Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” is one of the most iconic music videos of the 1980s. The video, released in 1984, features a cast of memorable characters who help tell the story of a young boy standing up against his strict father.
The Band: Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister was formed in 1972 by guitarist Jay Jay French. The band’s most famous lineup included lead singer Dee Snider, guitarists Eddie Ojeda and Jay Jay French, bassist Mark Mendoza, and drummer A.J. Pero.
The band was known for their outrageous stage costumes and makeup, as well as their high-energy live shows. They released several successful albums in the 1980s, including “Stay Hungry,” which featured the hit single “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”
The Story of the Video
The “We’re Not Gonna Take It” music video tells the story of a young boy who rebels against his strict father. The father is played by actor Mark Metcalf, who is best known for his role as Neidermeyer in the movie “Animal House.”
The video features several memorable scenes, including the boy using a guitar to knock a plate of food out of his father’s hand and the family dining table being flipped over during a food fight.
The Cast
The “We’re Not Gonna Take It” music video features a cast of memorable characters, including:
Dee Snider
Dee Snider is the lead singer of Twisted Sister and plays a supporting role in the video as the boy’s mentor.
Mark Metcalf
Mark Metcalf plays the boy’s strict father in the video. He is best known for his role as Neidermeyer in the movie “Animal House.”
Alison Stern
Alison Stern plays the boy’s mother in the video. She is a model and actress, and is also the ex-wife of radio personality Howard Stern.
Robert Englund
Robert Englund plays a teacher in the video. He is best known for his role as Freddy Krueger in the “Nightmare on Elm Street” movie series.
Donna D’Errico
Donna D’Errico plays a student in the video. She later became famous as a cast member on the television show “Baywatch.”
The Legacy of the Video
The “We’re Not Gonna Take It” music video is still a beloved classic of the 1980s. It has been parodied and referenced in numerous movies and television shows, and has even been used in political campaigns.
The video is also notable for its anti-censorship message. Dee Snider testified before Congress in 1985 about the importance of freedom of speech in music, and the video helped to raise awareness of the issue.
Conclusion
The “We’re Not Gonna Take It” music video is a classic of the 1980s, and its cast of memorable characters helped to make it an enduring favorite. From Dee Snider’s mentor character to Mark Metcalf’s strict father, the video tells a story that has resonated with fans for decades.
