In 2006, Oz Fox of Stryper fame joined Bloodgood and there was talk of a new Bloodgood album. In 2009 Oz joined Stryper on an international tour to support Stryper’s 25th Anniversary (of which I had the honor of attending) and that was the last I heard of him with Bloodgood.
Fast forward to yesterday, when a music blog I read posted a blog about Liberty ‘n Justice, a compilation band with a new album that features a wide variety of musicians. On this record is a song entitled “Treading On Serpents”. It features non other than Les Carlsen, Bloodgood’s lead vocalist, and Oz Fox, guitar player for Stryper and Bloodgood.
I am fulfilled. I have seen Stryper in concert and they surpassed all my expectations!
I’ve been an enormous Stryper fan since 1988. They played a crucial part in my coming to know Jesus Christ in a very real way. I’ve memorized every note and lyric of every song of every album they have released. I just had never seen a live show.
Until this past Saturday, November 14th that is. And man, what a freakin’ eh awesome show it was.
Stryper at the soundcheck:
I had the privilege of getting a “meet ‘n greet” pass that enabled me an early entry into the concert, a chance to hear the sound check, and a chance to meet the band.
This didn’t go as well as I’d hope. We were supposed to get in at 5pm but weren’t given entry until 6. The band was on stage and as I walked into the club, it was like I was in a dream! There was Michael Sweet, the Stryper frontman! Right there, 5 feet away from me! Tim Gaines, one of the best bass players in music, right there! Mr Oz Fox, guitar player extraordinaire, right there!!! Robert Sweet was behind his drum kit, so I didn’t get to see him so well. I was a little overwhelmed!
The band ripped through 2 songs and it was magical! The club stagehand was being a little pushy as they were an hour behind and sat the band down at a table and put everyone in a single file line to get an autograph. At this I was more than a little bummed.
I don’t care about autographs. I just wanted to tell these guys “Thank You” from the bottom of my heart. They helped me get through those tough teen-age years with my sanity and faith intact. We were rushed through the line and I did get to shake hands with all the guys except Michael. I got to say thanks, but it wasn’t what I had hoped for.
All that activity took us to about 6:45pm. I went straight to the front of the room where and got my place almost dead center. There was just one problem: the concert didn’t start until 8:30pm. Oh well….I just got my legs locked and waited almost 2 hours in one spot.
Finally the lights went down and on came 3 young guys from Canada (eh!) that made up the band Manic Drive. I wasn’t expecting much, so I was taken aback as they came out and rocked the house! They had a lot of energy and looked like they just loved to entertain. I liked ‘em so much I bought both of their CDs at the merch table.
Manic Drive:
The next band to hit the stage was called Flight Patterns, featuring Michael Sweet Jr on guitar. I had never heard their music, but was hoping to like ‘em.
That was just too much to hope for. Flight Patterns just plain sucked. They were off key and off pitch, and they sounded like a very bad wanna-be Relient K cover band. The bass player was super annoying and played an open E string for every song.
Flight Patterns:
Eventually Flight Patterns got off the stage and it took about 45 minutes for the roadies to set up Stryper’s equipment. My back was aching and my feet hurt for standing up for so long, but the moment of truth was near!!!
The lights went out…..long silence…….and then DUN DUN DUN DEDUN! Stryper came on stage ripping through Soldier’s Under Command!! Yellow and black leather (not spandex!), long hair, ah, everything I dreamed of!
It is all kind of a blur, but I remember they played through most of To Hell With The Devil and The Yellow and Black Attack. They played probably 3 or 4 new songs from Murder By Pride and even covered Judas Priest’s Breaking The Law. I will say this…every song they played they played with an intense fervor and energy. Say what you want to about the yellow and black and the big hair and all that, but Stryper are some absolutely awesome musicians.
They played their encore to To Hell With The Devil. It was one of the most bestest moments of my life (aside from my wedding and kids and such).
Now I can check off a life long goal to see and meet Stryper. Thank you Jesus!
If I see You standing, one hundred stars away
It feels as though You’re touching me
If I am landing, with a stormy night delay
It’s You I want, it’s You I need
When I’m lost I close my eyes
And suddenly I’m home
(Chorus)
I just wanna run in You
I just wanna hide in You
I just wanna come to You
And not thirst anymore
I just wanna walk with You
I just wanna ride with You
I just wanna talk to You
And not thirst anymore
(Verse 2)
I feel demanding, I know I’m selfish too
I often live in my own world
I’ve been commanding, it’s my way or we’re through
If I am sand, you are the pearl
When I’m found I open my eyes
And it’s You I see
(Chorus)
The lyrics aren’t very deep or earth shattering, but they convey a longing to know Jesus better. I think the music makes you feel that joy and expectancy too.
Michael Sweet’s vocals are amazing and they convey a wide range of emotion. I hope they play this song live when I go see them in concert!! Only 3 months, 21 days and 20 hours to go!
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