Stryper

Straight out of Orange County, Stryper were one of the first glam metal Christian bands to gain mainstream success. Brothers Michael and Robert Sweet along with Oz Fox and Tim Gaines bonded through their mutual belief in God and their love for metal music, swimming against the tide the band combined the two to create this revolutionary sound. Inspired by bands like Van Halen, Stryper wanted to create music with a difference and openly reflect their view of the world and their own beliefs. Stepping into a brave new world, Stryper signed to Enigma Records in 1983 and released their first EP ‘The Yellow and Black Attack’ the following year. Taking the colour scheme from the EP’s title, the band employed it within their logo in stripe formation which then fed into their outrageously flamboyant stage costumes. Supporting bands such as Bon Jovi and Ratt exposed them to a whole new audience, a great precursor to the journey Stryper were yet to embark on. In 1985 they released their debut full length album ‘Soldiers under Command’ which reached number 32 in the Billboard Chart and certified gold. But it was the release of their second album ‘To Hell with the Devil’ which gave them unprecedented success as the album went platinum after three months of in the Billboard charts. Still using the familiar yellow and black stripe pattern on their outfits and instruments, Stryper raise the bar on their live performances. Shrouded in flashing strobes and heavy laden with intoxicating riffs, the quartet give 110% as they play songs like ‘Calling On You’, ‘The Rock That Makes Me Roll’, ‘Reach Out’ and of course their biggest hits ‘To Hell With The Devil’ and ‘Soldiers Under Command’ which has the crowd up on their feet, waving their arms in the air. Effortlessly playing in front of thousands of adoring fans who sing along word for word to every song, Michael’s incredible vocals shine through ‘Honestly’ as he passionately sings accompanied only by a piano, allowing you to take in the lyrics and be swept away by the overwhelming emotions laid bare. Stryper sure don’t do things by half- entertaining, full of catchy tracks that make you want to dance your socks off to and exceptionally tight musicians, what more could you want?

I first saw Stryper 33 years ago & immediately became one of my favorite live shows I’ve ever seen. Now, 33 years later and hundreds of concerts later, Stryper is STILL the genuine article!! I’ve seen some of the 80’s hair bands still trying to rock the world today over the past 5 years & most of them are just okay, to bands that really need to just hang it up.

Stryper is not one of those bands. They keep churning out the albums, they have stayed true to who they are at their core, and the crowds LOVE IT! It’s rare to go to a show and have 80% of the audience that knows every lyric to every song no matter what decade that song was first sung.

And I haven’t even gotten to their musicianship yet. One word describes Stryper as musicians: impeccable. Technically amazing. Michael and Oz are simply amazing guitarists who still play every solo like they just wrote them yesterday. Michael hits every high note with precision, in key, and no breaking up or squealing. Robert plays the drums with the energy of a 25 year old at 57 years old. And new bassist Perry Richardson (former Firehouse bass player) holds it all down and is a great, professional edition to the band. And after meeting them many times, they are wonderful guys that truly love the message they sing. The encore of To Hell With The Devil had 60 year olds and 14 year olds there with their parents rocking at high decibel loudness!! It was an awesome show and anyone that missed it because they didn’t want to see a “Christian band” missed one hell of a show. Some of the best musicians you will ever see at The Mesa Theater. If they are coming to your town, spend the $30 and get ready to get rocked by one of the best rock bands around.

I have been a Stryper fan since 1984. I have seen them 3 prior times (Soldiers tour, original THWTD tour, the Covering tour). However, this 30 Year THWTD tour was one that would bring back so many great memories! First off, I made sure to purchase my Meet & Greet VIP package because to finally get to hang out with my absolute favorite band ever was a priority! Let's say this concert was the one that I will never forget!! Michael and the boys exploded the Midnight Rodeo with all the power and energy of nuclear warhead! Opening with THWTD was the warning the audience needed to buckle up because this is a ride that's going to the stratosphere! Throughout the night, the Yellow & Black Attack was in full force. Showering a local bar venue with the message of Jesus Christ and His love for all, Stryper led the way with an army of people hungry for more! The icing on this cake of pure rock and metal was my personal favorite, Makes Me Wanna Sing, a party song for the only one worthy of its lyrics (Jesus, King, King of Kings... Jesus, Makes Me Wanna Sing). If this song doesn't make you get up and dance/headbang, you need to check your pulse because you don't have one!

The Stryper show last night in Pharr, Texas was one for the ages. This is the 12th time I’ve seen them and I can say, quite “honestly” (yes a pun on words) it was the best I have seen them since the 80’s. The rift with their old bass player behind them, they looked refreshed and “renewed” and full of energy. The sound was amazing, the music was incredible and the stage and light show top notch. I stood in the VIP area which made the whole show a plus. This show gets a 10 out of 10 from me. You couldn’t have asked for more. I have seen several bands from “back in the day” and they were okay at best. Stryper is by far, the best of them all without question. Well worth the $52 I spent for the ticket. I’ll go see them in Denver again October 19th you can count on that.

Stryper was awesome to see again. It was my fourth time seeing them and they did not let me down. Michael Sweet was on fire both with his vocals and the crowd. His brother Robert is a monster on the drums and a joy to watch. The "new" guy Perry Richardson is a perfect fit for this band with his outstanding bass playing and long locks of blonde hair. Sir Oz Fox was as always perfect in his guitar works and looked very happy to be playing. The whole band seemed to be happy to be there playing all their hits and new stuff. I'm so glad they played Sorry in the set. I thought the show was very successful.

Kyle Chirgwin, Cape Cod, MASS.--USA

What can I say but styper does know how to bring down the house.i just want to say thanks to styper for comeing down to San Antonio texas. I had a great rock'n'roll time just wish it was not over. Styper you rock San Antonio Texas fans.thanks. thanks for hit San Antonio texas on your history tour. Hope to see styper back with there new album and new tour dates in the future.I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE ROCK BOX FOR THERE SUPPORT OF ALL THE GREAT ROCK BANDS WHO THEY BRING TO SAN ANTONIO TEXAS!! AND GREAT BEER PRICES AND TICKET PRICE.:)

Wow...
I have to say one of the best shows I have seen ever, there were a couple of technical glitches in the early part of the show but they overcame that and the show went on.
Guitar parts were crisp and clean, Robert was rock solid on the drums,Michael could not hit all the notes he once could but still is an amazing vocalist.
I had never seen these guys live but it was so worth the wait to see them rocking 30+ years later.
When they come through again, I will be in line for tickets.
Great show, keep rockin..
J

I was able to see Oz, Tim and Michael at a restaurant prior to the show all though I didn't talk with them.

The concert was AWESOME...as ALWAYS! It has been 29 + years since I saw them on 4/25/1987 during the THWTD Tour in Irvine, CA.

@Stryper has never disappointed!

I was not really happy with the venue mainly because I'm not one for Standing Room Only general admission concerts especially with 5 bands playing.

Gregg Huestis
www.b2bablessing.org

Totally awesome, love these guys! They rocked 17 full songs without hardly a break.

All the great songs from the early albums (none from The Yellow and Black Attack) like To Hell With the Devil, Soldiers Under Command, and In God We Trust.

Oz Fox back with the band after being in the hospital. The band played great at The Music Box in San Diego. Inspiring and faithful to God and His word!

Wow. Wow. Wow. What an amazing concert. Great venue. Michael Sweet and the guys still have it! It brought me back to their 1988 tour. I still have my ticket stub! I am a fan of their music and also Michael's solo album. Michael's incredible voice, stage presence and interaction with the crowd is what fans look for in a concert. They gave it everything they had last night. Forever Stryper fan.