full in bloom’s INSIDE THE ALBUM: Stryper ‘Against the Law’ – Guide interview with Michael Sweet, plus additional comments from Tim Gaines, Oz Fox, Robert Sweet, and Tom Werman.
You can watch the video on YOUTUBE or via the embedded clip below.
Tag: Michael Sweet
We came to Nashville to reorganize our gear locker. Went to dinner last night and decided to take a walk down Broadway to see a friend, Tyson Leslie, perform.
As we approached the venue, I was blown away at what I saw. What has happened to this city? Basically, out of control drunk folks up and down the streets acting insane.
I spent a lot of time in this city back in the nineties and I don’t even recognize it any longer. It was classy, charming and unique. Now it’s a spin-off of the Las Vegas strip and to be honest, it was heart breaking to see.
Maybe I’ve just gotten really old…….
I still love all my dear friends who live here and enjoy seeing them whenever I’m here🙏
Michael Sweet:
Not that my opinion matters (because it really doesn’t) but I wanted to at least say that Mick has always struck me as a true gentleman and a true professional.
When I was working on a solo album a few years back I reached out to Mick about playing guitar on the album. He was gracious and courteous and seemed like a real genuine guy.
I’ve always respected him as a player and IMO is an integral part of the MC sound and brand.
Whatever happens, I wish Mick Mars nothing but the best🙏
Michael Sweet:
New Sweet & Lynch song/video coming on Monday (4/10) at 9:00 am EST!
It’s called “Miracle” amd it’s got the GL shred👊
I’ll tell you the truth – When ever I listen to any S&L song I’m humbled and honored to know that I’m making music with one of the best guitar players ever to pick up a guitar.
I also really believe that we’re making some of the best music of our careers. I hope you all think so too🙏
It’s coming and you won’t be disappointed💪🙌
One of my absolute favorite players from the ’80s – Vito Bratta!
I had the honor of touring with Vito in the late 80’s and he always impressed me. Night after night. One of the most consistent players I’ve ever seen. And he was always pleasant, complimentary and an absolute solid guy with a great sense of humor.
His tone was absolutely killer, and he wrote solos that were songs within a song. That’s the style of guitar “shredding” that I appreciate. It’s not about how many notes you play, it’s about what notes you choose to play.
Eddie knew that, Randy knew that, George knew that and Vito knew that.
Although you don’t hear about Vito much these days (and you may not even know who he is), go listen to his masterful playing/style on YouTube🙏
Whatever you’re doing in life Vito, know you left your mark on the music world. And that’s forever……..
Michael Sweet:
I’m excited to announce that Sweet & Lynch will be releasing a new song (below) on Monday, 3/13!
It’s a throwback guitar riff that only George Lynch could create, and I’m really excited for you all to hear it👊
The album is an eclectic mix of heavy, melodic, classic vibes with modern twists here and there.
I’m blessed to be making music with one of my favorite players of all time.
If you’re a Dokken fan and a Stryper fan you will love this one🙌
And last but not least – how many of you would actually like to see a S&L tour?
Michael Sweet:
So, we got to experience the Pantera show in Monterrey, Mexico, and it was everything we expected it to be – excellent!
Job well done Phil Anselmo, Zakk Wylde, Rex Brown, & Charlie Benante.
You made the show about honoring Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, and I thought it was done so with love & respect🙏
It was an honor to share the stage with you👊🙌
Michael Sweet:
I guess I knew, when I posted the picture of KD and I, that I would be under the scrutiny of the folks who are perfect. Those who are without sin. Who seem to be closer to God than anyone else and who know the scriptures better than anyone.
I will take a moment to reflect on that so I can try to be better🤦♂️🤯😉
Michael Sweet:
The Sweet & Lynch album is done and it’s killer!!!! I Really think you guys are going to love it!
Also, I start singing a new project when I get home from Mexico. It’s very different for me. It has a Journey meets Toto vibe with more teeth;-) I’m co-writing, co-producing and singing on this one (no guitar) and it’s a collaboration with Alessandro Del Vecchio👊
I’ve had many people ask me “what are your favorite songs from each album?” and “what are your least favorite songs from each album?”
Here’s goes:
TY&BA (The Yellow & Black Attack EP):
Favorite – Loving You
Least Favorite – From Wrong To Right
TY&BA (Remix)
Favorite – Reason For The Season
Least Favorite – My Love I’ll Always Show
Soldiers Under Command:
Favorite – First Love
Least Favorite – Together Forever
THWTD (To Hell with the Devil):
Favorite – More Than a Man
Least Favorite – Abyss
IGWT (In God We Trust):
Favorite – The Writings on The Wall
Least Favorite – Come To The Everlife
Against The Law:
Favorite – All For One
Least Favorite – Not That Kind of Guy
Reborn:
Favorite – When Did I See You Cry
Least Favorite – 10,000 Years
Murder By Pride:
Favorite – I Believe
Least Favorite – Peace of Mind
The Covering:
Favorite – God
Least Favorite – Immigrant Song
No More Hell To Pay:
Favorite – Sympathy
Least Favorite – Jesus is Just Alright
Fallen:
Favorite – Yahweh
Least Favorite – All Over Again
God Damn Evil:
Favorite – Sorry
Least Favorite – Sea of Thieves
Even The Devil Believes:
Favorite – Do Unto Others
Least Favorite – Invitation Only
The Final Battle:
Favorite – The Way, The Truth, The Life
Least Favorite – Out, Up & In
Michael Sweet: Which 3 guitarists (who emerged in the ’80s) impressed me the most?
Based on tone, feel, technique and pure raw energy:
Randy Rhoads
George Lynch
Vito Bratta
Although there were many great guitarists throughout the ’80s, these 3 stood out and were on a whole different level IMO👊💪
One of my favorite players to come out of the ’80s (and overall) was and is Vito Bratta. I’ve always wanted to work with Vito and I’m still hoping and praying that it works out. We had a conversation a few years back and he was gracious and very complimentary. If he ever makes his way back to music again it would be an honor to work to do something together and I know we would create something absolutely amazing. Love & Respect to you Vito🙏💛
Michael Sweet:
My favorite “classic” Stryper album by far! “Soldiers Under Command” was released on this day 37 years ago!
We may have looked like drag queens going to war, but we sounded like soldiers fighting The Lord’s battle plan👊
What’s your favorite songs?
Mine?
“The Rock That Makes Me Roll”
“(Waiting for) A Love That’s Real”
Produced/engineered by Michael Wagener, Stryper released ‘Soldiers Under Command’ on August 23, 1985. The album reached #84 on the Billboard 200 and was certified GOLD (April 6, 1988) for selling over 500,000 copies in the U.S. alone.
Our new album “The Final Battle” is my personal favorite.
This is our modern day Sodliers Under Command combined with To Hell With The Devil! If you liked those two albums, you will LOVE The Final Battle👊
New music video coming soon for the song “Transgressor”💪 pic.twitter.com/TKrvTDHLZI— MichaelSweet Stryper (@michaelhsweet) August 24, 2022
Stryper:
Well, since there is always someone who has to spoil the surprise, here’s the album cover for the new Stryper album, “The Final Battle”. 😎 Pre-orders (including color LPs & new t-shirt designs) coming next month. Stay tuned.
Michael Sweet:
My heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Bloodgood Family, friend and fans worldwide.
We lost Michael Bloodgood yesterday morning here on earth, but we believe undeniably that we will see him again in heaven.
I met Michael back in 1985, in Seattle when Stryper performed with Bloodgood.
Michael was so gracious, humble and as always, smiling. The Light shined in and through Michael’s eyes every time I saw him, and he was the perfect representative of the Lord.
His vision and his band Bloodgood helped shape and pave the road ahead for Christian metal musicians around the globe. His legacy and life will never be forgotten.
May God bless the Bloodgood Family as they navigate through this storm.
We love you Michael and will always miss you. Thank you for being such an inspiration. Love & Respect eternally🙏💛🖤
OFFICIAL BAND STATEMENT:
Dear, Friends – It’s with a heavy heart we share that we lost our beloved Michael Bloodgood at 8:15am Central this morning. After a gallant fight that began with a severe hemorrhagic stroke in February 2022 he’s gone home to be with our Heavenly Father.
We’ll cherish Michael’s generous spirit, off-beat sense of humor, and musical soul. His devotion to the Lord and sharing of the Gospel through his ministry as a pastor and musician touched countless lives. Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this unimaginable time. He is survived by his cherished wife of 46 years, Marilyn, three sons, and two grandchildren.
Medical Relief Fund:
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” – 1 Timothy 4:8
Michael Sweet:
Just a 5 second clip of Rob thundering into our new song “Rise to the Call,” coming tomorrow morning (6/24) at 9:00 am, EST!
Can’t wait for you all to hear the complete song👊
LISTEN TO THE COMPLETE SONG: