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The Rockstar Ramblings: Remembering A.J. Pero

Band Photo: Twisted Sister (?)

A.J. Pero (Twisted Sister, Adrenaline Mob) passed away this week. Pero was part of the “hey day” of Twisted Sister. Today, the Rockstar Ramblings pays a brief tribute to Pero in the form of a couple Twisted Sister videos from the classic ‘Stay Hungry’ album.

In 1984 Twisted Sister shocked the heavy metal world, releasing “Stay Hungry,” their contribution to an era that continues to define a decade. The album was big on rebellion and just plain rock and roll. This was also the first cassette tape I ever bought.

“We’re Not Gonna Take It” was the ultimate rebellion song; bonus for Pero’s drums only playing during the chorus near the end.

The video for “The Price” featured Pero having fun with large drumsticks. This was their “ballad” so it wasn’t quite as fun as their other videos or songs. Actually, the best part of this video is Pero.

“I Wanna Rock” is still one of the stronger first song/side two tracks of all time. Like the video for “We’re Not Gonna Take It” the video was high on comedy and rebellious behavior. A boy (around thirteen) is confronted by teacher/parent who doesn’t like Twisted Sister music. Wait long enough and the band will break through a door and scream their lyrics. They were angry and in your face. Pero and Twisted Sister were (and will always will be) rock and roll!

David S. Grant (aka Rockstar_Scribbler) is the author of several books including Rock Stars, Happy Hour, and Corporate Porn. For more information please go to www.rockstarbooks.net or www.davidsgrant.com. You can also follow David on Twitter @david_S_grant.