Twisted Business: Lessons from My Life in Rock 'n Roll

by Jay Jay French, Steve Farber (With)

Jay Jay French—founder, guitarist, and manager of the world-famous heavy metal band Twisted Sister—delivers his “bizoir”: part memoir and part business primer.

In addition to founding Twisted Sister, a world-famous heavy metal band that has sold more than 20 million records worldwide, Jay Jay French is one of the top entrepreneurs in entertainment. After taking over as manager in the ‘70s, French developed Twisted Sister into the most heavily licensed heavy metal band in history, leading the group to perform more than 9,000 shows in forty countries.

Part business book, part memoir, Twisted Business is an unexpected, inspiring, whirlwind story of transformation and redemption. Twisted Business follows French’s adventure-filled life—from growing up in New York City in the sixties, to working as a drug dealer and struggling as an addict before quitting cold-turkey, and finally, to creating and cultivating Twisted Sister and turning it into one of the most successful brands in the world.

Together with his mentor, Steve Farber, a best-selling author and one of the world’s top leadership and management experts, French offers unique, hard-earned tips and advice from his nearly 50 years as a musician, music business manager, and entrepreneur. French shows how, through tenacity, grit, and dedication, anyone can create their own brand, grow a successful business, re-invent themselves, or simply find success in what they love to do. Entertaining, provocative, funny, and informative, this book is the trip of a lifetime and a treasured guide for entrepreneurs, business people, and music fans alike.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 21, 2021

Reviews

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book expecting the usual "tell all" biography of a rock band from one member's point of view. I came out the other end a well seasoned business man. Fear my TWISTED approach to running the company.

JayJay French, guitarist for Twisted Sister and their de facto business leader uses the backdrop of his successes and failures in rock and roll to present a motivational business acumen, The TWISTED Method. Now, if you just want to read some cool stories about the history of Twisted Sister, you'll get some of that as well.

All in all, a well rounded and unexpected book that's one part Rocumentary and one part How to Suceed in Business. Not a disappointment whichever way your would hope it goes. Stay Hungry.

[David Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted Business: Lessons from My Life in Rock ’n’ Roll isn’t your typical rock memoir, it’s mostly a business book with a rock ’n’ roll soul, which makes it stand out. Jay Jay French’s early hustle had him dabbling in some sketchy stuff; he was even a drug dealer/user, where he says he learned his street smarts and grind -but he straightened out his ways after the follies of youth, adopting a zero-tolerance approach to drugs while slogging it out in clubs for over a decade, playing thousands of shows with ever-changing lineups. From being rejected by every record company imaginable to achieving multi-platinum success, then back to bankruptcy, reinventing himself, and producing/managing the band Sevendust to successful Twisted Sister festival headlining reunions, the book gives you a real sense of the triumphs, tragedies, and relentless grind of life in the music industry.

French and co-author Steve Farber structure much of the book around the T-W-I-S-T-E-D acronym, with each letter representing a key business lesson: Tenacity, Wisdom, Inspiration, Strategy, Trust, Excellence, and Discipline. These lessons are brought to life through real-life anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, offering insights into leadership, perseverance, and creative problem-solving.

The book concludes with a discography rundown and a detailed breakdown of shows and tour dates, which is a treat for fans and makes it feel like a complete chronicle of Twisted Sister’s career.

If you’re a fan of rock history, entrepreneurial lessons, or stories of turning youthful chaos into disciplined success, this book hits the sweet spot.

#RockMemoir #BusinessLessons #TwistedSister #JayJayFrench #MusicIndustry #RockHistory #TWISTED

[Steve Coscia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book took me back to my youth on Long Island in 1970s - I saw Twisted Sister perform at numerous Long Island clubs. From that perspective, this book is fun.

This is actually two books. It's an autobiography and a business book.

Jay Jay French shares this autobiography in a concise and descriptive manner. His youth was a bit troubled with drug dealing and drug use, though he steered clear of making drugs a habit. His love for music led to the guitar and eventually.... Twisted Sister.

The business book is typical self-help jargon you can get anywhere. What made the business book fun were the Twisted Sister anecdotes sprinkled throughout.

[Seton Lillas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love listening to Jay Jays podcast and I think that this is why I didnt enjoy the book. If I had never listened to episodes the stories would have been fresh. Was hoping for a few more tasty tidbits from the Twisted Sister days or at least a further exploration of the dynamics between the members and maybe some fun stories. Having run a few businesses I dont think that the overall business advice adds much to my business knowledge. Maybe it should have been two books, a business book and a book about TS.

[Jo Besser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because I really enjoyed Dee Snider's memoir/book. So it seemed obvious that I would pick up French's book.

Sure, I wanted to know a lot more about French and Twisted Sister. I got that in the beginning of the book and sprinkled through the rest of the book. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of business knowledge that French had. It was astounding, and an important to read.

A quick read that gives you a "good" feeling, like Jay Jay French is in your corner. I highly recommend this book.

[Armand Rosamilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into the good, the bad and the ugly of the author's life. From his humble beginnings to working the Twisted Sister machine past their prime, every story is interesting. Not just a book about what happened on the road with wine, women and song, either, which makes it even better.

[Chris Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing Jay Jay had spoken on his podcast about the book I knew what to expect. Straight forward talk about everything, from his drug says to the end of the band how it all took place. Along with it some of his motivational speaking that is very insightful.

[Lnsimon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got mixed reviews and I don't know why. Jay Jay provided a great synopsis of his journey and history of Twisted Sister. The only issue is with the audiobook. It would have been much better if he narrated it himself.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book! I would highly recommend. Not just for Twisted fans, but for those who want to succeed in business. He has some great tips. Thumbs up!

[Alice Malary]

Never recieved my copy....less 1