Love is for Suckers (Wildcard Remaster)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track "Love is for Suckers (Wildcard Remaster)" by Poison Dollys, a standout from their self-titled album, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song has a fascinating history, originally penned by Marky Carter, whose version some fans argue outshines both the Poison Dollys' and Twisted Sister's renditions. In a SonicHits thread, a band member revealed that Carter was connected to their management and pitched the song, which the Dollys instantly loved, making it the only track on their debut album they didn’t write themselves. The song’s raw energy and defiant lyrics, like “Love is for suckers, love is for dreamers,” captured the band’s gritty ethos, resonating with fans who saw them open for heavyweights like Aerosmith.

Adding to the song’s lore, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister purchased the rights to "Love is for Suckers" and altered its original lyrics for their 1987 album, a move that sparked debate among fans. A comment on SonicHits claims Snider’s changes diluted Carter’s vision, though Twisted Sister’s version became a cult classic. On a Reddit thread in the r/hairmetal community, fans praised the Poison Dollys’ version for its raw edge, with one user noting lead guitarist Gina Stile’s “intricate and crunchy” hooks. Another fan shared a story of seeing the band perform the song live, describing the crowd’s wild energy as the Dollys owned the stage with their fierce, unapologetic vibe.

Poison Dollys kicked off their journey in 1981 on Long Island, New York, as an all-female heavy metal band determined to carve their place in a male-dominated scene. Fronted by vocalist Velena La Leuce (aka Roulette, real name Amy Brammer), the lineup featured keyboardist Hot Dot Ravish, drummer Jewel, bassist Mad Mef D’Terror (Mef Manning, real name Mary Ellen Felicione), and guitarist Gigi Taris (Gina Stile, real name Gina Tagliente). Their slick hard rock sound, blending Pat Benatar-esque vocals with heavy riffs, quickly built a loyal local following. By 1983, they played their first show, and after drummer Gail Kenny replaced Jewel and the keyboardist departed, the band’s tighter, heavier sound caught the attention of labels. Their 1985 self-titled debut album, featuring "Love is for Suckers," won critics over and led to tours with bands like Nazareth and Motörhead.

The band’s relentless drive took them from East Coast clubs to a 1988 move to Los Angeles, chasing bigger opportunities. They even appeared as themselves in the 1988 film The Rejuvinator, cementing their cult status. Though they never achieved mainstream stardom, their influence endures among hair metal fans, with their music available on platforms like Apple Music. For the latest on Poison Dollys, check their official page on Last.fm, as no dedicated band website exists. Their social media presence is limited, but you can connect with fans on Facebook fan groups or follow discussions on X. Fan-driven content also pops up on Instagram under hashtags like #PoisonDollys, where Zoo Freaks and metalheads keep the band’s legacy alive.