Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Music Box • Musician

Dee Snider

Dee Snider is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and radio personality best known as the lead vocalist and principal songwriter of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Dee Snider is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and radio personality best known as the lead vocalist of Twisted Sister. He rose to fame in the 1980s with anthems like "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock."

What it is

Dee Snider (born March 15, 1955, in Massapequa, New York) is the frontman and principal songwriter of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister. His career spans music, acting, and radio, and he is a notable figure in glam metal and shock rock.

Why it matters

Snider became a cultural touchstone in the 1980s for his outspoken defense of free expression, testifying before the U.S. PMRC in 1985 against music censorship. His songs remain staples of classic rock radio in Canada and beyond.

Key details

Snider wrote or co-wrote Twisted Sister's biggest hits. He has also worked as an actor and composer. His influence extends to Canadian audiences through tour legacy and continued airplay of 1980s hard rock.

In short

  • Lead singer and songwriter of Twisted Sister.
  • Known for hits "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock."
  • Testified against music censorship in 1985.
  • Active in music, acting, and radio since the 1970s.
Canadian angle

Dee Snider has toured and remained visible in North American rock culture, which includes a substantial Canadian audience for classic hard rock and heavy metal. His influence is most relevant in Canada through Twisted Sister's continued airplay, concert legacy, and broader 1980s rock nostalgia.

Quick questions

Who is Dee Snider?
Dee Snider is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and radio personality best known as the lead vocalist of Twisted Sister.
What are Dee Snider's best-known songs?
He is especially associated with "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock."
Has Dee Snider worked outside music?
Yes. Sources identify him as an actor, composer, and media personality, with credits in film, television, and related entertainment projects.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dee_Snider
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, and identification as former lead singer and songwriter of Twisted Sister.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0811124/
    Supports: Birth date/place, occupations, marriage, children, and entertainment credits.
  3. AllMusic — https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dee-snider-mn0000226299
    Supports: Biography identifying him as a rock vocalist best known for Twisted Sister.
  4. iHeart — https://www.iheart.com/artist/dee-snider-282838/
    Supports: Career overview, Twisted Sister success, and 1985 censorship testimony.
  5. Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/Shut-Up-Give-Me-Mic/dp/145163739X
    Supports: Memoir description and association with Twisted Sister hits.