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:

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  The formation of the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) and their “Filthy Fifteen” list

  
  


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  Tipper Gore’s push for Parental Advisory labels on albums

  
  


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  Dee Snider’s bold, witty, and unforgettable testimony

  
  


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  John Denver’s surprising defense of free expression and anti-censorship stance

  
  


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  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:

Dee Snider, Twisted Sister, PMRC, Tipper Gore, John Denver, Parental Advisory, 1980s music history, Senate hearing, music censorship, rock history, metal music, explicit lyrics, Filthy Fifteen, free speech, cultural clash, Eye-Opener Society podcast

Title:

“Dee Snider vs Tipper Gore: The Wild 1985 Senate Hearing That Changed Music Forever”

Description:

Step back to 1985 and witness the legendary clash between heavy metal and politics! In this Eye-Opener Society story-time episode, we tell the full story of the PMRC Senate hearings with Dee Snider, Tipper Gore, and John Denver.

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:

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  PMRC’s “Filthy Fifteen” and attempts to regulate music

  
  


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  Tipper Gore’s role in music censorship debates

  
  


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  Dee Snider’s epic testimony and witty comebacks

  
  


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  John Denver’s defense of free artistic expression

  
  


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  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.