We’re Not Gonna Take It (MTV Version)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins "We're Not Gonna Take It (MTV Version)" by Twisted Sister from their iconic album Stay Hungry! This anthem of rebellion, released in 1984, became a cultural phenomenon, thanks in part to its unforgettable music video. Directed by Marty Callner, the video features actor Mark Metcalf, known for his role as Neidermeyer in National Lampoon's Animal House, playing a tyrannical father who berates his son with the line, "What do you want to do with your life?" The response, "I wanna rock!" delivered in Dee Snider’s voice, kicks off the song as the son transforms into Snider, blasting the father out a window with his guitar. The slapstick comedy, with the band wreaking havoc on the family, drew both laughs and controversy, landing the song on the Parents Music Resource Center’s "Filthy Fifteen" list for alleged violent lyrics—a charge Snider fiercely disputed during the 1985 PMRC hearings, where his articulate testimony became legendary.

The song’s creation has its own wild story. Dee Snider, in a 2016 Songfacts interview, revealed that "We're Not Gonna Take It" was inspired by the glam rock band Slade, the punk energy of the Sex Pistols, and, surprisingly, the Christmas carol "O Come, All Ye Faithful," which shares its melodic structure. Snider intentionally kept the lyrics vague, allowing the song to resonate universally as an anthem against authority, from parents to bosses to oppressive systems. This versatility has led to its use in diverse settings, from sports events to political rallies, though Snider has been vocal about unauthorized uses. In 2022, he tweeted on X, calling out far-right activists for singing it, emphasizing his progressive values and the song’s true spirit. The song’s global impact is evident in moments like Ukrainian protesters using it during the 2022 Russian invasion, with Snider’s public approval.

Another fun tidbit: the video’s young son was played by Dax Callner, the director’s son, who later became a rock singer himself. The song’s cultural footprint extends to covers by artists like Bif Naked and parodies, such as a Mexican commercial reworking it as "Huevos con Aceite." Its rebellious energy even caught the attention of Australian politician Clive Palmer, who used it in a 2019 campaign without permission, leading to a $1.5 million copyright infringement lawsuit in 2021, as reported on Wikipedia. The song’s raw power and the band’s theatrical flair made it a staple of ‘80s metal, ranking No. 47 on the 100 Greatest 80’s Songs and No. 21 on VH1’s 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the 80s.

Twisted Sister began their journey in 1972 in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, originally as a band called Silver Star. After several lineup changes, they settled on their classic roster in 1982: Dee Snider (lead vocals), Jay Jay French (guitars), Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda (guitars), Mark "The Animal" Mendoza (bass), and A.J. Pero (drums). The band, later based in Long Island, New York, built a loyal following through relentless club performances in the New York area, known for their outrageous glam-metal look—complete with makeup, wild hairstyles, and women’s clothing, though Snider rejected the "glam metal" label. Their first album, Under the Blade (1982), gained underground traction, followed by You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll (1983). It was Stay Hungry in 1984, with hits like "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock," that catapulted them to international fame, selling over three million copies. Despite later struggles with less successful albums and a 1988 disbandment, the band reunited in the late ‘90s and continued performing until their farewell tour in 2016, following Pero’s death in 2015.

Stay connected with Twisted Sister through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates and throwbacks to their rebellious legacy. Fans can also dive into the community at sites like Encyclopaedia Metallum or join discussions on Twisted Sister fan groups on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for the band’s larger-than-life persona and anthems that still inspire defiance.