The anthem for dissatisfied 80s kids everywhere, We’re Not Gonna Take It has been co-opted by so many products and campaigns and political candidates that it might be easier to try to keep track of who hasn’t used it at some point. Dee Snider has always come out against anyone trying to claim the song’s message as their own.
The kid in the video is played by Dax Callner, the son of the video’s director. The kid’s father is played by Mark Metcalf, best-known for playing Douglas C. Neidermeyer in National Lampoon’s Animal House.
The site suggests that the best way to celebrate I’m Not Going To Take It Day is to go to the mall and buy yourself an expensive gift. Well, I’m all about that! Another suggested way to celebrate the day is to book yourself a vacation to some place warm. I already live some place warm so I think I’ll book a vacation in Minnesota for September…
ANYWAY, in honor of this holiday, today’s music video of the day is the German band, Donots, performing their version of Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Going To Take It. The video is basically them performing the song, mixed in with footage of people refusing to take it.
Burn, baby, burn! as my old Colorado dance teacher used to put it…
“Hello students.
School has begun.
The summer is over.
I am in command.”
According to my old high school’s calendar, it is the first day of school. If your teacher happens to look like the jilted husband/boyfriend from Chilly Scenes of Winter (1979), then…
Chilly Scenes of Winter (1979, dir. Joan Micklin Silver)
be careful because the guy might be able to lift cars.
Chilly Scenes of Winter (1979, dir. Joan Micklin Silver)
After We’re Not Gonna Take It worked out so well with actor Mark Metcalf, we got a repeat of his amazing performance. Also, with this and 1987’s Here We Go Again, director Marty Callner has directed at least two music videos that have become legends, not because of the band or the song, but because of someone else in the video.
I Wanna Rock is the riveting tale of Mark Metcalf trying to destroy fun by being funny himself while getting flung around a school through the power of rock. It’s also about choosing what you want to do in life, and not what somebody else tells you to do. The music video is not as good as We’re Not Gonna Take It largely because the song isn’t is as good. The music video is still fun though, and showcases Mark Metcalf’s talents as a comedian.
If you haven’t seen this music video, then it is essential. I’ll explain the story of how Metcalf wound up in these music videos when I get around to We’re Not Gonna Take It.
Through the Shattered Lens 