Dee Snider recently went on X to discuss what he sees as the ‘fractioning of metal,’ naming Manowar as one of the bands that contributed to it.
“The fractioning of metal really started in the late ’80s. One of the first bands I remember supporting this was Manowar,” he replied to a user’s comment, “Back in the day, I don’t think anyone was hung up on subgenres as they are now.”
The singer added, “One of their battlecries was that they were ‘true metal.’ I have always fought for unity in the genre and acceptance of our diverse styles. We are all family!”
Manowar and Twisted Sister clashed in the 1980s, with their rivalry even leading to a near fistfight. Reflecting on this period, Snider later admitted he behaved ‘like a complete idiot.’ Since then, he’s often advocated for unity among metal bands in his interviews.
Talking to Metal Hammer in 2016, the vocalist noted how the division within metal has only grown since the ’80s: “I was in a Black Sabbath tribute band. There was a unity, a Woodstock nation and the heavy bands came together and you supported them. Then, all of a sudden in the early ’80s, it started to faction, and you had this kind of metal and that kind of metal. I always fought for unity because I said we were so oppressed and were such a small section of the music world that to further cut it into smaller and smaller pieces and fight among ourselves weakens us, it doesn’t strengthen us.”
“While you don’t have to be a supporter of all different kinds of metal, at least be supportive,” he added. “Recognise that we are all part of a sort of dysfunctional family. Strength in numbers. If we try to break it down the way some people want to break it down, then all you’re gonna have is a bunch of club shows.”
Snider retired from Twisted Sister in 2016 after a farewell tour but continued making music through solo albums like ‘For the Love of Metal’ and ‘Leave a Scar.’ This year, he announced a reunion supporting political rallies for the 2024 election.
The fractioning of metal really started in the late 80s. One of the first bands I remember supporting this was @MANOWAR. One of their battlecries was that they were “true metal”. I have always fought for unity in the genre and acceptance of our diverse styles. We are all family! https://t.co/Q4Hpx3B8Hh
— Dee Snider🇺🇸🎤 (@deesnider) October 25, 2024
