Tuesday, March 21: Tig’s Rock Birthdays
Happy Birthday today (March 21) to drummer Robert Sweet of Stryper. He's 57. Other rockers celebrating include drummer Andy Parker of UFO (65), Eddie Money (68), and bassist Share Pedersen (now Share Ross) of Vixen is 54.
Robert Sweet is known for drumming sideways on stage, facing stage left or right while playing, which is uncommon for drummers. He and his brother Michael formed Christian metal band Stryper in 1983 under the name Roxx Regime, and rose to fame in the 1980’s with a string of hits and MTV music videos. The band’s debut EP The Yellow and Black Attack was released in 1983 on Enigma Records. Their most successful period would be the mid 80’s with the release of the platinum selling To Hell With the Devil. The band would release two more albums, 1988’s In God We Trust and 1990’s Against The Law before disbanding. They reunited in 1999 and have continued to record and tour ever since. Their latest album is 2015’s Fallen. They toured in 2016 celebrating the 30th anniversary of the To Hell With the Devil album.
I've seen Stryper many times over the years and they are incredible musicians. Always a great live show. Long live Stryper!