Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider recently addressed fan criticism comparing his style to KISS’s Gene Simmons. He responded to the claims in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The exchange began when a fan commented on Snider’s signature “I Wanna Rock” battle cry. The fan suggested similarities to KISS’s approach. The fan’s comment stated: “Oh, Dee, your ‘I Wanna Rock’ battle cry? Sounds like you just rewrote KISS’s ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ and cranked the hairspray. Nice try, but we all know you were channeling Gene Simmons’ swagger.”
Snider responded by clarifying his actual musical influences. He pointed to a shared inspiration between himself and Simmons.
“I do? And all this time I thought my hero was Alice Cooper!” Snider said. “By the way, Gene Simmons is a disciple of Alice too!”
The response highlights the influence of shock rock pioneer Alice Cooper on both metal frontmen. It suggests a common musical lineage rather than direct imitation.
Snider’s claim about his influences reflects the broader musical landscape that shaped both artists during their formative years. The comparison between the two frontmen overlooks the distinct evolutionary paths their respective bands took in developing their sounds and stage personas.
Simply Stick reported that Twisted Sister initially emerged with glam rock influences reminiscent of the New York Dolls. The band evolved into a heavier, more aggressive metal sound under Snider’s leadership in the mid-1970s. This musical progression demonstrates that Snider’s approach blended glam with early Black Sabbath-style heaviness. It created a distinct identity separate from KISS’s theatrical rock approach.
The punk movement also played a significant role in shaping Snider’s artistic vision. Far Out Magazine noted that Snider acknowledges the Sex Pistols’ “Never Mind The Bollocks” as a favorite album that influenced some of Twisted Sister’s anthemic and rebellious spirit. This influence is particularly evident in tracks like “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” This punk edge added another layer to Snider’s style that distinguished it from the more polished theatrical elements associated with KISS.
Both Snider and Simmons drew from the same well of inspiration that Alice Cooper had established in the early 1970s. Cooper’s pioneering work in shock rock and theatrical performance created a template that influenced numerous artists who followed. The shared influence explains certain similarities between KISS and Twisted Sister. It highlights that both artists were part of a broader movement rather than one copying the other.
Snider’s musical influences extended beyond just shock rock pioneers. They incorporated elements from various genres that helped create Twisted Sister’s unique sound. This diverse musical palette refutes the notion that he was simply imitating Gene Simmons’ approach. It demonstrates how multiple artists can draw from similar sources while developing their own distinct artistic identities.
