Stryper recently released their 12th studio album "God Damn Evil" in late April. Honestly, the last two albums seem to have a heavier side and that really comes across in their live shows. Stryper opened the NY show with "Yahweh" and "The Valley", probably the heaviest songs from each of the last two albums. To hear Michael's and Oz's guitars belting out the screaming riffs for these 2 songs gave me chills. Stryper ripped through a huge 20 song set list hitting songs from most of their albums, including 4 songs from the new CD and closed the night out with the huge hit "To Hell With The Devil". The ballad "Honestly" got a huge reaction from the crowd and I actually forgot how big that song was during the MTV era. The video spent weeks at #1.
Even though this tour just started the entire band sounded extremely tight and Michael's voice is a god send. How he still has the pipes he does after 30 years of singing is amazing and to see the fans reaction when he sings live is pretty special. The entire band puts on an amazing live show.
Stryper was one of the few 80's bands that still had an original line up but that recently changed when bassist Tim Gaines left the band. He was replaced by Perry Richardson who was a longtime member of the band Firehouse. Perry fits in nicely with Stryper and the fans seem accepting of the change.
Not sure if I have ever seen drummer Robert Sweet not set up his drum kit sideways live but he has the normal front facing set up for this tour. Regardless of the way his drums are set up, he is one heck of a player and extremely fun to watch.
Please note anyone looking for the new CD, they are selling it at the shows. I tried to find it at Best Buy and Walmart but neither store are selling it in the stores. It is available online and Amazon.
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