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I think that the FCC and even MTV have done a fair job in keeping
profanity and obscenity and things like that off the public airwaves.
But as far as what you listen to in your own home, that is
something totally different, I feel in my opinion.
Senator HOLLINGS. I think that the record ought to be elaborated
to show just that.
Previously, about 5 or 6 years ago, we had the TV networks
before this committee, and pursuant to that particular hearing
they then came back. I remember CBS specifically. They
demonstrated how they had this film, and then got together with the
producer and removed certain scenes of violence and certain four-letter
words, and did not offend the producer's sense of art in the
production itself.
We have made some progress. The bottom line with respect to
these particular records, the Supreme Court has found, is that
there is that right and that responsibility.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The CHAIRMAN. Senator Gore.
Senator GORE. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. SNIDER. Excuse me. Are you going to tell me you are a big
fan of my music as well?
Senator GORE. No, I am not a fan of your music. I am aware that
Frank Zappa and John Denver cover quite a spectrum, and I do
enjoy them both. I am not, however, a fan of Twisted Sister and I
will readily say that.
Mr. Snider, what is the name of your fan club?
Mr. SNIDER. The fan club is called the SMF Fans of Twisted
Sister.
Senator GORE. And what does "SMF" stand for when it is spelled
out?
Mr. SNIDER. It stands for the Sick Mother Fucking Fans of Twisted Sister.
Senator GORE. Is this also a Christian group?
Mr. SNIDER. I do not believe profanity has anything to do with
Christianity, thank you.
Senator GORE. It is just an interesting choice. I was getting the
impression from your presentation that you were a very wholesome
kind of performer, and that is an interesting title for your fan club.
You say your song "Under the Blade" is about surgery. Have you
ever had surgery with your hands tied and your legs strapped?
Mr. SNIDER. The song was written about my guitar player, Eddie
Ojeda. He was having polyps removed from his throat and he was
very fearful of this operation. And I said: Eddie, while you are in
the hospital I am going to write a song for you.
I said it was about the fear of operations. I think people imagine
being helpless on a table, the bright light in their face, the blade
coming down on them, and being totally afraid that they may wake
up, who knows, dead, handicapped. There is a certain fear of hospitals.
That is what, in my imagination, what I see the hospitals like.
Senator GORE. Is there a reference to the hospital in the song?
Mr. SNIDER. No, there is not. But there is not a reference to a
woman, sado-masochism, |
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