Classic Music Saved Me with Dee Snider

Summary

Podcast Title: takin' a walk
Episode: Classic Music Saved Me with Dee Snider
Release Date: June 1, 2025
Host: Lynn Hoffman
Guest: Dee Snider, Frontman of Twisted Sister

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Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of takin' a walk, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with rock legend Dee Snider, best known as the charismatic frontman of the iconic 1980s band Twisted Sister. The conversation delves deep into how music has been a lifeline for both Dee and countless fans, exploring personal anecdotes, the broader impact of his work, and reflections on his enduring legacy.

Music as a Lifeline: Dee's Personal Journey

[03:37 – 06:43]

Dee Snider opens up about his early life and the pivotal role music played in shaping his identity. Despite his father's ban on television, Dee was profoundly influenced by the Beatles' appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. "[...] that such was the effect of the Beatles' appearance that just people talking about it made me want to be a Beatle, which turned out you couldn't be that, so I had to be a rock star" ([04:34]).

As a teenager feeling like a background player, Dee found empowerment in hard rock music. Bands like Cream, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath became his refuge and source of strength. This immersion in music not only fueled his ambition but also instilled in him the determination to make his voice heard. "That intensity of that music empowered me and gave me the strength, saved me" ([04:50]).

Impact on Others: Stories of Salvation

[10:44 – 12:38]

Lynn Hoffman brings attention to the profound influence Dee's music has had on his audience, prompting Dee to share a particularly moving story. He recounts an email from a kayaker who, inspired by Dee's album Stay Hungry, designed an air bladder life vest that ultimately saved seven lives. "If I hadn't heard your words, stay hungry, and we're not going to take it, I wouldn't have stuck with it. And now my invention's a reality and it is saving lives" ([10:58]). This story underscores the tangible, life-saving impact that music can have beyond entertainment.

Connecting with Fans: Emotional Encounters

[13:22 – 16:55]

Dee discusses his interactions with fans, emphasizing the emotional connections formed through his music. He describes how meeting fans, often in tears, validates his purpose: "They're completely missing the point of the song" ([16:30]), referring to how some misinterpret his empowering messages as mere rebellious slogans. Despite occasional misunderstandings, Dee remains committed to engaging with fans, valuing each personal story shared with him. "I'm honored and I'm touched" ([16:30]) encapsulates his gratitude for these meaningful exchanges.

The Role of Music in Dee's Multifaceted Career

[17:03 – 19:20]

While Dee has explored various avenues beyond music—such as acting, voiceover work, radio hosting, and writing—he attributes his diverse career to the foundation music provided. "It was the music that lifted me up and drove me forward" ([17:25]). Music remains the cornerstone of his identity, enabling him to branch out into other creative fields while maintaining a strong connection to his roots as a musician.

Creating anthems: Crafting Timeless Music

[19:20 – 24:00]

Lynn inquires about the moment Dee recognized the true impact of his music. Dee reflects on the meticulous craft of songwriting and the euphoria of seeing his anthems resonate with audiences. A defining moment was when multiple radio stations simultaneously began playing "We're Not Gonna Take It," signaling Twisted Sister's arrival on the global stage. "That moment where I knew we arrived... that was the moment" ([24:00]).

Global Influence and Legacy

[25:40 – 31:06]

Dee shares anecdotes illustrating the global reach of his music, including how Israeli and Ukrainian soldiers have adopted "We're Not Gonna Take It" as a battle cry. "We're not going to take it in some foreign language" ([26:51]) showcases the universal appeal and motivational power of his work. Reflecting on his legacy, Dee expresses pride in his songs' enduring presence and their ability to inspire resilience and empowerment across generations and cultures. "If I leave that legacy, and a song that inspires people and empowers people to push back... it's a [work] Done" ([29:23]).

Closing Reflections

As the conversation winds down, Dee and Lynn reminisce about their personal rapport and mutual dedication to using their platforms for positive impact. Dee hints at future projects, including a graphic novel and potential film adaptations, underscoring his ongoing commitment to creativity and influence. The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments of Dee's contributions to music and the lives he has touched through his art.

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Notable Quotes:

• Dee Snider: "That intensity of that music empowered me and gave me the strength, saved me." ([04:50])

• Dee Snider: "If I hadn't heard your words, stay hungry, and we're not going to take it, I wouldn't have stuck with it. And now my invention's a reality and it is saving lives." ([10:58])

• Dee Snider: "We're not going to take it" has been adopted by soldiers worldwide as a symbol of resilience." ([26:51])

• Dee Snider: "It was the music that lifted me up and drove me forward." ([17:25])

• Dee Snider: "If I leave that legacy, and a song that inspires people and empowers people to push back... it's a Done." ([29:23])

Conclusion

This episode of takin' a walk offers an intimate glimpse into Dee Snider's life, highlighting how music serves as both a personal sanctuary and a beacon of hope for others. Through his candid storytelling and reflections, Dee illustrates the profound and lasting impact that music can have, transcending boundaries and saving lives.

Transcript

[Lynn Hoffman]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Dee Snider]

Hey Drew Scott here, letting you know why I recently joined the board of an amazing nonprofit, A Sense of home. For 10 years this charity has been creating homes for young people exiting foster care. It's an incredible organization. Just days into the LA fires, they moved mountains to launch a new emergency relief program providing fully functional home environments for those who lost everything in the fires.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Please get involved, sign up to volunteer.

[Dee Snider]

Donate furniture, or even donate funds. You can go to ascentsofhome.org to find out more information. Together we can our LA community rebuild. It takes all of us why is a soap opera Western like Yellowstone so wildly successful? The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. So join me starting Tuesday, May 6th.

[Michael Kasson]

Where we'll delve into stories of the.

[Dee Snider]

West and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.

[Michael Kasson]

Listen to the American west with Dan.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts.

[Michael Kasson]

Or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Michael Kasson, founder and CEO of 3C Ventures and your guide on Good Company, the podcast where I sit down with the boldest innovators shaping what's next.

[Dee Snider]

In this episode I'm joined by Angelique Sud, CEO of Tubi. We dive into the competitive world of streaming.

[Michael Kasson]

What others dismiss as niche, we embrace as core. There's so many stories out there and if you can find a way to curate and help the right person discover the right content. The term that we always hear from our audience is that they feel seen. Listen to Good company on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lynn Hoffman]

What happens when we come face to face with death?

[Dee Snider]

My truck was blown up by a 20 pound anti tank mine.

[Lynn Hoffman]

My parachute did not deploy.

[Dee Snider]

I was kidnapped by a drug cartel. When we step beyond the edge of what we know, I clinically died. The heart stopped beating, which I was.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Dead for 11.5 minutes.

[Dee Snider]

In return, it's a miracle I was brought back.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Alive Again, a podcast about the strength.

[Dee Snider]

Of the human spirit. Listen to Alive Again on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.

[Michael Kasson]

To your favorite shows.

[Dee Snider]

Looking for your next obsession?

[Michael Kasson]

Listen to High Key, a new weekly podcast hosted by Ben o' Keefe, Ryan Mitchell and Evie. Oddly, we got a lot of things to get into. We're gonna gush about the random stuff we can stop thinking about.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I am High Key going to lose.

[Michael Kasson]

My mind over all things Cowboy Carter.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I know girl.

[Michael Kasson]

The way she about to yank my bank account.

[Dee Snider]

Correct.

[Michael Kasson]

And one thing I really love about this is that she is celebrating her daughters.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, I know.

[Michael Kasson]

Listen to high key on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Music saved me.

[Dee Snider]

That intensity of that music empowered me and. And gave me the strength. Saved me. Otherwise, I would have just. I rem. Took a school aptitude test, and it said, farmer, Farmer. Why did they think that I would farm her? And I go, no, I think it may have been. I think that may have been the starting gun of, like, I will not be a farmer.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Welcome to the Music Saved Me podcast, where we focus on the healing powers of music. I'm your host, Lynn Hoffman, and on this episode, we get to talk with a true rock icon from a legendary band who is also an actor, a television host, a novelist, graphic novelist, syndicated radio talk show host, composer, recent game show host, contestant. The list goes on.

[Dee Snider]

Did we say actor?

[Lynn Hoffman]

I did. I put that in there. But secretly, even though he probably doesn't want me to mention it, he's also one of the kindest and most giving guys I know with an equally incredible family. Dee Snider is best known as the badass frontman of the incredible 80s rock band Twisted Sister. And he also happens to be a dear old friend. Dee Snider, welcome to Music Saved Me.

[Dee Snider]

Lynn, great to be here and thank you for all those kind accolades. It's much appreciated. And yeah, I love to talk about this because, you know, music saved me, and I know my music has saved others, which blows my mind.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yes. Well, just because we go way back and I kind of think of you as a brother from another mother, I think I'm gonna start with the hardest question up front, which is what you were just talking about. Do you remember when music first saved you?

[Dee Snider]

I fell in love with rock and roll after seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. Actually, I didn't see them. I heard about them being there because my dad had banned television in our house. But that such was the effect of the Beatles appearance that just people talking about it made me want to be a Beatle, which turned out you couldn't be that, so I had to be a rock star. But as I started, there was an elementary school at that point. And as. But as I started growing and became this background player character, some, you know, I didn't fit in anywhere. I just wasn't. I knew I had more to offer yet. I just was one of those nobodies in school. And at about 16, I just decided that I was. Would not go silently into the night, and people would hear from me. They wouldn't notice me, and they would. And I had something to say. And it was first the using music to power me and that I was drawn to harder music. It wasn't called heavy metal back then. It was hard rock. So bands like Cream and Hendrix and Mountain and all these bands and. And it started to Grand Funk Railroad and Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. These are rock bands. But that intensity of that music empowered me and gave me the strength, saved me. Otherwise I would have just. I remember I took a school aptitude test and it said, farmer, farmer. Why did they think that I would farmer? And I'm going, no. I think it may have been. I think that may have been the starting gun of like, I will not be a farmer. I'm somebody. I'm going to be somebody. And it was the music that lifted me up and drove me forward.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Now, I recall back after reading your memoir not too long ago, you had mentioned something about you. You always had to shut up and shut up and be good and. And. And sit down and do the right thing and say the right thing. Was there a moment in your childhood when you just decided you weren't going to shut up anymore?

[Dee Snider]

Well, you know, that's a. It's interesting you brought that up because in the new graphic novel, he's not Going to Take It. They wanted to do. It's about the. My Senate appearance, but they wanted to understand how me and that moment in time converged and how I was there to be that voice to fight censorship in 1985. And as we look back and as we talked, they found out exactly that I was a kid that was told, be quiet, know your place, shush. And you know, and just sort of pushed in the background. And at about 16 years old, I got tired of shushing. I got tired of not being heard. And I started acting out in school and not violently or anything, but, you know, well, I remember I started wearing a derby. That got a lot of attention. And. But I was in a band and we became a popular local band. Not Twisted, when I was in high school. And all those things gave me the microphone, gave me a place for people to hear me. And it really was first my voice that they heard. And then in between songs, I started yapping. And soon that became a thing for D. Snider to the in between parts. As my wife used to say, I like the in between the songs better than I like the songs because when you're talking, it's entertaining and it's funny, but I really was in, you know, I got tired at round 16 again of just being a background player and said, I'm, I'm going to be heard and I will never shut up again. And I haven't.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Now, you said that the music inspired you. Do you believe that music has, you know, supernatural healing powers? You know, something you can't quite put your finger on, but that, that drove you or that drives people in general?

[Dee Snider]

I believe that 100%. I, I, you know, when I say, what. Interestingly so here I am, you know, listening to bands I mentioned. I listen to all those bands and, but they're not. It's the power of the music that is inspiring me. Then I start finding bands like Alice Cooper who have messages that are inspiring me. The song I'm 18 was out when I was 18, and it was. I'm getting chills right now because it was a line in there, I'm a boy and I'm a man. And it was like, it was like, you're on the cusp of being an adult, but you still treat it like a child. And this was one of the first times that the lyrics and Alice was all about anthem. Schools out, you know, all these great anthems. I graduated when Schools out came out. I mean, again, you know, like, to have that song come out when I'm getting out of high school. I mean, the words now were connecting with me and made me, as I wasn't a songwriter yet, but when I became a songwriter, I said, I don't want to just sit there singing about, you know, heavy metal fantasies or sex and drugs and rock and roll. Well, rock and roll, sure, but sex and drugs. I want to say more. I want to inspire people, but at the same time, I'm inspiring myself. Our first hit in England was a song called I Am On Me. And it was literally my personal declaration of independence. Who are you to look down at what I believe I'm on to I'm on to your thinking and how you deceive no, you can't abuse me I won't stand no more Yes, I know the reason Yes, I know the score I am on me and people say, what are you, Popeye? I am what I am no, but it was just like, what is I am on me? It's just a statement. It doesn't matter what I am. I'm a person. And, and I have the right to have my feelings and my beliefs and, and my opinions. And so I started using the words to further energize and. And empower me, but at the same time hoping that people out there were hearing people like myself who were background players, were listening and going, dee's talking to me. I hear this. Yes. This, yes. He's right. He's right. And I wanted them to be lifted up as well.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Well, it's interesting because you once told me that, and you told us up front on the show that music has literally, your music specifically has changed people's lives and saved them. Can you maybe share one or two of those stories that you witnessed?

[Dee Snider]

This is the only one I need to tell because there's tons of little stories of people who tell me that, you know. You know, that my music, you know, just empowered them and drove them. And always they turn to it and lifts them up with my words, you know, stay hungry, and we're not going to take it. And all these statements that I was making was all. Were all words of empowerment. I get an email and I. And I was. To my email address. I don't know. They got my email address. And when I see it, I don't recognize it. I just deleted. But it said, you save seven lives. And I saved seven lives. What is that about? You know, I gonna press read. And I got one eye closed so I could say I didn't actually totally read it. And it was a guy who, using my music for inspiration. He was a kayaker. And kayak deaths happen when the kayak flips over and they get stuck in rocks and they drown. Playing my Stay Hungry album over and over. He created an air bladder life vest that gives you air for 45 minutes and it just. I'm getting chills again. Oh, my God. This is years ago. This is years ago. But he said you saved seven lives this year. It just came out. And people are already. And if your album. If I hadn't heard your words, stay hungry, and we're not just driving me forward, I wouldn't have stuck with it. And I did. And now my invention's a reality and. And it is saving lives. And so you have. Your music has saved lives.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Wow.

[Dee Snider]

How's that?

[Lynn Hoffman]

That's a pretty amazing story.

[Dee Snider]

Incredible. You never know who you're touching, who you're reaching. The other day on the social media, I saw. I saw in Indonesia at a soccer game, hundreds of thousands of people singing. We're not going to take it in some foreign language. But they're waving their. But I'm going, holy crap. You know, you don't realize. You just can't possibly. That's art, though, whether it's a drawing, whether it's one of your shows. You know, I know that you've. You've done really well in the ratings. You, you know, you're hoping that your message that you're trying to communicate here will reach people and help people and lift them up. So hopefully you're saving lives, too, Lynn.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, thanks. Well, you know, ever since I've known you, you've. You've pretty much been giving back. I. I feel like that's what attracted us to each other to begin with. Not just that we worked on VH1, but we both wanted to use our platform to do good things and to help people, because otherwise it's really not worth it. But music specifically is really just so special because, like you said, it's art. So it's beyond just us talking heads or saying things. It's the things that really reach down deep and grab people. And what I really want to know. I've been with you personally on appearances and seen how you deal with people of all kinds, all walks of life, and you're very disarming, and you make them feel so comfortable. What I want to know, and what I think everyone listening might want to know is how does it make you feel when you meet or witness someone who has been helped deeply by your music?

[Dee Snider]

I. So one of the. I don't. I don't play anymore. Occasionally, I'll go do a couple of songs, but, you know, like, the other night, I played with Rhett Michaels for a couple of songs. It's more fun than anything. But touring, recording albums, it's not what I do, but I do a lot of signing appearances a lot. And people line up, and I try to get each person on that line. They wait, sometimes for hours. They're a moment, you know. I was trained really well by members of Kiss. I won't name names, but I did my first signing with members of Kiss, and they were so rude to the fans. We were sitting at a table together. I just said, I'm not going to be that guy. These people waiting, and how could you not look them in the eye? How can you not shake their hand? How can you not take a moment to acknowledge how much their passion, what you do? But on those lines, everybody's got a story, and I'm always glad to hear it. You're tired of hearing this? No, I'm never tired of hearing it. Never, ever, ever. And I get people coming up to me in tears, shaking, because I meant so much to them. The music meant so much to them. And a lot of times they share with me a story, a memory, something with the younger ones. Often it's with their parents now who passed on, and they talk about how they shared my music or whatever, and that's a lasting memory. So I find that, you know, I'm always welcoming to everybody who comes up, which. It throws people off a little bit. I don't know that they want to bite their head off, but at the same time, yeah, I'm just. I'm honored and I'm touched. Yes, I was trying to reach them. Yes, I wanted them to hear my words, but so many people don't hear what I'm saying. They hear the catchphrase. And I won't get Go political. But there are people on, many people who use. We're not going to take it as their battle cry. And not just me. You hear so many musicians like a rage against a machine, killing in the name. People like, yeah, f you, we won't do what you tell us, you know, and they're completely missing the point of the song.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Right, right.

[Dee Snider]

And so when there are people who come up to me and talk to me and share with me and. And I go, you got it. I. I often hug them and go, I was shouting in the. Screaming in the night, hoping people like you would hear me. And you did. And I'm glad it helped. And I. Now I'm getting choked up. Oh, you wanted that. Who are you, Barbara Walters?

[Lynn Hoffman]

I was just gonna say, you're giving me my Barbara Walters moment.

[Dee Snider]

That's why I wear sunglasses. I'm getting too emotional in my old age.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I love it. Well, you were once quoted as saying, there's so much about your life that you didn't see coming, referring to all the incredible things that you've been able to accomplish in your career, you know, both career and personally. But looking back on your life now, how much would you say music played a role? I know that seems kind of obvious, but you know what I'm talking about.

[Dee Snider]

Yeah, I know. I was. My mindset a third.

[Lynn Hoffman]

A third.

[Dee Snider]

But it was. But it was really. No, it's not really true. It was maybe a third. Like, so much more in my life came after music. And I'm not talking about. Yeah, I played until I was my 60s, but a lot of it was, you know, reunion shows and stuff like that. There was that, you know, up until 40, where I was, you know, actively really, really creative musically. And, you know, so I got. So that was a part of my life. And then I went into acting and voiceover and radio and TV and reality. Too much reality TV and writing books, screenplays. I'm going to be directing next. So I said all those things, but it really is all about the music, because the music is the foundation, the platform that set me up, that lifted me up, it liberated me, it freed me, it gave me the platform to do these other things. Now, mind you, as we all know from the great David Lee Roth taking over for Howard Stern story, you can't just start doing radio out of nowhere. It's a craft. And I've been doing radio over 30 years, and I've gotten. As you know, we've worked together. I've gotten good at it. But it's nothing to do with me being a rock star. It has to do with putting in the hours, getting on the mic, listening to what I tell people is. It said, you know what you tell me about, you know, what being radio? You got to love the sound of your own voice.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Dee Snider]

And they said, what do you mean by that? I said, you need to listen to air checks endlessly. You got to record yourself and listen back. And it's painful, especially in the beginning. So you learn how to get better. But anyway. But it all comes down to. It all started with music. It still will forever be a part of my life. I got a great T shirt. This is death by rock and roll on it. And. Which is a good way to go. And, you know, but, yeah, without it, I would have and be nothing.

[Lynn Hoffman]

You know, it can be very personal, too. I mean, when you. When you put out new albums and music to be judged by the world, when was the moment that you realized, okay, we're really onto something musically in terms of creating that positive, emotional feedback with your songs and from your audiences. Why do you think your music still resonates to this day? Is it because it's anthemic, or is it because of the words? Is it the melody? I mean, there's something magical in there that keeps something alive for that many years.

[Dee Snider]

Yeah. Well, I'll start by saying one of the reasons I stopped writing is because after you've written and had it received, played on the radio, listened to, you know, lauded and enjoyed, I, you know, you. It's very hard. It was hard for me just go back to writing for my own head and writing, and I wrote and wrote and wrote, and virtually none of that music landed with anybody.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Was that therapeutic?

[Dee Snider]

What, to write and write and write?

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Dee Snider]

Or. No, it wasn't. It was painful because you. Once you. You Know you in the beginning, once you've had your children and your songs like your children and you've been out there and people are just enjoying them. Very hard to go back to writing in a. In a. In a. In a void and just playing it for yourself and not really having anybody hear it. And when you say these songs are just as good as the stuff that better. I knew at one point it was desperado. I wrote some of the best music of my life. The stuff virtually never came out until like 20 years later. It was just sort of a. It got shelled by lecture. It's another story. But I got tired of writing stuff that wasn't getting heard after because I experienced how amazing it feels to. To see. I call it Smiles at the speed of sound. We play. We would play these festivals. I play these festivals. 30, 50, 90, 100,000 people. And when you go into the songs, when you go into. We're not going to take it. And I see it from the stage. It's a. It's a. It's a smiles that start the front row. The first people receiving the audio. Audio information. And it goes all the way to the back. I could see it. And then the hands and the body language. And it is such an incredible feeling to know you're connecting with people on that level, those moments. But it's a drug. It's very hard because, you know, later in your career and every single rock star talks about this, you know, I call New Material is the bathroom song. Because I don't care what urinary problems you have. The minute the lead singer of any band says, this one's off the new album, you can see people running for the bathrooms. Okay, I'm going to. I mean, it's. I tell the audience, I say, I see you. I see you. I saw. I saw Zeppelin for Physical Graffiti came out, and that is his great garden. And they said, this one's off the new islands called Physical Graffiti. They started playing Physical Graffiti, not Physical. They played Cashmere. This is Cashmere. Half the arena went to the bathroom or to get a beer.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Wow.

[Dee Snider]

Because nobody knew the song. Nobody. And it sounded like crap in Madison Square Garden, too. But. But I'm going, oh, my God. So. So, you know, it's hurtful as a career, as an artist to see your music not being respected. So that's why I walked away from it. That's why I walked away from it. As far as your question about, you know, when it all comes together. Well, first of all, Twisted was together. I was with them for eight years. They were together two years before I got there. I was the only songwriter. We, you know, I say we're the Tupac Shakur of retired metal bands because JJ French keeps finding new tapes to release and. And I listened to these early songs.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Away for when you weren't.

[Dee Snider]

Oh, my God. But I'm embarrassed. I'm going, oh, my God. No wonder we didn't get signed. Oh, my God. Those songs were terrible. You know, as I said with. With radio writing, songwriting is a craft. You have to get good at it. So by the time we got to the 80s, and that's right around when we got signed, I started hitting my stride as a songwriter, really understanding the craft of writing a song. And it is. You know, it is melody meets meets the mute. These. The music bed meets the lyrics meets the production. It's all those pieces that you've studied and learned how to achieve all coming together. And it was that, understand standing that, you know, put us over the goal post. But I'll tell you the. That moment where I knew we arrived. Okay.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yes.

[Dee Snider]

So we were over in England. We just released the album. But back in the old days when you were a child, you would know about this. It took in America, it took like eight weeks. Seven. Eight weeks for the record to get out to the stores, get out to the radio stations, Satch. Get out there. You know, so we went to Europe immediately upon release of the record. Because over there, the countries are like states. And you could go to England and, you know, the information has been received, play shows. And we're hearing that in the States, we're not gonna take. It is doing well. We're hearing about a lot of ads going on and blah, blah, blah. But it's all. It's no Internet, nothing like that. We're just hearing it's doing great. It's doing great. Come home. And in. Suzette and I walk in. We had a pretty big tour in England with big stars. Floated to the house, as I always do. I am a God. And Suzette goes, yeah, empty the diaper pail. It smells horrible. Okay? And I go, empty the diaper. Because now you go up to the dairy barn and get some milk. Okay? So, you know, I thought it was a. I was a rock star, too, two hours ago. Now I'm a father again. So anyway, which I love being a father. Get in the car, riding this, turn on the radio. We're not going to take his plan. Wbab. I wonder what's playing on. What was it on the other station, Caramel. W Lir. Boom. Hit the button. We're not gonna take his play. I said, all right, I'm going for the trifecta. The other rock station in town, wplj. Boom. We're not gonna take its playing. Every station is playing. We're not gonna take it and go, all right, this, ha. This is happening. When that happens. I never had that happen on the radio ever, you know, with anybody's music. You know, you've arrived, you know, that was the moment.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yes. And I want to ask you more, but I, I'm running out of time, unfortunately. But maybe you can tell the story about how Lenny brought you on stage and they were throwing bottles.

[Dee Snider]

Oh, lemme, yeah, let me.

[Lynn Hoffman]

And that's a pretty emotional story, which I remember when you told me and when I was reading your autobiographies that you made me read sitting next to you on a plane so I could ask you questions. Such a d thing to do.

[Dee Snider]

I would stop talking to her.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Listen, read this first before we talk. I had read recently that the Israeli Defense Force asked you if they could use we're not going to take it as their battle cry to fight these terrorists. And I thought to myself, that must just blow your mind. A and B, you're kind of like a superhero. And I bring this up only because you have a new graphic novel that you just recently released and, and, and you're the superhero in front. He's not going to take it. And I just wanted to ask what that was all about. Is this your true self finally getting to come out, be the comic book hero?

[Dee Snider]

Yeah, I'm a comic book. I was always a comic book kid. I loved comics. One of the things I picked up when we didn't have TV in our house reading comics and yeah, nothing better than seeing yourself represented as a superhero. And people, if you read, he's not gonna take it. No, I don't have a cape or anything, but they just the perception of that super put forth of me going to Washington is that I was heroic. And I'll tell you, looking back on it, I go, I can't believe that I was able to walk with pants that tight and balls that big. Okay. Because I mean, I look, I said, oh my God. I just, just like, like holy crap. I, I could do it again for sure. But wow, to be 20 something and be that confident in your belief system, to go and sit down and stand before those senators and what, speak your mind and debate them and argue with them. Pretty proud of that. And I'M proud that people view it as a heroic moment. I don't view myself as a superhero. I. I do have a cape at home, but no, I never wear it on the street. And I just. When I hear. I heard that Ukrainian soldiers.

[Lynn Hoffman]

We're using.

[Dee Snider]

We're not. We're playing. We're not going to take it. Israeli soldiers are playing. We're not going to take it. Our own military, United States military, we're not going to take it. If it lifts them up and helps them do a dirty job, and it's a dirty job defending the world's tough job, then I am more than honored. Because as far as military goes, it is due to the volunteer army that we have that I was allowed to. To explore all of my dreams. I didn't have to serve in the military thanks to my dad and all the great soldiers who. In the volunteer army. And I'm allowed to. I was allowed to just be in a crazy rock and roll band and be creative. So if something I created because they allowed me to create, that lifts them up and inspires them. It's full circle as far as I'm concerned.

[Lynn Hoffman]

It sure is. And it's so powerful. And I'm so happy for you that you've been able to make such a fruitful and amazing career, not only for yourself and your family, but how much you have touched the lives of just generations of people and you're helping countries. Your leg. The last thought is, you know, your musical legacy. How proud are you of that?

[Dee Snider]

Look, my manager always says you only have two hits make them doozies. And that's Phil Carson. You know Phil.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Dee Snider]

And. And because he works for something with Foreigner and, you know, he signed ABBA and Genesis. And yes, that guy's responsible for about 375 million records sold AC DC. But my two big songs are some of the most licensed songs of the 80s. They're sort of the we will rock you and we are the champions of the 80s as far as licensing goes, which is crazy. And then, you know, I told you that just so a thing of. In Eurasia, at a football game, 100,000 people singing, we're not going to take it. Never expected the music to reach that far. And, you know, and if I leave a single song behind and it's become a folk song already, wherever you go, the whole world knows a song. They don't even know who wrote it anymore. Many of them. And that's okay. It's a. You know, if that. I leave that legacy. And a song that. That inspires people and empowers people to push back, you know, and sometimes you got to push back. No matter we have. Everybody has to push back sometime. If I. If that one song is, you know. You know, maybe this. Maybe. Maybe I'll write that on my tombstone. He didn't take it well.

[Lynn Hoffman]

He did.

[Dee Snider]

He's not gonna take it. He didn't. Well, eventually he died, but if he's.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Standing over that grave, apparently he took it one last time.

[Dee Snider]

Well, you can't beat that. And no one's beat that yet. Let me know when they do.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I will. Oh, my gosh. I hope that day never happens. It's just such a pleasure to know you and call you a friend, and I'm so grateful that you would come on and do this for me today and. And share all of your personal emotions. I almost brought you to tears.

[Dee Snider]

Oh, well, that's why I wear the glasses, so you can see, you know. Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Emotional.

[Dee Snider]

You know what? Feelings. Mutual. Like a sister to me. And, you know, one regret is that, you know, our past. You know, I live in la. You got. You and your husband are in. In Connecticut, you know, and it's tough to see your friends, but it's always. Whenever we get on the air, we just. It's like we. We've never. We don't miss a beat.

[Lynn Hoffman]

No, we don't. And one time you told me I was too nice, and I'm a little less nice now, so maybe something will happen.

[Dee Snider]

That's another time for the story, for another show, people. Me and Lynn talking about doing a show together. And that's one of the things that, to her is. Is you're too nice.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I guess I'll take. I can't complain. I can't complain about that.

[Dee Snider]

Especially with someone like me. Somebody like me on doing Radio Me. You have to push back.

[Lynn Hoffman]

That's right.

[Dee Snider]

You can't. You can't be. Because I'm so, like, you know, like. Like that. You got to be able to say, hey, I disagree with you on that. No. You know, just be like my wife. You have to be like my wife. You got to be able to say no.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Does she get a word in ever?

[Dee Snider]

Oh, God. I don't say just a word in. I'm quiet in the house. I don't talk virtually at all. You think I'm. I'm a quiet one. Everybody. I'll let everybody else shine in the house. Just a little aside on my book frats, by the way.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Dee Snider]

My novel frats is out now. Available stores going to be made into a major motion picture, I just found out. Can't tell any more about that, but my favorite review so far was Suzette. She read it and she comes and sort of we're just sort of there. She goes, the book's really good. I was like, why? She said it's like she's mad about it's really good. I'm like, you liked it? She goes, don't make me blow more smoke over your butt than I've been doing for the last 47 years. Yes, I like it. It's great. She's the toughest critic of all.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Listen, I don't mess with a woman who will get on her own house's roof to clean it by herself. Dee, thank you so much for being on. Music saved me. I wish we had another day and a half because I still have so much to talk to you about, but maybe you'll come back again soon.

[Dee Snider]

Well, you know a guy. You can just say d. Come back on the show when you're ready and we'll do it. All right?

[Lynn Hoffman]

All right. Thanks so much.

[Dee Snider]

All right. Awesome.

[Michael Kasson]

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[Lynn Hoffman]

You planning revenge?

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Aren't you? The chi is back. May 16th on Paramount. It's the season of the women.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Women, this is our chance. It's time to get to work.

[Michael Kasson]

But the men aren't giving up. Without a fight, Tree's always gonna have a villain. No one is backing down in the Showtime original series from Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe.

[Lynn Hoffman]

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[Dee Snider]

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