Stryper frontman Michael Sweet shared thoughts on Van Halen legend David Lee Roth in comments posted via Facebook. Sweet explained what he believes made Roth such an essential part of Van Halen’s sound and impact.
Sweet focused on Roth’s distinctive qualities as a performer and vocalist. He praised what set Roth apart from other singers and described how Van Halen influenced his own musical direction.
“David Lee Roth. Obviously it’s quite a few days past his birthday. But I wanted to take a moment to express a few words about what I think of the man,” Sweet said. “He’s got an energy and a personality that only a few possess. It was and is a crucial ingredient to the recipe of Van Halen. Soul. David has always struck me (when he sings) to express and deliver a soulful performance. It may not be a technical journey of how high he can sing or how many runs he can do, but it’s always sung with a believability that not too many singers have. DLR has that.”
“He’s a true showman, in every sense of the word. Then and now. He always go out on stage to deliver a great show. With great players, great musicians and great songs. It’s always a killer show!”
“I just wanted to pay homage to a guy and a band that changed my views on music. They made me strive for something more. To be different from the rest. All the best to you David. You’ve certainly played a huge role in my musical journey. You’ve been an inspiration and joy to listen to since 1978. God bless you and here’s to many more.”
Sweet shared the post on social media to honor Roth’s influence and legacy as a performer. The remarks highlight Roth’s importance to the band that shaped Sweet’s own career.
Michael Sweet formed Stryper in 1983 with his brother Robert, who plays drums in the band. The two brothers were inspired by Van Halen’s energy and wanted to create music that combined heavy metal’s power with their Christian beliefs. Sweet has said that Eddie Van Halen influenced him more than any other musician, and that hearing the Van Halen album inspired him in a way he had never experienced before.
Stryper rose to prominence in the 1980s and became the first heavy metal band with openly Christian lyrics to achieve mainstream success. The group’s 1985 album Soldiers Under Command sold half a million copies, and their 1986 album To Hell With The Devil was certified platinum. The band achieved Billboard Top 40 success with singles like “Calling on You,” “Honestly,” and “Always There for You.”
Stryper has sold over 10 million recordings worldwide throughout their career. Remarkably, about two-thirds of their album sales came from people who were not Christians, showing that their music transcended their specific religious message. The band’s blend of metal intensity with faith-driven lyrics proved that rock and metal music could communicate messages beyond the genre’s traditional themes.
