Jay Jay French says that TWISTED SISTER is “musically the most licensed heavy metal band in history.”
Asked what has been going on with the TWISTED SISTER business since the “end” of the band more than three years ago, French said:
“I think that’s a misconception with people. We stopped playing live, but that’s it. The business of TWISTED continues on. We’re basically a licensing machine at this point.
“I don’t know if you saw the Super Bowl ad with ‘I Wanna Rock’, but we just did a huge deal with Facebook to use ‘I Wanna Rock’,” he continued.
“And we are now musically the most licensed heavy metal band in history. So this little band from Long Island that started 47 years ago now has its music in more TV shows, soundtracks, movies, movie trailers and commercials than any heavy metal band — more than AC/DC, KISS, GUNS N’ ROSES. And, of course, these are wonderful bands.”
He further added:
“I have to say that ‘I Wanna Rock’ and ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’ are two landmark songs, and they have essentially stamped of the ’80s everywhere, and people love this music and we benefit by it,” the guitarist said.
“But this is not an accident — this is something that I saw years ago. And all I can say is I’m grateful that it has worked out the way it’s worked out, because, as you know, as you read the stories all the time how bands struggle with streaming and record royalties, with the drop of sales and the streaming not paying very much, you’re stuck with touring. And we stopped touring, so we have been able to turn our attention completely to the marketing/licensing world. So I run the licensing division of the band, which is huge.”
1 comment
I know a lot of people are turned off by the commercial and marketing aspect of metal. Metal is supposed to represent rebellion and counter-culture. For the kids 40 years ago it was true, but it is a business after all. As a lifelong fan of rock and metal, it’s satisfying to see it has a place in pop culture. I’m happy that any artist regardless of genre can explore all commercial avenues for their creative property.