Twisted Sister - Big Hits and Nasty Cuts 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The Best of Twisted Sister

Way's passion for music ignited in his teenage years. He started playing bass guitar in local bands, honing his skills and developing his signature style. In 1968, he co-founded Hocus Pocus with Phil Mogg, a band that would eventually evolve into UFO.

UFO and Beyond:

With UFO , Way achieved international fame. Their energetic live shows and albums like "Phenomenon" (1974) and "Lights Out" (1977) solidified their status as hard rock icons. Way's driving basslines were a cornerstone of their sound, complementing Michael Schenker's blistering guitar solos.

However, Way's tenure with UFO was marked by periods of turbulence and departure. He left the band in 1982, embarking on a solo career and forming the band Waysted . He also played with Ozzy Osbourne, Fastway, and the Michael Schenker Group.

Waysted and Solo Endeavors:

Waysted, a project close to Way's heart, allowed him to explore different musical avenues. Their albums like "Vices" (1983) and "Save Your Prayers" (1986) showcased a heavier, more aggressive sound, reflecting Way's punk influences.

Way also released several solo albums, including "Amphetamine" (1996) and "Acoustic Animal" (2000), demonstrating his versatility as a musician. His solo work allowed him to experiment with different genres and collaborate with various artists.

Return to UFO and Legacy:

Despite his numerous side projects, Way's heart always remained with UFO. He rejoined the band several times throughout his career, contributing to albums like "Walk on Water" (1995) and "You Are Here" (2004). His final stint with UFO lasted until 2008.

Pete Way passed away on August 14, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of iconic basslines, electrifying performances, and a reputation as a true rock 'n' roll rebel. His musical contributions continue to inspire generations of musicians, and his name remains synonymous with the spirit of hard rock and heavy metal.

Werman's journey in the music industry began in the early 1970s when he joined Epic Records as a promotions manager. He quickly rose through the ranks and displayed an exceptional understanding of the industry, earning him a promotion to the position of vice president of artists and repertoire (A&R) in 1976. This role allowed him to work closely with various artists and nurture their talent.

In the late 1970s, Werman's career took an exciting turn when he transitioned into music production. He displayed a keen ear for emerging rock subgenres and worked extensively with hard rock and heavy metal bands, helping shape their sound and capturing their raw energy in the studio. Werman's expertise in understanding the nuances of these genres made him a sought-after producer.

During the 1980s, Werman played a pivotal role in the success of several iconic bands. One of his notable collaborations was with Dokken , a popular American heavy metal band. Werman produced their breakthrough album, "Tooth and Nail" (1984), which featured hit tracks like "Just Got Lucky" and "Alone Again." The album's success propelled Dokken into the mainstream, solidifying their place in the heavy metal scene.

Werman's production credits also include working with Junkyard, a hard rock band known for their bluesy sound and gritty attitude. He produced their self-titled debut album, "Junkyard" (1989), which garnered positive reviews and spawned hits like "Hollywood" and "Simple Man." Werman's ability to capture Junkyard's raw energy and authenticity contributed to the album's success.

Another iconic band that benefited from Werman's production expertise was Mötley Crüe . He produced their critically acclaimed album, "Shout at the Devil" (1983), which helped propel the band to international stardom. The album, with its hard-hitting tracks like "Looks That Kill" and "Shout at the Devil," established Mötley Crüe as one of the leading acts in the glam metal scene.

Werman's work extended beyond these notable collaborations. He also worked with Ted Nugent , producing his album "Penetrator" (1984), and Twisted Sister , producing their album "Stay Hungry" (1984). His contributions to these projects helped elevate the bands' careers and solidify their place in the music industry.

Throughout his career, Werman's production style was characterized by his ability to capture the raw energy and distinct characteristics of the bands he worked with. He had a knack for enhancing their sound while staying true to their artistic vision. His meticulous attention to detail and creative input earned him the respect and admiration of artists and industry professionals alike.

Although Werman's prolific production career primarily thrived during the 1980s, his impact on the music industry remains influential to this day. His work with numerous hard rock, heavy metal, and glam rock bands helped shape the sound of an era and left an indelible mark on the genre. Tom Werman's contributions as a music producer continue to inspire and resonate with fans and artists alike, solidifying his legacy in the history of rock music.

Defrin's career in the music industry took off in the 1980s, a pivotal era for Heavy Metal music. His unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound through visual imagery made him a sought-after figure among musicians and record labels. As a director and graphic designer at Atlantic Records, Defrin played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identities of numerous Heavy Metal bands during this period.

One of Defrin's notable accomplishments was his work on album covers. He understood the power of album artwork in conveying the spirit and energy of a band's music. Defrin's ability to translate the raw power and intensity of Heavy Metal into captivating visuals earned him widespread recognition and accolades. His designs often featured bold, eye-catching imagery, intricate details, and striking typography, perfectly complementing the music within.

Defrin's portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic album covers. Among his most renowned works are the covers for AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979), "Back in Black" (1980), and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You" (1981). These covers captured the band's energy, attitude, and electrifying sound, becoming iconic symbols of Heavy Metal culture.

Additionally, Defrin's artistic contributions extended beyond AC/DC. He collaborated with numerous other influential bands, including Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Krokus, and Skid Row, among others. Each album cover he designed encapsulated the essence of the respective band's music, making a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Heavy Metal.

Bob Defrin's expertise in graphic design and his ability to understand and interpret the musical vision of Heavy Metal bands made him an invaluable asset to Atlantic Records. He left an indelible mark on the music industry, helping to shape the visual identities of some of the most influential Heavy Metal acts of the 1980s.

Beyond his work with Atlantic Records, Defrin's influence continued to resonate in the field of graphic design. His unique style and contributions left a lasting impression on album cover art, inspiring generations of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Bob Defrin's legacy as a director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records endures as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the Heavy Metal genre. His ability to merge music and visual artistry has forever left an indelible mark on the history of album cover design.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Mark Weiss discovered his passion for photography at a young age. Inspired by the music culture of the 1970s, he set out to combine his love for music with his growing interest in photography. Armed with his camera, Weiss began attending concerts and local gigs, capturing the electrifying performances of emerging and established rock acts.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Weiss's career gained momentum as he became the go-to photographer for many rock bands. He developed a reputation for his ability to capture the raw energy and charisma of the musicians, as well as the electric atmosphere of live performances. His photographs not only showcased the artists in their element but also transported viewers into the heart of the rock and roll experience.

One of Weiss's most iconic collaborations was with the legendary rock band Bon Jovi. From the early days of their career, Weiss developed a close relationship with the band members and their management, which allowed him unprecedented access to document their rise to superstardom. His photographs became an integral part of Bon Jovi's image, capturing the band's infectious energy and forging a visual legacy that would endure for decades.

Mark Weiss's work extended beyond Bon Jovi, as he photographed and developed relationships with numerous other rock icons. He captured the larger-than-life personas of artists such as Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, and Motley Crue, among many others. Weiss's photographs adorned album covers, magazines, and concert posters, encapsulating the essence of the rock and roll lifestyle and contributing to the visual iconography of the era.

Throughout his career, Weiss has exhibited a remarkable ability to connect with his subjects and gain their trust, allowing him to capture intimate and candid moments both on and off the stage. His photographs convey not only the spectacle of rock performances but also the humanity and vulnerability of the artists behind the scenes, creating a comprehensive visual narrative of their lives and careers.

In addition to his work as a live music photographer, Mark Weiss has also ventured into other areas of the industry. He has directed music videos, designed album covers, and collaborated with various media outlets and galleries to showcase his extensive collection of rock and roll photography. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire new generations of photographers and music lovers.

Mark Weiss's body of work represents more than just photographs. It is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the profound impact that music can have on people's lives. Through his lens, he has immortalized the legends of rock and roll, providing fans with a glimpse into the exhilarating world of music and preserving the spirit of an era that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans around the world.