Twisted Sister left an unforgettable mark on the rock world with their rebellious anthems, theatrical performances, and bold glam metal style. Known for their defiant attitude and catchy, hard-hitting songs, the band became a symbol of the 1980s rock scene.
In this article, we explore bands that share Twisted Sister’s spirit, delving into the careers of groups that, like Twisted Sister, combined rock energy with a sense of showmanship and attitude.
Whether you’re a fan of classic glam metal or looking to discover similar bands, these artists offer a powerful and entertaining musical experience reminiscent of Twisted Sister’s legacy.
21 Glam Metal Bands Similar to Twisted Sister for Your Hard Rock Playlist
Contents
- 1 21 Glam Metal Bands Similar to Twisted Sister for Your Hard Rock Playlist
- 2 #1 Mötley Crüe
- 3 #2 Quiet Riot
- 4 #3 Ratt
- 5 #4 Poison
- 6 #5 W.A.S.P.
- 7 #6 KISS
- 8 #7 Skid Row
- 9 #8 Cinderella
- 10 #9 Def Leppard
- 11 #10 L.A. Guns
- 12 #11 Slaughter
- 13 #12 Dokken
- 14 #13 Scorpions
- 15 #14 Van Halen
- 16 #15 Warrant
- 17 #16 Alice Cooper
- 18 #17 Great White
- 19 #18 Bon Jovi
- 20 #19 Guns N’ Roses
- 21 #20 Whitesnake
- 22 #21 Steel Panther
- 23 Frequently Asked Questions
These bands share similarities with Twisted Sister in terms of their glam metal style, energetic performances, and anthemic rock songs.
Here’s a list of 21 bands that are similar to Twisted Sister, known for their blend of glam metal, hard rock, and rebellious anthems:
#1 Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe, formed in Los Angeles in 1981, is one of the most iconic bands in the glam metal genre, known for their wild lifestyles, flamboyant stage presence, and hard-hitting rock anthems. Their debut album, Too Fast for Love (1981), set the stage for their rise to fame, but it was their 1983 album Shout at the Devil that truly catapulted them into the spotlight. The band’s mix of heavy riffs, catchy hooks, and rebellious lyrics resonated with the youth of the 1980s, making them a staple on MTV and in arenas worldwide.
Mötley Crüe continued to dominate the charts with albums like Theatre of Pain (1985) and Dr. Feelgood (1989), which included some of their most famous hits like “Home Sweet Home” and “Kickstart My Heart.” Known for their energetic and chaotic live shows, Mötley Crüe became synonymous with the excesses of rock and roll. Despite numerous controversies and lineup changes, the band remains one of the best-selling and most influential acts in the history of rock.
#2 Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot, formed in Los Angeles in 1973, is often credited with helping to launch the glam metal movement into the mainstream. Their breakthrough came with the 1983 album Metal Health, which was the first heavy metal album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s success was driven by the hit single “Cum On Feel the Noize,” a cover of the Slade song, which became an anthem for the era.
The success of Metal Health paved the way for other glam metal bands to achieve mainstream success, solidifying Quiet Riot’s place in rock history. Their follow-up album, Condition Critical (1984), also achieved commercial success, though it didn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor. Despite facing challenges in maintaining their initial momentum, Quiet Riot’s impact on the glam metal genre remains significant, and they are often remembered as pioneers who helped bring metal to the masses.
#3 Ratt
Ratt, another cornerstone of the 1980s glam metal scene, was formed in Los Angeles in 1977. The band gained massive popularity with their debut full-length album Out of the Cellar (1984), which featured the hit single “Round and Round.” The song’s catchy riff and memorable chorus helped Ratt establish themselves as one of the leading bands in the glam metal genre. Their blend of sleazy, hard-hitting rock with polished production made them favorites on MTV and in the rock clubs of the Sunset Strip.
Ratt continued their success with albums like Invasion of Your Privacy (1985) and Dancing Undercover (1986), producing a string of hits that kept them at the forefront of the glam metal scene. Despite internal conflicts and lineup changes, Ratt’s music remains a staple of 1980s rock, and they continue to influence new generations of rock musicians. Their ability to combine raw energy with radio-friendly hooks has earned them a lasting legacy in the genre.
#4 Poison
Poison, formed in 1983 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, became one of the most popular glam metal bands of the late 1980s. Known for their flamboyant image, catchy tunes, and party anthems, Poison quickly rose to fame with their debut album Look What the Cat Dragged In (1986). The album featured hits like “Talk Dirty to Me” and “I Want Action,” which showcased their ability to craft fun, energetic songs that resonated with a wide audience.
Poison’s follow-up album, Open Up and Say… Ahh! (1988), solidified their status as rock superstars, with hits like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and “Nothin’ but a Good Time” becoming defining songs of the glam metal era. Poison’s blend of pop sensibilities with rock swagger made them one of the most commercially successful bands of the time. Even as musical trends have shifted, Poison’s music continues to be celebrated for its carefree spirit and infectious energy.
#5 W.A.S.P.
W.A.S.P., formed in Los Angeles in 1982, is known for their shock rock image, theatrical stage shows, and aggressive style that blended elements of heavy metal and glam. Led by the charismatic and controversial frontman Blackie Lawless, W.A.S.P. gained notoriety for their provocative lyrics and onstage antics, which included pyrotechnics, blood-soaked props, and chainsaws. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1984, featured the hit single “I Wanna Be Somebody,” which became an anthem for disaffected youth.
The band continued to push the boundaries with their follow-up albums, including The Last Command (1985) and Inside the Electric Circus (1986), which solidified their reputation as one of the most controversial and exciting bands of the glam metal era. Despite the shock value of their image, W.A.S.P.’s music was grounded in solid songwriting and powerful performances, earning them a dedicated fanbase. W.A.S.P.’s influence on the glam metal genre and shock rock scene is undeniable, and they continue to be a significant presence in the heavy metal world.
#6 KISS
KISS, formed in New York City in 1973, is one of the most iconic rock bands in history, known for their elaborate stage makeup, pyrotechnic-filled live shows, and anthemic rock songs. Their breakthrough came with the release of Alive! (1975), a live album that captured the raw energy of their performances and catapulted them to fame. The album included hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite,” which became the band’s signature song.
KISS continued their success with a string of platinum albums in the late 1970s, including Destroyer (1976) and Love Gun (1977), which featured classics like “Detroit Rock City” and “Beth.” The band’s ability to blend hard rock with a theatrical stage presence influenced countless bands in the glam metal genre, including Twisted Sister. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, KISS remains one of the most successful and enduring rock bands, known for their larger-than-life personas and timeless rock anthems.
#7 Skid Row
Skid Row, formed in 1986 in Toms River, New Jersey, quickly became one of the leading bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s glam metal scene. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1989, was an instant success, featuring hit singles like “18 and Life” and “Youth Gone Wild,” which captured the rebellious spirit of the era. Fronted by the charismatic Sebastian Bach, Skid Row’s music combined aggressive guitar riffs with powerful vocals and catchy hooks, making them a favorite on MTV and in the rock clubs of the time.
Their follow-up album, Slave to the Grind (1991), showcased a heavier sound and became the first heavy metal album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Skid Row’s ability to blend melodic elements with a raw, aggressive edge set them apart from many of their peers, earning them a lasting legacy in the rock world. Despite lineup changes and shifts in the music industry, Skid Row continues to be celebrated as one of the iconic bands of the glam metal era.
#8 Cinderella
Cinderella, formed in Philadelphia in 1982, rose to prominence in the mid-1980s with their blues-influenced take on glam metal. Their debut album, Night Songs (1986), was a commercial success, driven by the hit singles “Nobody’s Fool” and “Shake Me.” Known for their powerful ballads and hard-hitting rock songs, Cinderella quickly established themselves as a force in the glam metal scene, with a sound that combined the energy of hard rock with the soulfulness of blues.
Their sophomore album, Long Cold Winter (1988), further solidified their reputation, featuring the hits “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” and “Gypsy Road.” Cinderella’s music stood out for its emotional depth and strong songwriting, setting them apart from many of their contemporaries. Despite the decline of glam metal in the 1990s, Cinderella’s legacy endures, and their music continues to be celebrated by fans of classic rock and glam metal.
#9 Def Leppard
Def Leppard, formed in Sheffield, England, in 1977, is one of the most successful rock bands of all time, known for their polished sound, anthemic songs, and pioneering use of studio production techniques. Their breakthrough came with the 1981 album High ‘n’ Dry, but it was their 1983 album Pyromania that catapulted them to international stardom, featuring hits like “Photograph” and “Rock of Ages.” The band’s combination of heavy guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and layered vocals set a new standard for the rock genre.
Def Leppard’s 1987 album Hysteria was an even bigger success, producing seven hit singles, including “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Love Bites.” The album’s polished production and radio-friendly sound made it a defining moment in the history of glam metal. Def Leppard’s ability to blend hard rock with pop sensibilities has earned them a lasting place in rock history, and they continue to tour and record new music to this day, influencing countless bands in the process.
#10 L.A. Guns
L.A. Guns, formed in Los Angeles in 1983, is one of the key bands that helped shape the glam metal scene on the Sunset Strip. Known for their raw, gritty sound and streetwise image, L.A. Guns quickly gained a following in the Hollywood rock clubs. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1988, featured the hit singles “Electric Gypsy” and “Sex Action,” which captured the sleazy, rebellious spirit of the glam metal era.
The band’s second album, Cocked & Loaded (1989), was even more successful, featuring the hit “The Ballad of Jayne,” which became one of the signature songs of the genre. L.A. Guns’ music is characterized by its blend of hard rock energy and catchy, anthemic choruses, making them a favorite among fans of the genre. Despite numerous lineup changes and challenges over the years, L.A. Guns remains a respected and influential band in the glam metal and hard rock scenes.
#11 Slaughter
Slaughter, formed in Las Vegas in 1988, became one of the last major bands to emerge from the glam metal scene before the rise of grunge. Their debut album, Stick It to Ya (1990), was a commercial success, featuring hits like “Up All Night” and “Fly to the Angels.” The band’s sound, characterized by Mark Slaughter’s soaring vocals and catchy, melodic hooks, quickly won them a dedicated following.
Slaughter’s music combined the polished production of glam metal with a harder rock edge, making them a standout in the genre’s later years. Their success continued with the release of their second album, The Wild Life (1992), which solidified their place in the rock world. Despite the decline of glam metal in the early 1990s, Slaughter’s music remains a favorite among fans of the genre, and they continue to tour and perform to enthusiastic audiences.
#12 Dokken
Dokken, formed in Los Angeles in 1979, is known for their blend of melodic hard rock and heavy metal, characterized by Don Dokken’s powerful vocals and George Lynch’s virtuosic guitar work. The band gained widespread recognition with their 1984 album Tooth and Nail, which featured hits like “Alone Again” and “Into the Fire.” Dokken’s music is marked by its combination of catchy melodies, intricate guitar solos, and strong vocal harmonies, making them a key player in the 1980s metal scene.
Their follow-up albums, Under Lock and Key (1985) and Back for the Attack (1987), continued their success, with hits like “In My Dreams” and “Burning Like a Flame” becoming staples of the glam metal genre. Despite internal conflicts that eventually led to the band’s breakup in the late 1980s, Dokken’s influence on the development of melodic metal and glam metal is significant. The band has since reunited and continues to perform, maintaining a loyal fanbase.
#13 Scorpions
Scorpions, formed in Hanover, Germany, in 1965, is one of the most successful and enduring hard rock bands in the world. Known for their powerful ballads and hard-hitting rock anthems, Scorpions achieved international fame with albums like Lovedrive (1979) and Animal Magnetism (1980). Their 1984 album Love at First Sting featured the iconic hit “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” which became one of the defining songs of the 1980s rock scene.
Scorpions’ ability to blend heavy metal with melodic elements and catchy choruses made them a favorite among rock fans worldwide. Their success continued with the release of Savage Amusement (1988) and the power ballad “Wind of Change” (1990), which became an anthem of the end of the Cold War. Scorpions’ influence on the hard rock and glam metal genres is profound, and they continue to tour and release new music, solidifying their legacy as one of rock’s most enduring acts.
#14 Van Halen
Van Halen, formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972, revolutionized rock music with their combination of hard rock, virtuosic guitar work, and high-energy performances. Led by guitar legend Eddie Van Halen and charismatic frontman David Lee Roth, the band gained immediate attention with their self-titled debut album in 1978, which included the hit singles “Runnin’ with the Devil” and their iconic cover of “You Really Got Me.” Eddie Van Halen’s innovative guitar techniques, particularly his use of two-handed tapping, redefined what was possible on the electric guitar.
Van Halen’s success continued throughout the 1980s with albums like 1984 (1984), which featured the smash hits “Jump” and “Panama.” Even after Roth’s departure and the arrival of Sammy Hagar, the band maintained their status as one of the biggest rock acts in the world. Van Halen’s influence on both the glam metal genre and rock music as a whole is immeasurable, and they remain one of the most celebrated and influential bands in rock history.
#15 Warrant
Warrant, formed in Los Angeles in 1984, became one of the most prominent glam metal bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their debut album, Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich (1989), catapulted them to fame, featuring the hit singles “Heaven” and “Down Boys.” The band’s sound combined catchy, anthemic choruses with a polished, radio-friendly production, making them a staple on MTV and rock radio stations.
Their follow-up album, Cherry Pie (1990), was even more successful, with the title track becoming one of the most iconic songs of the glam metal era. Warrant’s blend of hard rock energy and pop sensibilities resonated with a wide audience, earning them a place among the top bands of the genre. Despite the decline of glam metal in the 1990s, Warrant continued to tour and record, maintaining a loyal fan base and a lasting legacy in the rock world.
#16 Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper, often referred to as the “Godfather of Shock Rock,” began his career in the late 1960s, pioneering a theatrical style of rock music that combined horror themes with hard rock and glam elements. With his band, Alice Cooper, he released a string of successful albums in the early 1970s, including Love It to Death (1971) and Billion Dollar Babies (1973), which featured hits like “School’s Out” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.”
Alice Cooper’s music and stage shows, which included elaborate costumes, props, and pyrotechnics, influenced many glam metal bands that followed, including Twisted Sister. His ability to blend shock value with catchy, hard-hitting rock songs made him a major figure in the rock world. Over the decades, Alice Cooper has continued to evolve, releasing new music and maintaining a strong presence in the rock community, solidifying his status as a rock icon.
#17 Great White
Great White, formed in Los Angeles in 1977, is known for their bluesy take on hard rock and glam metal, which set them apart from many of their contemporaries. The band gained widespread recognition with their 1987 album Once Bitten, which featured the hit single “Rock Me.” Their follow-up album, …Twice Shy (1989), was even more successful, driven by the success of their cover of Ian Hunter’s “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” which became their signature song.
Great White’s music combined powerful vocals, blues-influenced guitar work, and catchy hooks, making them favorites in the glam metal scene. Despite the challenges that the band faced, including lineup changes and the tragic nightclub fire in 2003, Great White has continued to tour and record new music. Their blend of blues and hard rock has earned them a lasting place in rock history, and they remain influential in the glam metal genre.
#18 Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi, formed in Sayreville, New Jersey, in 1983, is one of the most successful and enduring rock bands of all time. Their breakthrough came with the release of their third album, Slippery When Wet (1986), which featured hit singles like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.” The album’s combination of anthemic rock songs, catchy hooks, and relatable lyrics made Bon Jovi a global sensation and a defining band of the glam metal era.
Their follow-up album, New Jersey (1988), continued their success, producing hits like “Bad Medicine” and “I’ll Be There for You.” Bon Jovi’s ability to craft radio-friendly rock songs with broad appeal has earned them a massive following and numerous awards. Unlike many of their contemporaries, Bon Jovi has managed to stay relevant over the decades, continuously evolving their sound while maintaining their core appeal. They continue to tour and release new music, solidifying their place as one of rock’s most iconic bands.
#19 Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses, formed in Los Angeles in 1985, quickly rose to fame with their debut album Appetite for Destruction (1987), which became the best-selling debut album of all time. The album featured iconic tracks like “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and “Paradise City,” showcasing the band’s raw energy, powerful vocals, and aggressive guitar riffs. Guns N’ Roses’ blend of hard rock, punk attitude, and glam metal styling set them apart from their peers, making them one of the most influential bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Their follow-up albums, Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II (1991), continued their success, featuring hits like “November Rain” and “Don’t Cry.” Despite internal conflicts and lineup changes, Guns N’ Roses’ music remains hugely popular, and they continue to be a major force in rock music. Their ability to combine raw power with melodic elements has influenced countless bands and solidified their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
#20 Whitesnake
Whitesnake, formed in England in 1978 by former Deep Purple vocalist David Coverdale, achieved significant success in the 1980s with their brand of hard rock and bluesy metal. Their breakthrough album, Slide It In (1984), featured a heavier sound and marked the beginning of their rise to international fame. However, it was their 1987 self-titled album, often referred to as 1987, that made them superstars, with hits like “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love” dominating the charts.
Whitesnake’s music, characterized by Coverdale’s powerful vocals and the band’s blend of hard rock and melodic elements, made them a key player in the glam metal scene. Their ability to craft anthemic rock songs with broad appeal, combined with their dynamic stage presence, earned them a massive following. Whitesnake continues to tour and record new music, maintaining their status as one of the most successful and influential bands of the glam metal era.
#21 Steel Panther
Steel Panther, formed in Los Angeles in 2000, is a modern band that pays homage to the glam metal genre of the 1980s with a blend of parody and tribute. Known for their over-the-top stage personas, humorous lyrics, and high-energy performances, Steel Panther quickly gained a cult following. Their debut album, Feel the Steel (2009), featured tracks like “Death to All But Metal” and “Community Property,” which showcased their ability to combine comedic elements with authentic glam metal music.
Steel Panther’s music is characterized by its satirical take on the excesses of the 1980s rock scene, while still delivering technically proficient and catchy glam metal songs. Their ability to parody the genre while also being genuinely talented musicians has earned them a unique place in the rock world. Steel Panther continues to tour and release new music, appealing to both fans of the original glam metal era and new listeners who appreciate their humor and musicianship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What musical style do bands like Twisted Sister typically follow?
Bands like Twisted Sister typically follow a glam metal style, characterized by heavy guitar riffs, anthemic choruses, and a theatrical stage presence that often includes flamboyant costumes and makeup.
Mötley Crüe, Quiet Riot, and Ratt share a similar rebellious spirit as Twisted Sister, combining hard-hitting rock with a defiant attitude and energetic performances.
Are there any modern bands influenced by Twisted Sister’s sound and style?
Yes, modern bands like Steel Panther are influenced by Twisted Sister’s sound and style, often incorporating elements of glam metal with a mix of satire and tribute to the genre’s heyday.
How did Twisted Sister influence the glam metal genre?
Twisted Sister influenced the glam metal genre by blending raw rock energy with theatrical performance, paving the way for bands to embrace both visual and musical extravagance, making them a cornerstone of the 1980s rock scene.
