Vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet of Christian hard rockers Stryper has posted “an unmastered, full-length version” of the song Strong from his forthcoming solo album as a tribute to millions people on the East Coast of the United States still affected by Hurricane Sandy‘s wrath.
Says Sweet: “I was watching CNN this morning and it truly was heartbreaking to see what those affected by Hurricane Sandy are facing. I want to encourage everyone to help, even if it’s in the smallest of ways. Donate whatever you can afford to the Red Cross and continue to pray for the people of the Northeast.”
He adds, “I hope that it’s in some way a light in the dark. We ARE strong and no matter what we’re faced with, we WILL rise above it through faith and determination. Much love and respect to all of you.” The song can be streamed below.
Michael‘s new solo album will be issued via Big3 Records along with his new autobiography. Guest musicians set to appear on the CD include Chickenfoot drummer Kenny Aronoff, Fozzy singer Chris Jericho,Whitesnake guitarist Doug Aldrich; Tony Harnell of TNT, and Michael‘s brother Robert Sweet and Stryper‘s Timothy Gaines.
Regarding Harnell‘s appearance on the CD, Sweet previously stated, “I think Tony is truly one of the most underrated singers of all time. He’s always been one of my favorites and is an incredibly nice, humble guy to boot. I’ve always wanted to work with Tony and I knew this would be the perfect song and opportunity to do so. Taking On The World Tonight is very heavy with a combination of old-school riffs and solos yet it’s got a very modern, relevant sound as well. It’s the best of both worlds!”
Writing on Facebook, Sweet stated about reaction to his previously released solo album sampes, “To the handful of people who think it sounds like Stryper — well, earth to moon, I am the singer/guitarist/songwriter for Stryper so there is the remote chance that their will be similarities right? Maybe you can’t comprehend that but I think most people here do.
“For those of you who wonder why it isn’t a Stryper record, the truth is that I had the opportunity to make a record and I took it. It’s been almost 12 years since my last solo release and I felt it was long overdue. There is a lot of down time with Stryper and life goes on, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do … We all have done solo projects over the years and it’s a great way for all of us to be artistic and express our musical ideas individually.”
Sweet‘s last solo album, Touched, was released on December 3, 2007 exclusively through Michael‘s official web site,MichaelSweet.com. The CD, which included reworked versions of four Stryper songs, was not made available in stores.
Earlier this year Michael announced tour dates in the Holy Land January 13 – 22, 2013. The tour package consists of a tour of Tel Aviv, Israel along with meet and greet opportunities with Sweet. Cost for the package is 3,395 with registration costing $300. To pay by credit card, call Ari Bauer at 1-877-999-8868 ext. 415. To pay by check or money order, print and mail the registration form found here. The entire tour itinerary can also be found at the link.
Stryper Tour Dates
11/16/12 Caracas, Venezuela Poliedro de Caracas
11/17/12 Barqusimeto, Lara Venezuela Complejo Ferial Bicentenario
February 16, 2013 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Teatro Flores NEW
February 17, 2013 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Carioca Club NEW
March 16 – 20, 2013 – Monsters Of Rock Cruise , FT Lauderdale
Band members:
Michael Sweet- Lead Vocals / Guitar
Robert Sweet- Drums
Oz Fox- Guitar / Vocals
Timothy Gaines- Bass/Vocals
Weblinks: Website / Facebook / Twitter
Related articles:
‘Michael Sweet’ [Stryper] To Tour Israel Jan. 2013 [March 2012]
New Video Interview With ‘Michael Sweet’ [March 2012]
Online Guitar Lessons By ‘Stryper’s’ ‘Oz Fox’ [March 2012]
‘Stryper’ – ‘Live In Indonesia At Java Rockin’ Land’ DVD Due In October [Aug. 2012]
‘Michael Sweet’ Talks About Upcoming Solo Album, Autobiography [Sept. 2012]
‘Robert Sweet’ Interviewed By His Mother ‘Janice Sweet’, Video [Oct. 2012]
‘Stryper’ ‘South American’ 2013 Tour Dates Announced [Nov. 2012]