Why STRYPER Hasn't Opened For Any Bigger Rock Bands On Tour

January 6, 2019

Michael Sweet says that STRYPER hasn't toured with many bigger bands because the openly Christian group hasn't been able to secure support slots with any musically compatible artists.

"We're asked all the time, 'Why don't you open for other bands?'" the STRYPER frontman wrote on his Facebook page earlier today. "Well, we've submitted our name many times over the years to open for bands like JUDAS PRIEST, SCORPIONS, KISS, VAN HALEN, MEGADETH and many others. Quite honestly, I think we'd be a great opener for any of the above. It would be an interesting and exciting show guaranteed. Unfortunately, it hasn't been in the cards, so we've continued to headline clubs, theaters and casinos around the globe."

In a 2014 interview with The Weeklings, Sweet confirmed that there were some rumblings three decades ago about a possible STRYPER tour with MÖTLEY CRÜE.

"I wouldn't say any of us were, like, really close friends, but we saw each other in passing and there was talk between the two camps about a 'Heaven And Hell' tour," he said. "They were in their prime and we were in ours. Obviously, it didn't happen, but I think it would have been a great show. MÖTLEY are good guys, man. We're all just searching, trying to find our way and you know, we're in this thing together."

Back in 2006, STRYPER was supposed to share the stage with SLAYER as part of Mexico's Monterrey Metal Fest but the thrash metal veterans ended up canceling their appearance at the event for personal reasons. Sweet later said that his band "only decided to take the show when we found out that SLAYER was on the bill." He explained: "We've always wanted to do a show/tour with SLAYER in order to reach out to their fans/followers."

Formed 36 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

STRYPER's albums include "To Hell With The Devil", "Second Coming", "No More Hell To Pay", "Fallen" and the band's latest effort, "God Damn Evil".

We’re asked all the time, “why don’t you open for other bands?” - Well, we’ve submitted our name many times over the...
Posted by Michael Sweet on Sunday, January 6, 2019

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