Dee Snider Fires Back at Claims He Copied Gene Simmons: “I’m Not a Clone”

Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider has addressed online criticism claiming his musical style mimics that of KISS bassist Gene Simmons. The comment, shared on X (formerly Twitter), suggested that Snider’s well-known anthem “I Wanna Rock” borrowed heavily from KISS’s 1975 hit “Rock and Roll All Nite.”

The fan wrote:

“Oh, Dee, your ‘I Wanna Rock’ battle cry? Sounds like you just rewrote KISS’s ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ and cranked the hairspray. Nice try, but we all know you were channeling Gene Simmons’ swagger.”

Snider replied directly, offering a clear rebuttal and citing his primary influence:

“I do? And all this time I thought my hero was Alice Cooper! By the way, Gene Simmons is a disciple of Alice too!”

His response not only rejected the claim but also pointed to a deeper, shared lineage among theatrical rock frontmen.

Shared Influences, Divergent Paths

While surface-level comparisons between KISS and Twisted Sister are not new—both bands are known for their theatrical style and high-energy anthems—Snider’s comments emphasize a more nuanced view of influence and originality in rock music.

Both Snider and Simmons have openly acknowledged the impact of Alice Cooper, a pioneer of shock rock and theatrical performance in the 1970s. Rather than indicating imitation, Snider’s statement points to a broader tradition of performers influenced by Cooper’s groundbreaking style.

Twisted Sister’s Distinct Evolution

Reports from music outlet Simply Stick trace Twisted Sister’s early sound to glam rock influences similar to the New York Dolls. However, under Snider’s leadership in the mid-1970s, the band evolved into a heavier, more aggressive metal act. The result was a hybrid sound that blended glam visuals with a raw, heavy edge, influenced in part by early Black Sabbath.

In addition to glam and metal, punk rock played a key role in shaping Snider’s musical direction. As highlighted in Far Out Magazine, Snider has frequently cited the Sex Pistols’ Never Mind the Bollocks as one of his favorite albums. This influence is especially evident in tracks like “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” where a punk-inspired sense of defiance comes through in both the lyrics and performance style.

Originality Within a Shared Tradition

While similarities between KISS and Twisted Sister may be apparent to some listeners, Snider’s musical background and artistic vision draw from a wide range of influences. His blend of glam, metal, and punk created a sound and image that stands apart from Simmons’ more polished and theatrical brand.

Ultimately, Snider’s comments underscore the complexity of musical influence and artistic evolution. Rather than copying Simmons, Snider—like many in the rock world—built on the foundations laid by Alice Cooper and others to develop a distinctive identity that has left its own mark on rock history.