The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Musician›Dee Snider
Entertainment • Musician

Dee Snider

Dee Snider is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and radio personality best known as the lead vocalist and principal songwriter of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dee Snider is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and radio personality best known as the lead vocalist and principal songwriter of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister. He became widely known in the 1980s for songs including "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock."

Early life

Dee Snider was born in the New York area on March 15, 1955. Public biographies differ slightly on the exact birthplace, with sources naming Massapequa, Long Island, or Astoria, Queens.

Twisted Sister

Snider joined Twisted Sister in the mid-1970s and became its best-known lead singer and chief songwriter. The band achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with songs such as "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock."

Other work

Beyond Twisted Sister, Snider has worked as an actor, composer, and radio or television personality. IMDb and other biographies list film, television, and stage-related credits, including appearances connected to music and entertainment projects.

Public profile

Snider became known for his outspoken personality and role in the 1980s debate over music censorship. Contemporary descriptions often note his distinctive stage image and influence on heavy metal performance style.

Key facts

  • Dee Snider is the frontman and primary songwriter of Twisted Sister.
  • He was born on March 15, 1955, in the New York area.
  • He is best known for songs like "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock."
  • Snider testified against censorship before the U.S. PMRC in 1985.
  • He has also worked as an actor, composer, and radio personality.
🍁
Canadian context

Dee Snider has toured and remained visible in North American rock culture, which includes a substantial Canadian audience for classic hard rock and heavy metal. His influence is most relevant in Canada through Twisted Sister's continued airplay, concert legacy, and broader 1980s rock nostalgia.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Dee Snider?
Dee Snider is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and radio personality best known as the lead vocalist of Twisted Sister.
When was Dee Snider born?
He was born on March 15, 1955.
What band is Dee Snider associated with?
He is most closely associated with Twisted Sister, where he served as lead singer and a principal songwriter.
What are Dee Snider's best-known songs?
He is especially associated with "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock."
Has Dee Snider worked outside music?
Yes. Sources identify him as an actor, composer, and media personality, with credits in film, television, and related entertainment projects.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dee_Snider
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, and identification as former lead singer and songwriter of Twisted Sister.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0811124/
    Supports: Birth date/place, occupations, marriage, children, and entertainment credits.
  3. AllMusic — https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dee-snider-mn0000226299
    Supports: Biography identifying him as a rock vocalist best known for Twisted Sister.
  4. iHeart — https://www.iheart.com/artist/dee-snider-282838/
    Supports: Career overview, Twisted Sister success, and 1985 censorship testimony.
  5. Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/Shut-Up-Give-Me-Mic/dp/145163739X
    Supports: Memoir description and association with Twisted Sister hits.