We're Not Gonna Take It

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the volume with Twisted Sister's anthem "We're Not Gonna Take It" from their compilation album Big Hits And Nasty Cuts, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks out there ready to rebel! This 1984 hit from the Stay Hungry album is more than just a fist-pumping classic—it’s a cultural juggernaut. Written by frontman Dee Snider, the song reached #21 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Twisted Sister’s only Top 40 single. Its iconic music video, packed with slapstick humor and over-the-top defiance, became an MTV staple, though it stirred controversy for depicting rebellion against authority figures, drawing ire from conservative groups. Fun fact: the song’s rebellious spirit made it a go-to anthem for real-world causes. After the September 11 attacks, U.S. radio stations blasted it to express national outrage, and in 2003, it was the campaign anthem for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s successful bid for California governor. Even across the pond, Swedish fans of the soccer team Djurgårdens IF repurposed the tune in 2004 to chant “Stick från vår arena” (Leave our arena) when their rivals played at their stadium.

But the song’s legacy doesn’t stop there. In a hilarious twist, satirical site The Onion once ran a piece titled “Members Of Twisted Sister Now Willing To Take It,” which Dee Snider called both “hilarious” and “flattering” on The Howard Stern Show. The track also found its way into pop culture, from being played by a marching band in the 2001 Disney flick Max Keeble’s Big Move to featuring in a 2007 Bee Movie commercial. Gamers might recall rocking out to it in 2008’s Guitar Hero: On Tour for the Nintendo DS or in Rock Revolution. And here’s a quirky tidbit: in Norway, fans of soccer player Torstein Helstad sang their own version, “Vi har Torstein Helstad” (We have Torstein Helstad), to the song’s tune during the 2007 Tippeligaen season. With its universal call to stand up and fight back, it’s no wonder this track still gets the Zoo Freaks fired up.

Twisted Sister’s journey to becoming heavy metal legends started in 1972 in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, under the name Silver Star, later relocating to Long Island, New York. Founded by guitarist Jay Jay French, the band initially drew inspiration from David Bowie’s glam rock but evolved into a harder-edged sound when Dee Snider joined in 1976, taking over songwriting and steering them toward a raw, aggressive style. The classic lineup solidified in 1982 with French and Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda on guitars, Snider on vocals, Mark “The Animal” Mendoza on bass, and A.J. Pero on drums. Their early years were gritty, grinding through Long Island’s bar scene in the 1970s, building a loyal following of fans called “SMFs” (Sick Motherf***ers). By 1982, after multiple lineup changes and a trip to the UK to sign with Secret Records, they released their debut album, Under the Blade, an underground hit with a raw, speed-metal edge. Their breakthrough came with 1984’s Stay Hungry, propelled by “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock,” selling over three million copies. Snider’s rejection of the “glam metal” label—he famously called the band “hid” (hideous) rather than glamorous—set them apart, blending shock tactics inspired by Alice Cooper with influences from Slade, AC/DC, and Judas Priest.

Want to dive deeper into Twisted Sister’s world? Check out their official website for the latest news and merch. Stay connected with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share updates and throwbacks to their wild days. Fans can also join the conversation at fan-run sites like Metal Storm or connect with fellow SMFs in the Twisted Sister Fans Facebook group, a hub for diehards sharing memories, rare photos, and tour stories. Whether you’re a longtime Zoo Freak or just discovering the band, Twisted Sister’s raw energy and rebellious spirit are sure to keep the party going.