Despite being considered as such for decades, Stryper is not, according to vocalist Michael Sweet , a Christian band.
In a recent interview , Sweet clarified where the band stands in combining the members' Christianity with their love for heavy music, and despite biblical references in the group's name and even in the lyrics, the vocalist does not consider them a Christian band.
“In recent years I’ve said a few times – and it caused a stir – that we’re not a Christian band, and people don’t quite understand, but we are Christians in a band and there’s a difference,” he reflects.
According to Michael Sweet, the difference is that Stryper didn't grow up in a church, but rather "on the streets of Los Angeles," playing in clubs like Gazzarri's, the Troubadour, and the Whisky, and only after that did they become Christians.
“We continue doing what we’ve always done, but with a different message,” he explains. “We’re not actually a Christian band, but if people say we are, that’s fine. I see us as a rock band that decided to take a different path.”
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