Renowned producer Tom Werman, celebrated for his collaborations with prominent rock artists from the ’70s and ’80s, including Mötley Crüe, Cheap Trick, Poison, Ted Nugent, and Dokken, recently shared reflections on his illustrious career in his latest book, “Turn It Up!: My Time Making Hit Records In The Glory Days Of Rock Music.” While expressing admiration for most of the artists he worked with, Werman also offered frank insights into particular aspects of his journey.
In a recent discussion with Songfacts about his book and career, Werman openly acknowledged the studio challenges faced by some of the hair metal bands he had the privilege to work with. Notably, he pointed to the struggles experienced by Twisted Sister while they were in the process of creating their seminal album, “Stay Hungry.”
Werman characterized the entire album’s production as a formidable undertaking. He noted that while Twisted Sister possessed an exuberant spirit and a remarkable vibe, they were among the less technically proficient musicians compared to other bands he had encountered. It was not a lack of talent but a recognition of the superior instrumental skills found in many other artists he had collaborated with. Nonetheless, Twisted Sister managed to harness their energy and convey a compelling musical performance despite these challenges.
The primary obstacle during the recording sessions, according to Werman, revolved around the guitar duo of Twisted Sister, comprising Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda. He candidly revealed that achieving the desired rhythm guitar sound for Jay Jay French consumed a demanding three days. The studio team explored various avenues, experimenting with different guitars, amplifiers, microphones, and placements. The quest for the perfect sound proved to be a formidable challenge.
Despite the hurdles, Jay Jay French eventually completed his guitar parts. However, the process came at a significant cost, both in terms of time and financial resources. Werman emphasized that considerable investments, both in dollars and hours, were dedicated to achieving the sound that ideally should have been attained in a few brief hours.
In his book and interviews, Tom Werman provides invaluable insights into the ’70s and ’80s rock music landscape, highlighting the dedication and effort poured into the creation of the iconic albums that defined the era.