On this absolutely perfect fall day in Patchogue, Long Island, the legendary band Stryper rolled into town to delight their devoted fans. The spectacle of their gigantic semi-truck and tour bus taking over the back parking lot demanded everyone's attention at the venue. Embracing their impressive 40 years together, the band made a bold decision to forgo an opening act, opting instead to treat us to two full sets of music that would surely resonate with fans of all ages. As the powerful and iconic "Battle Hymn of the Republic" rolled through the speakers, anticipation surged within the crowd, knowing that the band was sure to follow shortly after. Robert Sweet took his commanding position in the drum riser, and when Oz Fox walked onto the stage, the venue erupted into thunderous applause. This show of support was particularly meaningful given Oz's recent medical challenges, and it was truly a blessing to witness him performing live. Soon after, Michael Sweet and Perry Richardson joined the stage, officially launching the Metal Sermon with their unforgettable hit "Loud 'n' Clear." Clad in their signature yellow and black stripes, which fans have come to associate with their distinctive image, the first set delivered everything an avid Stryper fan could have ever wanted from their early days all the way through their heyday. Between songs, Michael Sweet engaged the audience with captivating stories about the band's beginnings and shared intriguing tidbits regarding each song they performed. He even lightheartedly explained that there would be a 30-minute intermission where the band would step backstage to recharge, praying the audience would not to leave, as the second set would include an array of recent material. The 30-minute intermission came and went, yet not a single soul vacated the building; the faithful fans knew that the newer tracks rock just as hard as the classics. When they kicked off the second set with "Reborn," they touched on every album, including their most recent release, When We Were Kings. The night culminated in a rousing rendition of their classic Sing Along Song, leaving us with memories that would keep us celebrating for the next 40 years.
To stay up to date with everything Styper - https://stryper.com/music
