I Wanna Rock (MTV Version)

The song I Wanna Rock by Twisted Sister, featured on their 1984 album Stay Hungry, is a hard rock anthem that captures the rebellious spirit of the era. Written by lead singer Dee Snider, the track was crafted with a deliberate blend of influences, combining the galloping rhythms of Iron Maiden with the anthemic quality of AC/DC and Slade. In an interview with Songfacts, Snider explained that he aimed to create a "f--king huge hit" by merging these elements, a goal he achieved as the song peaked at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple on MTV. The music video, directed by Marty Callner, is notable for its comedic narrative featuring actor Mark Metcalf reprising his Animal House character Neidermeyer as a tyrannical teacher. The video's slapstick humor, including Metcalf crashing through floors and being crowdsurfed by fans, amplified the song’s rebellious message. A fun piece of trivia from a fan on Songfacts notes that the word "rock" is repeated 78 times in the song, a testament to its high-energy, sing-along appeal.

The music video for I Wanna Rock also includes a nod to Animal House with actor Stephen Furst appearing as the school principal, reprising his role as Flounder. Furst’s character sprays Metcalf with a seltzer bottle, echoing a line from the film: "Oh boy, is this great!" This connection to the cult classic added a layer of pop culture resonance, making the video a hit with MTV audiences. In 2008, Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French recorded a parody version titled I Want Barack to support Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, showcasing the song’s adaptability. Additionally, WYMG highlights that Christian Beach recorded a bluegrass cover for a 2008 hair band tribute album, and the song has been featured in video games like Guitar Hero Smash Hits and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, cementing its cultural staying power.

Twisted Sister began in the early 1970s in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, before relocating to Long Island, New York. Formed by guitarist Jay Jay French in 1972, the band went through several lineup changes before Dee Snider joined in 1976, bringing his songwriting prowess and theatrical energy. Initially a glam rock outfit, they evolved into a heavy metal act with a distinctive look—marked by outrageous makeup and costumes—that set them apart from the hedonistic glam metal scene of the 1980s. Their early years were spent building a cult following through relentless gigging in New York clubs, as noted in their Wikipedia bio. Their first album, Under the Blade (1982), gained underground traction, followed by You Can’t Stop Rock ’n’ Roll (1983). The breakthrough came with Stay Hungry in 1984, driven by the success of We’re Not Gonna Take It and I Wanna Rock, which propelled them to international fame.

Fans can connect with Twisted Sister through their official Facebook page, Instagram account, and X profile, where updates on legacy projects and merchandise are shared. The band’s official website, twistedsister.com, offers a deep dive into their discography, history, and merchandise. For fan communities, the Twisted Sister Fans SMF Facebook group is a vibrant space where "Zoo Freaks" can share memories, discuss the band’s impact, and celebrate songs like I Wanna Rock. Another fan-driven site, Twisted Sister Fans, provides news, forums, and archival content for dedicated followers.