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The band was founded in 1973 in New York. The line up changed often, with founder J.J. French staying on guitars. In 1975, Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda joined as a second guitarist, in 1976 vocalist Dee Snider gave a major boost, Mark "The Animal" Mendoza got a grip on the bass in 1978Events January January 1 The Copyright Act of 1976 takes effect, making sweeping changes to United States copyright law. January 1 Air India's Boeing 747 explodes near Bombay 213 dead. January 4 Referendum in Chile supports policies of Augusto Pinochet..
In 1979 they had a single "I'll Never Grow Up Now / Under the Blade". Followed in 1980 by "Bad Boys (Of Rock & Roll) / Lady's Boy". Both were released on a label called "Twisted Sister Records".
In 1980, with only a few months left in their deal with that company remaining, they wanted to release another single quickly. They had two songs for consideration. One was "Bad Boys (Of Rock & Roll)". The other was a song that Dee Snider had just started writing called "We're Not Gonna Take It". "We're Not Gonna Take It" was not completed yet. Dee Snider had the chorus lyrics and instrumental tracks, but could not think of the verse lyrics. The song was forgotten for a while.
During the following years the band gained popularity in the US. Releasing, on March 28March 28 is the 87th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (88th in Leap years). There are 278 days remaining. Events 800-1899 845 Paris is sacked by Viking raiders, probably under Ragnar Lodbrok, who collects a huge ransom in exchange for leaving., 1982Events January January 6 William Bonin is convicted of being the "freeway killer". January 8 AT&T agrees to divest itself of twenty-two subdivisions January 11 Mark Thatcher, son of the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, disappears in the Sahara du the EP "Ruff Cuts" and their debut album Under The Blade on September 18September 18 is the 261st day of the year (262nd in leap years). There are 104 days remaining. Events 96 Nerva elevated as Roman Emperor after Domitian was stabbed to death. 323 Constantine the Great decisively defeats Licinius in the Battle of Chrysopoli, 1982Events January January 6 William Bonin is convicted of being the "freeway killer". January 8 AT&T agrees to divest itself of twenty-two subdivisions January 11 Mark Thatcher, son of the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, disappears in the Sahara du. Both were released on a British label, "Secret Records". Under The Blade became a cult classic spawning the title track, which was being compared with Iron Maiden's superhit "The Number Of The Beast", released in the same year. The album also contained "Tear It Loose", a very fast speed metal song, which is still called one of the fastest songs ever made. It particularly shows drummer A. J. Pero 's stunning drum skills. However, it was not until 1982, during a tour in the U.K., that they were noticed by Atlantic Records and offered a contract. On June 27June 27 is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 187 days remaining. Events 1709 Peter the Great defeats Charles XII of Sweden at the Battle of Poltava. 1759 General James Wolfe starts siege of Quebec. 1844 Joseph, 1983Events January January 1 Beat Raaflaub became Basel Boys Choir's new conductor January 1 the ARPANET officially changes to use the Internet Protocol, creating the Internet. January 1 compulsory wearing of seat belts becomes law in the UK. January 2 The mu Twisted Sister released their second album You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll, and on May 10May 10 is the 130th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (131st in leap years). There are 235 days remaining. Events 1291 Scottish nobles recognize the authority of King Edward I of England. 1497 Amerigo Vespucci allegedly leaves Cadiz for his first, 1984 their most successful album ever Stay Hungry was released.
Stay Hungry sold over four million copies by the summer of 1985. Its first single "We're Not Gonna Take It", (a song that took Dee Snider three years to write) made #21 on the singles chart. After, the success of the album, the band toured with Iron Maiden which was a very successful tour. However, it was also the start of a feud between the two legendary bands, which would last till Iron Maiden's 2000 album "Brave New World".
They were singled out by the PMRC in 1985. Twisted Sister songs " Under the Blade " and "We're Not Gonna Take It" were specifically mentioned in the Senate hearing. Lead singer Dee Snider was one of the few musicians to testified before Congress in the September 19, 1985 hearings.
They released their fourth album, Come Out And Play on November 9, 1985. For it they, again covered "Leader Of The Pack",a song they had already covered in 1982, for the Ruff Cuts EP.
Joe Franco replaced A.J. Pero on drums in 1987. Reportedly, Dee Snider had also approached future Iron Maiden guitarist Janick Gers, but it did not work out. They released their fifth album Love Is For Suckers on August 13, 1987. It would be their last album. Almost two months later, on October 12, 1987 Dee left the band. The others in the band chose not to attempt replacing him.
Twisted Sister reunited, once again in 1999, after which they released some live recordings, which saw them going back to the Metal roots sound.