Getting close to 30 years now since Stryper first hit up Melbourne, to say much has happened in those years for the band is an understatement. No less, on this their first visit since 2010, the Christian metal icons perform as a trio with guitarist Oz Fox being hospitalised due to serious illness during the week and unable to make the tour. First and foremost, thoughts and prayers are with Oz and his family and wish a speedy recovery.
Kicking things off tonight, Melbourne’s self proclaimed over-produced and under-paid Catalano ripped through a set of their riff driven anthems. Fresh off a handful of Sweden shows, they’ve tightened up as a band since their debut show supporting Hardcore Superstar earlier this year. Latest single Wildfire and Metal Dreams off the 2016 Dark Skies album, being the set highlights.
In what was a rare live appearance in their hometown for White Widdow, on the back of Catalano’s energy, the more keyboard driven AOR of White Widdow dialled things down a notch. Below The Belt was a sure fire winner, as was the airing of the D’Arrow track Angel, a song from Melbourne’s melodic history that the band have made their own.
With Stryper frontman Michael Sweet first taking to the stage to address the packed house on the Oz Fox situation, it was clear from the heartfelt reaction, that Oz’s wellbeing was first priority for all the in the room. In a touching moment, Oz himself joined us briefly via a pre-recorded greeting.
Hitting the stage as a trio, joining the Sweet brothers was former Firehouse bass player Perry Richardson who joined the band late last year. Recent albums have seen Stryper at their musically heaviest and tonight’s set launches straight into things with the crushing Yahweh, followed by The Valley from latest album God Damn Evil. Michael Sweet on lone guitar duties from the outset rising to the challenge and dispelling any concerns anyone in the crowd may have had with what tonight’s set may hold.
With the set mixing equal parts classic Stryper with new, Calling On You and Free early in the set was lapped up by the majority, who, judging by the ages in the room, many were no doubt at the bands Melbourne debut back in ’88. For me, the back to back of Revelation and In God We Trust offered no better pairing of new and classic Stryper. I don’t think I was alone with this judging by the punters around me. Trading vocals and guitars with himself, In God We Trust sure had Sweet working overtime.
Stripping things right back, that iconic Stryper ballad Honestly was the night’s rousing crowd sing along moment and once again a sign that tonight we were all in this together to make it a memorable one. Before the emotion of the night took hold, the metallic riffs of new track Sorry dialled things up a few notches, and then some.
With the customary Stryper tradition of throwing bibles into the crowd being upheld tonight, it was an Aussie tradition in the form of Tim Tams to be returned in kind. Maybe Sweet was ready for Tim Tams and a cup of tea, but for the crowd, Loving You off of the Yellow and Black Attack went down a treat. God Damn Evil was god damn blistering, whilst a solo acoustic version of Lady was a bonus.
Perhaps the moment where Oz was most missed tonight for all in the room, was on Always There For You, with that legendary Stryper lead riff, with Sweet himself even acknowledging as such. Finishing strong, the trio delivered a knock finishing out blow with Soldiers Under Command, To Hell With The Devil and Sing Along Song…
Much of Stryper’s history has been centred around triumph over adversity, and tonight’s gig just adds another chapter. It wouldn’t have been easy for Michael, Robert and Perry to make the trek down here in such tough circumstances…and jet lag! Above all, tonight was about honouring the legacy of this iconic band and the songs that have been many of us in that room for 30+ years. Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane, don’t for a minute think of skipping Stryper. Get along and support the yellow and black and they will return in kind with a blistering performance. Amen.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by SAS75 Photography
Stryper 2018 Australian Tour Dates
Friday 17th August MELBOURNE Max Watts
Saturday 18th August SYDNEY Max Watts
Sunday 19th August ADELAIDE The Gov
Tuesday 21st August BRISBANE The Triffid
Tickets: http://silverbacktouring.com.au/612-2/
