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Didja know-

We're Not Gonna Take It- post 4953- is a song written by Dee Snider?

WHO is Dee Snider you may ask & WHAT is the story behind his song that was dropped?

Lets do a little dig, shall we?

Get you drink & let's go!

Now for the Rest of the story...

2/22
Back in 1985-PMRC-Parents Music Resource Center-group founded by Tipper Gore- Al Gore-rhythms wife, among other concerned moms.

It was formed 2 provide censorship &/or warning of offensive material n regards to music albums that had things that parents would find offensive.

3/22
Profanity-obscene images-lyrics, describing sexual &/or violent matters, etc. were NOT ALLOWED at that time.

Songs were clean. No cussing allowed in music!

NO sexual dancing, imagery etc. would b approved 4 songs-really anything concerning a song.

PMRC made sure of that!

4/22
PMRC was parental warning system that would label all albums containing "offensive material." The system was to include letters identifying the type of objectionable content to be found in each album (e.g. O for occult themes, S for sex, D for drugs, V for violence, etc.)

5/22
Tipper had a reason 4 creating this Gatekeeper-PMRC.
September 19, 1985, Tipper started a Censorship battle between housewives & rock ‘n’ roll idols. Tipper’s mind was blown after her preteen daughter brought home a copy of the soundtrack album to Prince's Purple Rain.

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This led to a crusade against explicit lyrics in rock music

This resulted in the "Parental Advisory" sticker now found on any new album releases with "questionable content."

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PMRC demanded printing warnings & lyrics on album covers, forcing record stores to put albums w/explicit covers under the counters, pressuring television stations not to broadcast explicit songs or videos.

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This also involved reassessing the contracts of musicians, comedians, movies, etc. anyone who performed violent or sexually in concert or gatherings. This led to creating a panel to set industry standards for music & film, in order for it to be sold or viewed ANYWHERE.

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So the wild trio of Dee Snider, Frank Zappa & John Denver were called before Congress to testify in defense of music in 1985.

Dee Snider was asked to speak first, by Congress, on behalf of those who opposed who opposed the actions of the PMRC.

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Dee Snider, being the rocker that he is & was back then, showed up as dressed in his rocker attire. Once in Congress, everyone thought that he’ll fall flat on his ass. What occurred next shocked EVERYONE!

Dee with Twisted Sister band.

11/22
What really makes this historic TV moment SO historic is truly the setting.

Rock singer Dee Snider of Twisted Sister testifies before a Senate committee hearing concerning the possible government regulation of objectionable lyrics in rock music.

12/22

Imagine if you will, a hard rocking Dee Snider, coming into the hearing, under dressed & seemingly unprepared. After all he is set to speak in front of an entire panel of politicians. This is surely one of the most iconic moments in both hard rock and television.

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Dee absolutely "trumped" everyone with his refined & educated speech towards the Senate.

Part 1 of Dee's testimony in front of Congress.

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This definitely proves that you should never judge a book by its cover. Especially when that book will deliver a verbal assassination 2 a panel of disbelievers!

Part 2 of Dee's testimony in front of Congress.

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Part 3 of Dee's testimony in front of Congress.

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Part 1-Frank Zappa's testimony.

1st Amendment Rights discussed.

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Part 2-Frank Zappa's testimony in front of Congress.

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Part 3 -Frank Zappa's testimony in front of Congress.

19/

Part 4 -Frank Zappa's testimony in front of Congress.

20/22

Part 1 John Denver's testimony in front of Congress in 1985.

The PMRC, headed by Tipper Gore and the other "Washington wives" put together senate hearings to produce some legislation regarding music lyrics. John Denver called it censorship.

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Congressmen questioning- John Denver's testimony in front of Congress in 1985.

22/22

WOW.

I was busy with life in 1985 & I TOTALLY missed the Congressional hearings concerning CENSORSHIP in music!

Those were the days my friends......

Life keeping us TOO BUSY to hear & see WHAT was going on..

BY DESIGN.