Ep 3. Twisted Sister

Behind the Music Remastered is a documentary series that takes an in-depth look at the lives and careers of iconic musicians and bands. In season 4, episode 3, the focus is on Twisted Sister, the heavy metal band that became one of the biggest acts of the 1980s.

The episode explores the early days of Twisted Sister, when they were struggling to make it in the competitive New York City music scene. We learn about the band's origins in Long Island, where lead singer Dee Snider and guitarist Jay Jay French crossed paths and formed a bond over their shared love of rock and roll. We also hear from other members of the band who recount their experiences playing small clubs and honing their craft.

As Twisted Sister began to gain traction and build a following, they faced numerous challenges. They were rejected by record labels and struggled to make ends meet, with some members living in squalor and barely scraping by. The band's image and sound were also controversial, with many critics and parents accusing them of promoting violence and satanism.

Despite these obstacles, Twisted Sister persevered and eventually achieved massive success. The episode delves into the making of their iconic album "Stay Hungry," which features hits like "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock." We learn about the band's creative process, the challenges they faced during recording, and the impact the album had on their career.

Throughout the episode, we also get a sense of the personal struggles faced by members of Twisted Sister. Dee Snider talks openly about his difficult relationship with his father and the toll it took on him emotionally. Other band members discuss their struggles with drug addiction and the toll that years on the road took on their personal lives.

Ultimately, the episode tells the story of a band that defied the odds and achieved success on their own terms. We see how Twisted Sister's music and image resonated with fans and helped to define the heavy metal genre. And we learn about the challenges they faced along the way, from financial hardships to personal struggles, that ultimately made their triumphs all the more meaningful.