Stryper frontman Michael Sweet recently opened up about the unique and persistent challenges the band faces in the music industry due to their Christian identity. In a candid interview with The Metal Voice, Sweet discussed how the group’s faith-based message has influenced both the opportunities they receive and the resistance they often encounter.
“Striper Had It a Little Tougher,” Says Sweet
Reflecting on the band’s long career, Sweet acknowledged that while all bands face difficulties, Stryper’s path has been especially steep because of their religious affiliation.
“I think every band has it tough to a degree,” Sweet said. “It’s not easy. The music business is brutal. It will eat you alive but I do think Striper had it a little tougher.”
The vocalist went on to explain how these difficulties persist today, even after decades of making music and performing around the world.
Industry Resistance: “We Hear That So Often, It Would Blow Your Mind”
“And we still do,” he continued. “Nothing’s easy for Striper. It’s just not. Getting on a festival, going out on tour, being able to do certain types of interviews, and being able to do television or anything late night TV. It’s always, ‘No.’ They’re like, ‘Oh that Christian band? No.’ We hear that so often, it would blow your mind. If you walked in our shoes for a few months, you’d say ‘Oh my gosh wow.’”
Despite Stryper’s strong fanbase and undeniable legacy in metal, Sweet said that the stigma attached to being a Christian metal band often results in them being overlooked by major outlets, festivals, and media platforms.
Pushing Forward: “It Hasn’t Stopped Us”
Yet, Sweet remains resilient in the face of these obstacles, explaining how his drive and the band’s passion continue to fuel their journey.
“But it doesn’t stop us,” he said. “It hasn’t stopped us. Especially me, my personality, I’m just a bit of an overachiever. So, you know, maybe that’s what makes me so resilient in wanting to kind of prove the naysayers wrong and not listening to all the ‘no nos.’ That’s probably a part of it.”
Stryper’s Legacy: Faith and Heavy Metal
Since forming in the early 1980s, Stryper has stood out for boldly combining faith-driven lyrics with heavy metal—a blend that has both inspired fans and stirred controversy. Michael Sweet’s recent remarks serve as a reminder of the band’s ongoing fight for recognition in a genre where Christian themes are still often met with skepticism.
While the music business remains tough terrain, especially for a band like Stryper, Sweet’s message is clear: the mission continues, and the faith stays strong.
