He is not the face of the band or the voice behind its biggest anthems, but he is the reason it still exists.
Jay Jay French, the founding guitarist of heavy metal icons Twisted Sister, turns 74 on Monday, July 20, and he is marking the milestone the way he has spent most of his life, with the band he built back on the road.
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Born John French Segall in New York City, French has been part of Twisted Sister since the band's early-1970s beginnings and is its only continuous founding member. He steered Twisted Sister from tri-state clubs to its 1984 blockbuster Stay Hungry, the album that gave the world the fist-pumping anthems 'We're Not Gonna Take It' and 'I Wanna Rock.'
Beyond the guitar, French has long run the business side, overseeing the band's brand and licensing. By his own count, he has played more than 9,000 shows, performed in 34 countries and sold over 20 million albums. Off the stage, he reinvented himself as an author and motivational speaker, turning the band's improbable survival into lessons on grit.
Still Not Gonna Take It
The birthday lands during a big year for the group. Twisted Sister is back on the road this fall for a run of shows, though the lineup has changed. Longtime frontman Dee Sniderstepped away in February, citing health, and former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bachtook over on vocals for a handful of dates, with Snider's blessing. French and fellow guitarist Eddie Ojeda remain at the core, keeping the band he has anchored for more than 50 years alive.
For a man who has spent 50-plus years fighting to keep Twisted Sister on its feet, through a breakup, a reunion and now a new voice at the mic, turning 74 with the group back onstage may be the most fitting birthday present of all.
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