Dee Snider, the former frontman of the popular ’80s glam rock band Twisted Sister, is embarking on a fresh endeavor in his post-rock stardom life.
In a departure from his musical career, Snider has recently unveiled his debut novel titled “Frats.” The book delves into the chaotic, harsh, and testosterone-driven world of high school fraternities in 1970s Long Island, New York, the very same place where Snider grew up.
This foray into the realm of writing adds to Snider’s already diverse repertoire, which includes stints as a radio disc jockey, a voiceover artist for television, a Broadway actor, and even a horror film writer. Not to mention his well-known role as the flamboyant, cross-dressing frontman of Twisted Sister, recognized for their popular hits “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.”
“I thrive on constant novelty and intriguing experiences; that’s what drives me,” Snider remarked. “I seek out challenges that keep me engaged.”
The inspiration for his writing career sparked when Snider conceived the script for Twisted Sister’s breakthrough music video, “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” released in 1984. The video portrayed a stern father berating his rebellious teenage son, who subsequently transforms into Snider and hilariously retaliates against his paternal figure in a cartoonish manner.
Snider revealed that he embarked on a self-taught writing journey, dedicating himself to the craft. While others were out partying in 1984, he found himself secluded in dressing rooms or hotel rooms, diligently honing his writing skills. Unlike some singers who rely on ghostwriters or simply decide to publish a book, Snider emphasized his commitment to the art of writing.
Drawing a comparison to Vince Neil, the lead vocalist of Motley Crüe, Snider took a swipe at him, highlighting his own capabilities as more than just a singer. He referred to his appearance before the U.S. Senate in Washington, where he passionately defended heavy metal against claims that it promoted violence and posed a threat to children. Snider asserted that he possesses the ability to construct coherent sentences and effectively express himself.
In his autobiography, titled “Shut Up and Give Me The Mic,” Snider encountered a common challenge faced by many writers: the role of editors. His editor initially requested a 315-page book, but Snider had already written 700 pages and was still not finished.
“They cut it in half,” he lamented. “I refer to it as ‘killing babies.’ You may have a brilliant section for a book, but sometimes sacrifices must be made.”
Snider proudly affirms that he wrote “Frats” entirely on his own, without any external assistance. The novel immerses readers in the lives of a group of high school friends as they face the challenges presented by fraternity culture, the overwhelming need to fit in, and the extreme risks they take in pursuit of acceptance. The protagonist, Bobby Kovacs, draws inspiration from Snider’s personal encounters during his own high school days in Baldwin, New York. The narrative explores the complex dynamics and experiences that shape these characters’ lives, echoing Snider’s own recollections from his youth.
For astute Twisted Sister fans, there are hidden Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the book that may catch their attention. One such example is the fictional reporter named Mark Segall, whose name cleverly combines the first name of Twisted Sister’s bassist, Mark “The Animal” Mendoza, and the last name of guitarist Jay Jay French (born John Segall). This subtle nod pays homage to the band’s members.
In another nod to Snider’s personal history, the band featured at the high school prom in the novel is called Dusk. The protagonist, Kovacs, mentions that the singer of Dusk went on to achieve considerable fame. Dusk was, in fact, Snider’s real-life high school band, and their lead singer did indeed experience significant success.
Recently, Snider, who is now 68 years old, made headlines when his support of a tweet by Kiss singer Paul Stanley, which expressed reservations about juveniles undergoing sex reassignment surgery, resulted in the cancellation of Snider’s planned appearance at the San Francisco Pride parade. The decision was reached mutually between Snider and the organizers of SF Pride.
Regarding the incident, Snider shared, “I read Paul’s statement, and I found myself in agreement with his perspective that kids may not be prepared to make such decisions.” Recognizing the potential impact his presence could have, he proactively approached SF Pride and suggested that he withdraw from the event, acknowledging their differing viewpoints and expressing his support for them to avoid any potential complications or controversy.
Snider emphasizes the importance of not alienating supporters and allies, recognizing that it is unrealistic to expect everyone to agree on every single issue. He acknowledges his support for both the transgender and gay communities, highlighting his own experiences of embracing self-expression and inspiring countless individuals to be true to themselves, even dressing in drag.
On Twitter, Snider expressed his willingness to educate himself further, demonstrating a desire to become a better ally. Suzanne Ford, the executive director of SF Pride, responded positively to this declaration, appreciating Snider’s commitment to learning about the issues affecting the transgender community. She emphasizes that understanding and education are crucial since each person’s story and experiences are unique, making it a nuanced conversation.
While Twisted Sister officially retired in 2016 and currently has no plans for a comeback, Snider admits that the idea of returning to the stage in makeup and costumes, particularly in states where drag shows attended by children have been banned, is enticing to him. He suggests that such an act would be a form of defiance or a playful gesture to challenge the restrictive policies. Snider acknowledges that what they accomplished during their career would not be permitted in certain states due to the bans on such performances.