Dee Snider | #006 The Kenny Aronoff Sessions

Another certified rock legend joins Kenny on today’s podcast - Dee Snider, lead singer of the iconic Twisted Sister. An unrivaled titan in the world of rock and roll, Dee has become a beacon of resilience, grit, and relentless determination, as, throughout his extensive career, he has forged his path to success through sheer dedication and perseverance. From captivating audiences as the frontman of Twisted Sister to conquering various creative endeavors, including radio hosting, television appearances, voiceovers, and acting, Dee Snider has truly done it all, and is ready to share it with listeners here today.

Together, he and Kenny delve deeply into the dynamic role of a frontman, the criticality of teamwork within a band, and the intricate interplay between personal aspirations and familial dynamics. They candidly discuss the financial struggles Dee and his family experienced, the complexities of record deals, and the stark disparity between people’s perceptions of the industry and the actual profits earned by artists. Perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion are discussed as our duo emphasize the importance of recognizing one's purpose in life, fueling the determination to overcome setbacks, and consistently pushing oneself toward greatness. As the episode reaches its crescendo, one message remains crystal clear: success in the music industry does not always guarantee lifelong security; it often necessitates adapting and channeling one's energy and skills into new ventures and seizing opportunities - excellent advice that can be applied in beyond music to virtually all aspects of life.

Episode Highlights:

• Dee Snider as both a team leader and team player
• Twisted Sister’s evolution and the We Are Twisted Fucking Sister! documentary
• Dee’s parents and their perspective on his career
• The truth of the music business
• Dee’s response to losing everything
• Dee and Kenny’s writing careers, adaptability, and life lessons
• Dee’s favorite pursuit these days
• Dee and Kenny’s drive to always ‘do better’
• How they motivate others
• How Dee’s marriage has survived through both good times and bad

Quotes:

"Everything Dee has accomplished, he accomplished because he made it happen."

"You're like a team leader, but you're a team player too.”

“I'll never be as great as I want to be, but I'm willing to spend my entire life trying to be as great as I can be.”

“Never lose that feeling you had when you were down and out and starving and struggling.”

"He came from a different time in a different era. And in this strange way, he thought he was protecting me. He thought that I was headed for a fall."

"In order to collaborate with somebody, you've got to be able to connect with them and communicate."

"It's surprising what you can achieve, what you can do. So now I'm like a real estate mogul, which is nuts."

“It's not just becoming great, it's the process, the journey, and what you learn to get there. And you're never going to learn everything. There's always more to learn."

“Just got to get back up and keep fighting.”

"‘You’re home,’ she'll say, 'leave your cool at the door. You're a dad, you're a husband, I don't want any of that rockstar BS.'"

“The best thing that ever happened to me was losing everything.”

Links:

Kenny Aronoff

Dee Snider