Stryper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stryper
Stryper at the To Hell with the Devil tour in 1987
Background information
Origin	Orange County, California, United States
Genres	Christian metal Heavy metal Glam metal Hard rock Rock Christian rock
Years active	1983–1992 2003–present
Labels	Enigma Hollywood Big3
Associated acts	Boston SinDizzy King James Blissed
Members	Michael Sweet Robert Sweet Oz Fox Tim Gaines
Past members	Matt Hurich Kenny Metcalf Tracy Ferrie

Stryper is a famous Christian glam metal band from Orange County, California. The band is known for its unique style. They combine loud rock music with positive, faith-based messages. The main members of Stryper are Michael Sweet (who sings and plays guitar), Oz Fox (guitar), Tim Gaines (bass guitar), and Robert Sweet (drums). Tim Gaines left the band for a short time in 2004. He was replaced by Tracy Ferrie, but Tim rejoined in 2009.

How Stryper Started

The band first formed in 1983. Back then, they were called Roxx Regime. Soon after, they changed their name to Stryper. They also decided to focus on sharing Christian messages through their music. This change made them special. Stryper became the first Christian rock band to become well-known to many people, not just Christian music fans.

In 1983, they signed with Enigma Records. They released their first album, The Yellow and Black Attack, soon after. The mid-1980s were a very successful time for Stryper. Their album To Hell with the Devil sold over a million copies! This is called "Platinum" status in music sales. Stryper then released two more albums that sold over 500,000 copies each, earning "Gold" status. The band decided to take a break in 1992. But in 2003, Stryper got back together for a reunion tour. In 2005, they signed a new contract with Big3 Records to make more albums.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The name "Stryper" comes from a verse in the King James Version of the Bible. The verse is Isaiah 53:5. It says: "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." This Bible verse is often shown as part of their band logo.

Stryper's drummer, Robert Sweet, also made a clever meaning for the name. He created a "backronym" for Stryper. A backronym is when you make a phrase from the letters of a word. For Stryper, it stands for: "Salvation Through Redemption, Yielding Peace, Encouragement and Righteousness."

Their Music and Albums

Stryper has released many albums over the years. Their music often features strong guitar riffs and powerful vocals. They are known for their unique blend of heavy metal sound with positive, uplifting lyrics.

• The Yellow and Black Attack (1984)
• Soldiers Under Command (1985)
• The Yellow and Black Attack (Re-Issue) (1986)
• To Hell with the Devil (1986)
• In God We Trust (1988)
• Against the Law (1990)
• Reborn (2005)
• Murder by Pride (2009)
• The Covering (2011)

Images for kids

• 

  Performing in 2016

See also

In Spanish: Stryper para niños