Hey Everyone,

Just as promised, I wanted to outline some more details regarding the new Stryper record. We grew up listening to many different styles of music and there is a list of bands that influenced us throughout our musical education. Bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Van Halen, UFO, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Kansas and many others, helped to shape our sound and make us who we are today, musically speaking. We grew up on the streets of LA playing every club in town from Gazzari’s to The Whisky to The Troubadour to you name it. We played covers from all the bands mentioned above and we shaped our own sound from listening and performing songs from these classic bands. We wanted to step outside the box and record a record that shows you, the fans, where we come from – our historical, musical roots so to speak. It’s a side to Stryper that no one has really seen or heard before, or at least quite like this. We performed “On Fire” by Van Halen on a few tours and we also performed “Breaking The Law” by Priest on this last tour. The response was far beyond our expectations each time we performed these songs. People seemed genuinely surprised to hear Stryper cover these songs and even more surprised to hear Stryper perform these songs relatively well. This will be an opportunity for Robert, Oz, Tim and myself to loosen up and have some fun. For those of you who may think that we’re walking away from our faith – your wrong. We’ve never been more serious about our faith at any point in our lives. It is however important to enjoy what you do and lighten up from time to time. That’s what we plan to do. This will be a fun record to make and we hope that this comes through, as well as the chance to showcase the abilities that we’ve been blessed with. More details to come and a specific song list and sequence to follow. We’re looking forward to geting back into the studio and more important, to seeing all of you on the road again this year!

Be well, be blessed and let the games begin,

Michael

Here is a list of known songs that they are working on:

Judas Priest – Breaking The Law
Iron Maiden – The Trooper
Scorpions – Blackout
Ozzy – Over The Mountain
Sweet – Set Me Free

More to be revealed…

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Sorry Texas fans. Looks like we are canceling the whole Texas leg of the tour due to Michael having the flu. The dates will be made up next month from what I hear. Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for your understanding and prayers. See you in Denver!!

From Oz Fox (Facebook):

San Antonio and Odessa are now canceled. Unknown if they will be re-scheduled. Waiting to hear back. On to Denver. Please pray that Michael will recover. Thanks, Oz

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From: Deep South Entertainment – Stryper Management

STRYPER has postponed their concerts scheduled for tonight Wednesday November 4 (Dallas – House of Blues) and Thursday November 5 (Houston – House of Blues) due to artist illness.

The rescheduled dates are December 21 (Houston – House of Blues) and December 22 (Dallas – House of Blues).

Singer/ Songwriter Michael Sweet explains, “I’ve come down with a horrible case of the flu and now it seems to be spreading throughout the bus. I see reports all over the nation where bad cases of the flu are hitting America and had hoped we could make it through this entire tour without it affecting us, but unfortunately it has. It’s really bad and I wish our friends and fans all the best with their health during this season. I have seen a doctor and am on medication and anticipate a speedy recovery. My sincerest apologies to all the fans for this inconvenience but I look forward to seeing you all in December when we return. Just for these two shows we will be putting together a special Christmas segment of the show. It’ll be great to spend the holidays with our friends and fans in Dallas and Houston.”

The rescheduled shows will include a special Christmas segment and will include the fan favorite ‘Reason for the Season’, never before performed live at a Stryper show.

Tickets purchased for each concert will be honored on the rescheduled dates.
Fan meet and greet purchases will also be honored on the rescheduled dates.

For additional tour and ticket information, please visit www.livenation.com or www.stryper.com

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Side A:
1. Eclipse of the son
2. 4 leaf clover
3. Peace of mind
4. Alive
5. The plan
6. Mercy over blame

Side B:
1. Murder by pride
2. I believe
3. Run in you
4. Love is why
5. Everything
6. My love (I’ll always show)

The LP is available for pre-order at the Ulterium Records Store: www.ulteriumstore.bigcartel.com

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Throughout the past twenty six years, I’ve always had a deep faith in God. I decided to commit my life to Him, and to honor and glorify Him in all that I do. There have been ups and downs, good times and bad times, and it hasn’t always been an easy road, especially the past two years. When Kyle was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, our family began grieving from that moment on. Although we tried to stay positive and faithful, there were many times that we questioned God and cried out “why”, feeling as though it was some kind of nightmare that we couldn’t wake from. I tried desperately to be strong and to be an example to my family and my friends and to be strong for Kyle, Michael and Ellena. Miraculously, by the strength and grace that only God can give, I was able to keep it together and not fall completely apart. God has always shown me that no matter how hard it gets or how painful it can be, He is always in control and He has a plan for my life.
I know this may come as a surprise to some of you but I had to make a decision to live my life and move forward in it. I could have very easily drawn the shades and hidden from the world. Instead, God brought someone so perfect for me at the perfect time. I know Kyle would want me to be happy just as I would have wanted her to be, if it had been me who was called home. I hope and pray that all of you reading this can understand.
It’s been a witness for me to see how accepting and supportive Mikey and Lena have been. I’m amazed at how much grace they both possess and how much of an example of Christ they are and continue to be. Kyle essentially raised and educated Michael and Ellena and because of her sacrifice to do so and her gift of teaching, they are without question, the most incredibly smart and loving kids and I love them more than words can describe! I’m so proud to be their father…..
As I mentioned in my last update A new chapter in my life I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to love again, unconditionally, without restraints, and to be loved in return the very same way. Although the past few years have been excruciatingly painful and trying, I feel as though I’ve been given a second chance at true love and to live life once again as it should be lived – happy, joyful and at peace. Most people are blessed in one lifetime with true love and I’ve been blessed twice and I continue to stand in awe of God’s favor and God’s hand upon my life. When you find someone that you can share your heart, mind and soul with and you long to share the rest of your life with, it cannot be planned or arranged, or forced in any way. It just happens – destiny unfolding right before your eyes and as a very dear friend of mine so recently said, “God is playing Connect the Dots, and all the dots are connecting”.
Lisa is a unique person in the sense that she has the ability to love and accept everyone, unconditionally, and without judgment. She is kind and caring and always puts the needs and feelings of others before her own. She reminds me constantly of why I’m here and what I’m here to do – to be a light and an encouragement to those around me and those I come in contact with. I have to admit that it’s been easy at times for me to lose sight of what I do and to take this ministry that God has loaned to me for granted. Lisa keeps me grounded and always helps me to come back to the reality and importance of what I do. She is a gift from God and I need her in my life.
I recently proposed to Lisa and she changed my life with one simple word – Yes! I am pleased to announce the news of our engagement and our commitment to each other through matrimony. She is an angel and a Godsend and I look forward to a lifetime together. I’ve always been open about my life and I wanted to share this news with all of you. You have always been there for my family and I want all of you to know how much I appreciate that! Thank you for your support, your faith in prayer and your encouragement over the years. It will never be forgotten or taken for granted.
Sincerely In Him,

http://www.michaelsweet.com

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The video will be directed by Michael Sarna and produced by Inmotion Entertainment, Inc. Michael Sarna has quite the resume which includes working with bands such as Megadeth, Candlebox, Anthrax, Smashmouth, Counting Crows & Dream Theater. Visit www.michaelsarna.com to learn more about Michael Sarna and his numerous projects.

Michael Sarna will also be bringing you, the fans, a behind the scenes look at the entire “making of the video” process! Stay tuned as there will be updates, photos, and behind the scenes video clips provided directly from Michael Sarna from now until the video is released.

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Friends,

Bassist Tracy Ferrie will not be performing on the U.S. leg of the Stryper tour. Instead, original bassist Timothy Gaines will be the sole bass player. What was originally planned as a 2-set show, will now be one full 90-minute show, consisting of all the greatest hits and new Stryper material. The band will be wearing new yellow and black outfits designed by the original outfit designer. All original members, Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Oz Fox, and Tim Gaines will be performing on the 25th Anniversary U.S. tour.

Tracy has made the very honorable decision, one in which we support, to put the needs of his family first. Contrary to what many may believe, most professional musicians (especially those with families) have other jobs when their band is not touring. And in order to provide for their families, they often need to find other means of work during non-touring times.

We are living in extremely difficult economic times whereby finding a good day-job is difficult. Tracy has a great one. One that provides well for his family. Leaving this job could put his family in a tough situation upon returning from tour. We support Tracy in this decision to ensure security for his family. At the same time, we’re excited to get back out on the road and share our new music and the 25th Anniversary show with our friends and fans whom we have not seen in a long time.

We’re honored to have been doing this for 25 years and blessed to have the opportunity to go out on tour this fall. Without you, our friends and fans, we would not have lasted this long. Thank you. See you on the road soon.

Stryper

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