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In this Eye-Opener Society story-time episode, we dive deep into one of the most legendary moments in music history: the 1985 PMRC Senate hearings featuring Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Tipper Gore, and even John Denver. Discover how Dee Snider defended artistic freedom, explained the real meaning behind Under the Blade, and challenged political assumptions about heavy metal music.
We explore:
The formation of the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) and their “Filthy Fifteen” list
Tipper Gore’s push for Parental Advisory labels on albums
Dee Snider’s bold, witty, and unforgettable testimony
John Denver’s surprising defense of free expression and anti-censorship stance
The lasting impact on music, culture, and the iconic Parental Advisory sticker
If you love stories about music history, censorship, political drama, and 1980s culture, this episode is for you. Join us as we unpack how one heavy metal rocker changed the conversation about music, freedom, and creativity forever.
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Find out how Dee Snider, in his denim vest and bandana, defended Twisted Sister’s music against accusations of promoting violence, sex, and bondage. Hear about John Denver’s surprising anti-censorship stance, and explore how these hearings led to the creation of the Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics sticker — a symbol that still shapes music today.
We cover:
PMRC’s “Filthy Fifteen” and attempts to regulate music
Tipper Gore’s role in music censorship debates
Dee Snider’s epic testimony and witty comebacks
John Denver’s defense of free artistic expression
The cultural and historical impact on music, censorship, and freedom of speech
This episode is perfect for fans of music history, metal, 1980s pop culture, censorship debates, and behind-the-scenes stories from iconic Senate hearings.
By Eye Opener Society5
33 ratings
In this Eye-Opener Society story-time episode, we dive deep into one of the most legendary moments in music history: the 1985 PMRC Senate hearings featuring Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Tipper Gore, and even John Denver. Discover how Dee Snider defended artistic freedom, explained the real meaning behind Under the Blade, and challenged political assumptions about heavy metal music.
We explore:
The formation of the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) and their “Filthy Fifteen” list
Tipper Gore’s push for Parental Advisory labels on albums
Dee Snider’s bold, witty, and unforgettable testimony
John Denver’s surprising defense of free expression and anti-censorship stance
The lasting impact on music, culture, and the iconic Parental Advisory sticker
If you love stories about music history, censorship, political drama, and 1980s culture, this episode is for you. Join us as we unpack how one heavy metal rocker changed the conversation about music, freedom, and creativity forever.
Keywords / SEO tags:
Title:
Description:
Find out how Dee Snider, in his denim vest and bandana, defended Twisted Sister’s music against accusations of promoting violence, sex, and bondage. Hear about John Denver’s surprising anti-censorship stance, and explore how these hearings led to the creation of the Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics sticker — a symbol that still shapes music today.
We cover:
PMRC’s “Filthy Fifteen” and attempts to regulate music
Tipper Gore’s role in music censorship debates
Dee Snider’s epic testimony and witty comebacks
John Denver’s defense of free artistic expression
The cultural and historical impact on music, censorship, and freedom of speech
This episode is perfect for fans of music history, metal, 1980s pop culture, censorship debates, and behind-the-scenes stories from iconic Senate hearings.

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