Metal, Motors & Mendoza: Twisted Sister's Bass Legend Joins Us!

# Arrive Alive Podcast - Episode 87
## Guest: Mark "The Animal" Mendoza (Bass Player, Twisted Sister)

### Introduction

**Len Belello (Host)**: Hey, welcome to episode 86 of the Arrive Alive podcast. I'm Len Belello, your happy and humble host. Buckle up because this is going to be a really good and unique show to close out the year.

People always say to me, "Hey, Len, you have the best guests" - from Alisa Clickinger, who has led thousands of women motorcyclists all over the globe, to Giselle Brighton, who will do a lap of North America the way you and I go to 7-Eleven for a half a gallon of milk, plus she'll bring her dog on the back. Gary from Texas, our former military person and cybersecurity expert who could probably guess your password in one try, and people like Jason DeSalvo, former winner of the Daytona 200, and the only person to do it on a Ducati.

Our guest today is special because of his contribution to music around the world and his love for motorcycling. He's ridden just about every type of motorcycle in many different countries around the globe. His name is Mark "The Animal" Mendoza, well known for being the bass player of the heavy metal glam band Twisted Sister.

### About Twisted Sister

Twisted Sister rose to prominence in the '80s, known for their theatrical appearance, particularly their elaborate makeup and wild hair. Their hits include:
- "We're not going to take it"
- "Under the Blade"
- "I Want to Rock"

While often grouped with glam metal bands, they had a grittier, more hard rock sound than many of their contemporaries, and their music has stood the test of time.

### Sponsor Message

Thank you to the Hangman Law Firm for supporting and sponsoring our show for their entire year. Should you need a personal injury attorney or know somebody that does, call 1-800-HAYMOND.

### Interview Highlights

#### Early Days with Music and Motorcycles

**Mark**: I was building mini bikes when I was about 12 years old. That's also when I discovered music, around 11-12 years old. We had this guy Ricky, whose dad owned a tool shop. He built a mini bike from a Tecumseh engine with a pull start and a real break that didn't work. The first time I rode it, I crashed it into my mother's Plymouth Fury.

#### Current Motorcycle Collection

Mark owns several bikes:
- 2001 Street Glide (rebuilt after an accident)
- 1990 Fatboy "The Gray Ghost" (original except for tires)
- 1980 80 cubic inch ex-police bike
- Two semi-choppers

#### On Motorcycle Safety

**Mark on Safety Gear**: "I'm a stickler for making sure that the odds are stacked in my favor. Check oil, gas, air pressure in tires - that's a big one. Wrong air pressure can get you in a lot of trouble. Also, air pressure in your air shocks needs to be correct for the amount of weight on your bike."

**On Protective Equipment**: "I always make sure I have earplugs because even though I've been playing rock music for most of my life, my ears are important to me - I'm also a studio engineer. I make sure I have my proper eyeglasses because I wear prescription glasses. And of course, helmet and riding gear."

#### Memorable Riding Experience

Mark shared a particularly memorable ride in Scandinavia:
- Rode with a local riding club up mountain roads
- Experienced dramatic temperature changes
- Navigated challenging curves with no guardrails
- Ended up in clouds and heavy drizzle at the summit
- Had what he calls a major "pucker factor" moment

### New Music Announcement

Mark announced a new Christmas song called "I'm Your Christmas Present":
- Available on Spotify and YouTube
- Collaboration with vocalist Marla Adler
- Mark plays bass and produced the track
- Music video coming soon

*Note: This is episode 86 of the Arrive Alive podcast, hosted by Len Belello and featuring Mark "The Animal" Mendoza of Twisted Sister.*