In a small town nestled in the mountains of Puerto Rico called Comerio, I discovered a sound unlike any I had ever heard before. It was the late ’80s, I was fifteen, and a band called Stryper had made its way to my tiny world, bringing with it a unique fusion of heavy metal and Christian faith that would leave an indelible mark on me. I had no idea that my teenage fascination would grow into a lifelong connection, surviving moves, milestones, and decades of change. Now, here I am, in my early 50s, living in San Diego, CA, with a chance to fulfill a long-held dream. When I heard that Stryper was performing nearby at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, it felt like fate itself was calling. God had made sure I’d get this experience, one I had quietly given up hope on ever having.
The Belly Up Tavern is an intriguing venue for a metal show, its size deceivingly modest yet offering a level of intimacy perfect for an anniversary celebration. It’s a bar but doesn’t feel like one on this night, as the stage is set with a neat row of chairs awaiting eager fans. The crowd began trickling in promptly as the doors opened at 7 p.m., and I could sense we were all kindred spirits, bound by our shared anticipation. For many of us, this was not just a concert; it was a reunion of sorts, with each of us carrying memories of the band’s influence on our lives. The setting felt special, a rare chance to see a legendary band in close quarters, as if we were invited to a private celebration of Stryper’s incredible 40-year journey.
When Stryper’s “Battle Hymn” began blaring from the speakers, the energy in the room shifted. As they took the stage, launching straight into “Loud N’ Clear,” I was swept up in a powerful wave of nostalgia. In that moment, I was transported back to Comerio, to that youthful, wide-eyed kid discovering his own love for rock music. My heart swelled as I sang along, and for a few hours, time seemed to reverse.
Michael Sweet’s voice was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Decades may have passed, but his voice was still pure and powerful, those signature high-pitched screams electrifying the room. The band’s chemistry felt as natural as breathing, each member adding their unmistakable presence to the performance. As they played “You Know What To Do,” “Soldiers Under Command,” and “The Rock That Makes Us Roll,” the crowd roared. These weren’t just songs—they were anthems that defined a generation and set Stryper apart as the Christian heavy metal icons they are today.
The first set was a carefully curated homage to Stryper’s earlier years, featuring fan favorites like “Free,” “Calling On You,” and “To Hell With The Devil.” These were the songs that had gained the band mainstream recognition, even landing them a spot on MTV—a fact that Michael Sweet took a moment to acknowledge and thank the crowd for. Watching them perform live, I was reminded of just how innovative and brave Stryper was to bring a Christian message into the world of metal. This was music that provided me with a sense of purpose and faith, something to cling to even in my own turbulent teenage years.
As the band closed out the first set with “In God We Trust,” “Always There For You,” and “All For One,” the audience was buzzing. The music still resonated, still felt alive and relevant. And for me, sitting in the crowd with my family by my side, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a tribute to the journey that Stryper and fans like myself have shared over the years.
The New Era of Stryper: The Second Act
After a brief intermission, the band returned to showcase their newer material. Kicking off with “Reborn,” they wasted no time in diving into songs like “4 Leaf Clover” and the gritty, hard-hitting “No More Hell to Pay.” There was something refreshing in hearing the newer tracks—a reminder that while Stryper’s roots are firmly planted in the past, they’re still pushing forward, still creating. These songs are just as powerful as the classics, carrying the same message of faith and resilience but with a contemporary edge.
The audience swayed to “Yahweh,” “Sorry,” and “This I Pray,” and I found myself marveling at how Stryper manages to stay true to their message while keeping their sound current. Michael Sweet’s voice had not lost its urgency, and the band seemed to have tapped into an even deeper well of creativity. As the end of the show approached, I could feel a bittersweet sadness setting in—I knew my time with Stryper was coming to an end.
My music taste spans all corners of the metal genre. From the dark intensity of death metal to the electrifying riffs of classic heavy metal, I’ve found solace, energy, and raw expression in each subgenre. But as any true metalhead knows, there are moments when you crave not only the release of heavy music but also a grounding message—a cleansing of the soul amidst the storm. That’s where Stryper has always held a unique place for me. They brought not just power chords and screams but also a depth of purpose, a reassurance that music could embody both strength and hope. For years, they’ve been my spiritual refuge, the one band that has understood both my love for metal and my need for something uplifting and affirming. This night, in the middle of a small, intimate crowd, Stryper brought that sense of cleansing to life in a way that was more powerful than ever.
As the night drew to a close, Stryper delivered an unforgettable finale with “No Rest for the Wicked,” “When We Were Kings,” and their fan-favorite “Sing-Along Song.” By this point, the audience was one, a sea of voices raised together, each note and lyric echoing our shared history with the band. I looked around and saw the smiles, the tears, and the reverence on the faces of fans who, like me, had come for a night of nostalgia, faith, and incredible music.
When the final note rang out, I was left with a feeling of profound satisfaction. Stryper has been a constant in my life, a beacon of hope during difficult times, a reminder of my faith, and a source of unbridled joy. That night was everything I could have hoped for and more, a fitting celebration of their 40-year journey. To have been able to share this experience with my wife, my daughter, and my son-in-law made it even more special, a night that will forever remain etched in my memory.
For anyone who might question the relevance of a Christian metal band in today’s world, I would simply say this: Stryper’s music isn’t just about faith—it’s about resilience, passion, and the power of staying true to oneself. Stryper’s 40th-anniversary tour is a testament to their enduring impact, their commitment to their message, and the loyalty of their fans. And for those of us who have loved them for decades, this concert was nothing short of a dream fulfilled.
