Dee Snider, in a new X5 podcast interview, recounted the unusual dynamic that led him to write and ultimately “own” every Twisted Sister song. Joining an existing band, he found himself surrounded by older guys – Bronx-born New Yorkers with a rough-and-tumble attitude. He, the wide-eyed suburban newcomer with a voice, was treated like the kid. This alienation, though (friendships blossom later!), fueled his desire to write alone. ‘I tried to write with them and they didn’t write with me,’ Dee recounted. ‘So I wound up writing and became very by myself and alone, working on these songs. I never felt like something I shared.’
He continued, ‘I’d go in and say, “This is the guitar part. This is the drum part.” And I would tell everybody what to do – not solos and stuff, but I very much was coming in as a loner with my songs. So I never felt the compunction, like, “Oh, I should be sharing these songs with these guys because of all the hard work they’re putting in.” Nope. They were out partying and having a good time while I was not getting high and working on song after song after song after song.’
Snider’s dedication to his craft, coupled with the band’s disinterest in songwriting, ultimately led him to become the sole creative force behind Twisted Sister’s music. His determination and talent paved the way for the band’s iconic status and his own legendary career.
