Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe or Follow Spotify | Amazon Music
There are times I struggle to get guests forgetting I actually know people and just need to look through my fogged memory. It was one of those moments when it hit me, “Dude, you know Michael and Robert Sweet, duh!”. It was around the Christmas Holiday, Stryper just released their first Christmas Album “The Greatest Gift of All” when I reached out.
Michael was game and connected me with his daughter to arrange the ZOOM and to get his brother Robert on board. I confirmed with Ellena that Michael was cool with being billed as Robert Sweet’s brother and vice versa that Robert was cool with being billed as Michael’s brother. All was cool and the schedule locked.
I first met Michael on September 15th, 2020 when myself and the other Electric Jesus producers flew up to Plymouth, MA to personally screen the film for Michael and Lisa, while the rest of Stryper simultaneously streaming it in NV & SC. We were seeking the Stryper stamp of approval on the film. We got it…
Afterwards over dinner, at his and Lisa’s favorite Italian restaurant we had a fantastic time talking with him about the film, the band and life.
Michael and I kept in touch, chatting about a Stryper documentary film they were working to get into production and shows in my local areas. I guess I should have asked about the documentary in the interview.
Eve and I have some friends in Charlotte who are Stryper fans and that is when I saw my first Stryper show. It was at Amos’ Southend in Charlotte and man I was amazed at the power of Michael’s voice, how tight the band was and Robert’s energetic drumming style. They ROCKED and still do.
Then a couple of years later we moved to San Antonio and we got to see them play again. Nothing like an outdoor rock show in San Antonio in August. Yes, I’m being sarcastic. That may the closest to Hell’s heat the band ever played. Yes, I’m being funny.
The night before the show in San Antonio, Perry Richardson and I went out and enjoyed cigars and catching up until about 1am. Michael passed to save his voice. I have also been friends with Perry’s sister Sheri back in Myrtle Beach since the late 70s. I’m working on having Sheri as a guest.
Well, I can say I had a great time talking with Michael about, music, the myth of the Heaven & Hell tour, being a Christian and how people want to bring you down rather than be lifted up. We laughed about literally arguing with people about shows that didn’t happen and that my sister doesn’t own a house on the Blvd.
We talk about the moment when he felt as a musician that the band had MADE IT… How they are still touring, recording and have out survived many Rock & Roll peers.
You know what, To Hell With The Devil, let’s get this episode started. Enjoy your time with Michael Sweet, lead singer for Stryper and brother of Robert Sweet the world famous drummer for Stryper.
https://stryper.com
https://www.youtube.com/@StryperChannel
https://www.facebook.com/Stryper/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/161966015164533/
https://www.facebook.com/TheMichaelSweet