 🤔
@@chrisbenson6683Remember, the House Band of the Haight-Asbury, the Grateful Dead, was technically just a one-hit wonder (Touch Of Grey, long after their most iconic songs like Uncle John’s Cabin, Casey Jones, or Truckin’).
THIS 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I still play those CDs and cassettes now and then. Still fires me up.
Dee’s words at that senate hearing should be listened to even today. With growing censorship, the attack on The First and Second Amendments on the rise and the lack of parental responsibility that we see in this day and age…
It makes me happy that I decided to be a stay home mom and homeschool our daughters. My girls are learning about The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and The Bill of Rights which seems to be lacking in public education recently.
Soon as I saw the header for the episode-i knew what song it HAD to be !! One of my all-tine coming of age songs along with goody 2 shoes !!! Thanks so much for the reminders and laughs that came in the episode !!! 😂❤😊
The main anthem for rebels everywhere for the longest time, and still is for some. We used to listen to this song on the school bus every morning. By the time we got to our first class of the day, we were all pumped up. LOL. Such a great rocker! :)
Love it!
Oh my gosh, dude, you just summed up my childhood! 😂 Our school bus driver was a Metal-Head and we loved him for it!
He'd crank AC/DC "Big Balls", Quiet Riot - "Metal Health" & "Cum On Feel The Noise", "We're Not Gonna Take It", and every other Head-Banger under the sun! He made going to school a blast!
You really do brilliant work, I hope you know that -- I'm not just blowing smoke...
I have learned so much,but while enjoying...I find myself looking forward to and being excited when a new show drops ...honestly thank you, and you can definitely be proud of your work -- your work ethic and diligence shows in your videos...💥💯
I remember when Dee Snider came to DC! I WATCHED THE FEED (we have access to the Senate going’s on living in the area. Not sure if it’s a Nationwide cable channel). I was UTTERLY IMPRESSED! I should’ve known better at the time, but when he gave his speech, I was flabbergasted at how eloquent he was! He has well spoken, direct and got to the point QUICKLY! I was CHEERING HIM ON while watching! I never did like the song at the time (and I never did like the song years after), but the thoughts and emotions behind the song. I eased back on my diatribe of how “It sounds like every other song on the radio!” But his speech MADE ME THINK! WHY were the “Old Men” trying to dictate what I was listening to?! It’s MY CHOICE to listen to it, NOT THEIRS! They can continue listening to Perry Como and the Carpenters! I DONT LIKE THEM! I like my music LOUD and CRUNCHY! I never did get into TS, but I started listening to all their songs (just one time to give the band a fair shake) and ended up liking a COUPLE of their songs. And DONT GET ME STARTED IN TIPPER GORE AND HER CRONIES! I was convinced they were just being BORED HOUSEWIVES!
Tipper’s “labels” had the OPPOSITE effect. Whenever a “kid” saw the label, they ABSOLUTELY HAD to get the album!! SCREW THE PARENTAL RATING! LOL… Yup, bored housewives.
THANK YOU so much for such an interesting & information packed presentation!!!
I can't claim to be a genuine fan of hard rock or heavy metal; and my exposure to the repertoire of the genre is limited.
But all good music has its "time & place" (appropriate occasion/situation)! And as a DJ I've gotten some of my best responses & created some of my most memorable & magical moments by dropping a clever remix of some of these anthems at just the right spot in my sets... Actually, most dance floors/festival fields go crazy for a week programmed/placed well crafted & produced remix of any well-known anthem from the 80s (and 70s, and even some 90s).
And even though I've never been especially rebellious, I've loved this song (Not Gonna Take It) since the first time i heard it! It is a true classic, and it perfectly & masterfully captures an archetypal emotional scenario that every human that reaches adulthood is familiar with & relates to!
And I SO love the heavy inspiration drawn from Adeste Fidelis!
Genius! And brilliantly executed...
While I was a huge fan of the costumes back in the 80s...I definitely appreciated Twisted Sisters. The music rocked hard...and the lyrics, while simple in structure, were perfect! His lecture to the "board" was most excellent...and should be heard by all parents! Rock on, Professor!!!
Loved and respected Dee my entire life for his words at the PMRC hearing. Too bad i lost all that respect during the pandemic bullshit. Still love Stay Hungry, among my childhood faves. Also, the videos had a nice nod to Animal House (if you know what you're looking at).
I grew up in the '50s and '60s. I liked most of the genres of music, but there were a few that I would avoid due to violence towards others' content, and violence glorification. Your videos bring back a lot of good memories from my past. Keep it up, and I will continue to keep bookmarking your videos.
Funny, I didn’t give theses guys much respect when they first came out. Thought they were not a serious rock group. But over the years I’ve gain more and more respect for them, that and their spot in rock history.
Dee Schneider’s testimony before congress was a very important event in rock history. He wasn’t given much respect when he first came in, but he left with the panels respect. His testimony helped shape the modern rock we have today.
I know what you mean!
Snider.
Go listen to the You Can’t Stop Rock & Roll album if you still need to be convinced to accept them as a legitimate rock band.
The title track, I Am I’m Me. Knife in the Back. Power & The Glory, The kids Are Back…
That album just ROCKS!
He just seems like one of the nicest guys in the business.
I remember Tipper and Al Gore. I was in my mid 20s when Dee spoke before the senate. I am a Christian who enjoys heavy metal and alt rock. I thought PMRC's beliefs were pure nonsense and tactics heavy-handed. If you want teens and adults to become more curious and listen or watch something, ban it or apply labels. It really boils down to parents not taking responsibility and talking WITH, not TO their kids about sensitive subjects. Adults not giving teens/young adults enough credit.
I Wanna Rock was also great!
There was a car commercial where I Wanna Rock was played on violin.
One of the worst songs ever. Horrible guitar tones.
Just want to say I am blessed to have found your channel. Everything is top notch: production, style, content, presentation, etc..... Please keep up the good work. I will join your Patreon soon.
I'm sick of the Government!
Twisted Sister were huge in Sweden in '84, but I knew about them way before that and I've followed them ever since. "You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll" was the first riff I learned on guitar, and Dee still has one of the best voices in metal. Twisted Sister is the epitome of an underrated band.
Do yourselves a favor and check out "Love Is For Suckers", "The Fire Still Burns", "The Price", "You're Not Alone (Suzette's Song)", "Under The Blade" & "Destroyer". All brilliant songs. ;)
Their Christmas album is shockingly good.
I saw the video first and then I was immediately online ordering it.
Fist Pump to that!
It rocks
I still to this day crank up Twisted Sister, just like back in the 80's. Even my 7 year old daughter can sing We're Not Gonna Take It and The Price, word for word.
Please do Skid Row!
Wait!!!😮😮😮😮
Oh come all ye faithful... ???
We're not going to take it???
Seeing Dee Snider in full makeup and a Santa Claus outfit at the Twisted Christmas concert at Hard Rock Live was a bucket list moment! Come All Ye Faithful was awesome Live.
We’re Not Gonna Take It is a timeless anthem that grows with the ages. It’s one of my favorites.
The video parity to the movie by National Lampoon's, Animal House featuring Needlmier was so perfect. Their music video will always be one of the greatest in music or MTV history.
"Now, drop down and give me 20..."
I was reading through the comments to see if someone besides me noted the 'Animal House' reference! ❤
I absolutely love The Price. To this day it is my favorite Twisted Sister Song. To hear almost didn’t make the album, whoa! Any way a bit of news for you. Dee Snider is a DJ at a local radio station here in PA, Rock 107. He hosts the House of Hair every Saturday night @ 10:00 pm. Just another juicy tidbit for those who are curious. I also liked learning about ruff cuts, I will be adding that to my collection. Thanks for another great show!
The theme song of so many workplaces!!!
So true.
I crank that sh*t up every time I'm in my car and it comes on. 😂 It will NEVER get old. My fellow co-workers and myself, at the post office, have somewhat of a parody song a la "We're Not Gonna Take It " It's "I'm Not Gonna Make It."
And it's mainly sung during the Christmas season. Brutal time of the year for us. Lol.
I was very young when those hearings took place, but I do remember them. They did, sadly, have their minds made up long before Dee's testimony.
I remember when I first saw this video. To me, it was the best video ever made at that point! It is still amazing!
I love hearing the stories about your dad and your son. Hopefully, your boy takes over for you one day down the road.
Cheers, Adam!
We'll see! He's certainly on his way! Thanks!
I "borrowed " my brother's Stay Hungry cassette tape when i was young....still have it today...and im not giving it back...!!!
"it may seem cheesy now"
It ain't easy being cheesy.
It was cheesy then, and we loved it! Still do!
My daughter found this anthem during lockdown and loved it, she was 10 years old.
It’s like Quiet Riot’s Come On Feel The Noise ! Gets you pumped up ! These were the 2 big hits in late 1983 that I remember as a 6th grade boy !
Rock on!
You always bring the classic bands and artists from the past back to the present
along with the greatest songs and albums that they put out and you keep the great
Rock n Roll memories alive Thank You Professor.🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶
Oh Come All Ye Faithful? My head just exploded. That's so funny.
Right?
Same here. I'm glad he finally finished it !!
That is crazy. Seriously.
@@ProfessorofRockwell, Dee did tell Tipper he's Christian! 😂
I remember reading about and seeing clips of Dee's Senate appearance back when it happened. I was 12 years old and proud of him. I was proud to call myself a fan, and I still am to this day.
I can still recite the Dad's commentary to this day from memory. I remember, I went to record the whole video nto cassette tape and told my little brother not to say anything but he couldnt' refrain from it, say,ing what do want to do with your life? I want to rock! Messed up my recording and got walloped.
Lol, my coworker will ask me this every once in awhile. 😂
Thanks for sharing!
Haha!
Keep cranking out the great stories, Prof! :)
Twisted Sister has since done a version of that very Christmas song. It'll make you feel joyful and triumphant.