Stryper
Alamo City Music Hall, San Antonio
October 10
This tour was a crazy good idea. Whoever came up with the full album shows idea first was a genius. I remember seeing the Heaven Tonight Tour with Cheap Trick about 10 or 15 years ago. It was a great way to relive the sounds, the emotions and the sights of yester-decade. I doubt Cheap Trick played that album in sequence, as it starts off with the hit “Surrender,” but they came into Austin and did a 3-night stand, I believe – In Color, Heaven Tonight and Live at Budokan! Some other band upped the ante by doing a classic album in sequence and now it’s a really cool event that bands who have sold multi-platinum in the deep past might consider. I’ve heard of Styx doing it with both The Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight, Rush with Moving Pictures, as well as Smashing Pumpkins with Oceania.
It’s also a heck of a way to celebrate a significant anniversary of an album, like this 30th Anniversary of To Hell with the Devil. I’m so glad Stryper decided to do it, even if it meant I had to see them squeeze into those old outfits (I’m kidding, that was actually a nice additional touch). I asked my friend Paul Q-Pek, who saw the opening night in Orlando, if it was a must-see show. He affirmed my hunch that it was, so I made sure I went to see at least one of their four shows in Texas.
From casual reports, Stryper has been pulling in pretty good crowds for this once-in-a-lifetime tour. There was a bunch of enthusiastic metalheads in the true metal city of San Antonio to see Stryper bring the hammer. After two decent opening bands that tossed originals and covers for a short bit, the lights dimmed and the crowd’s energy started to surge. A large video screen on the right side of the stage played a nice retroactive and personal look back at the band’s history from beginning to the magical release and dramatic public response towards this classic album. It was fun to see old band photos, old graphics, albums, singles, t-shirts and other promo pieces. The footage from MTV announcing Stryper at the top spot in the DIAL MTV countdown was a great memory to relive. It was another nice additive to this very special night.
“The Abyss” played over the sounds system nice and loud as the band strolled on stage. People were hyped and the band wasted no time launching into the title track. People were screaming along with the band to the chorus, “To hell – with the devil!” Everything was on. It’s kind of early to play a hit song, like “Calling on You,” but this was the full album tour played in sequence, so off they went. The lead vocals and cascading gang choruses were spot on and soaring. The crowd was loving it. Of course, they segued right into “Free” and the energy just kept on flowing.
Everyone on stage seemed happy and in the moment and it was awesome to look around at good friends slapping each other on the back and singing along to well-worn choruses and wiggling their hands to familiar guitar licks.
Michael helped transition to the next moment, which was the slow rock ballad, “Honestly,” which he reminded everyone had taken the band from theaters to arenas in the course of just a few weeks. It was an amazing time in history and it was easy for the audience to feel like they were a part of history. If they were a vocal fan back in 1986, they were part of that history. I’m sure there were more than a few of us in the audience that could stake claim to that.
Stryper and their label (Enigma Records) were smart. They knew that marketing, special releases and connecting to their audience via every way possible was an endearing way to build a following. That, coupled with the very serious spiritual dynamic and we had quite a special thing take place in front of our eyes and ears.
The band swung the show’s dynamics back into the fast, furious and heavy realm with “The Way,” where Michael showed off his amazing vocal chops. The “Sing-Along Song” was next, which was its usual audience participation number. This was followed by a rare gem, which the band announced prior to this tour that they had never played in their touring sets. It sure sounded great, making one wonder why this excellent pop metal song didn’t get more attention.
“Rockin’ the World” was another crowd-pleaser, evoking worship as Tim, Oz and Michael sang loudly, “Rock-in the world for You – Holy One!” It was a brief moment of worship at full volume for the enthusiastic audience.
“All of Me” was another slow tune that brought the energy level down a bit, but reminded me that there was only a couple songs left, which was sad. This set went by pretty darn fast, though it probably lasted about an hour. Even with a rowdy crowd, these piano-accompanied notes held everyone’s attention instead of turning to conversation time. Not an easy feat for a metal band.
“More than a Man” capped off a solid set that showed the band still had all that makes them great – power drumming, solid rhythms, great lead vocals and those trademark killer vocal and guitar harmonies.
The band begged our pardon for a few minutes to ditch the 1986 uniforms to return later for a romp through their catalog. One of the spot-on amazing highlights was “Yahweh,” which is quite the brilliant power metal tune. It’s written with rises and falls, wails and trills and ominous background vocals. It could’ve come right off an early Rainbow (Dio era) album or perhaps Iron Maiden’s Powerslave. It’s quite the display of musicianship. Not bad for a bunch of guys in their 50s! “God,” the lone original from The Covering was another power tune.
“In God We Trust” was blistering as well. Ever since it was re-worked and rocked up a little more on the band’s comeback album, Reborn, it’s sounded like a really cool live song. “Caught in the Middle” from Against the Law was a raging good tune with a sweeping vocal melody that sounded great.
“Surrender” is one of the band’s greatest tunes and it’s easily the best showcase moment of Oz Fox’s guitar shredding ability. The fluttering wah sound in this song’s solo is simply brilliant. It was certainly a peak moment of the show.
After that the band got the crowd to sing loudly along to their signature anthem, “Soldiers Under Command,” and “Makes Me Wanna Sing.” They capped off the show with one more encore, which was “No More Hell to Pay,” the title track to their 2013 album.”
It would have been awesome if this show would’ve been a 3-hour marathon, but the band certainly delivered. They didn’t miss a note. Their vocal, bass, drum and guitar chops were all spot on. It’s no longer a question of, “Do they still have it,” it’s simply a night of real good times and some great tunes.
This performance in San Antonio might not have been the most glorious anniversary moment of perfection in every way, but it certainly did not disappoint. In fact, it easily elevated everyone that came. The energy might have been higher had another thousand or so people been packed in there and the room could have been better in terms of sound, but right down the middle behind the soundboard and towards the stage had a sweet spot of volume that delivered a great punch. This was a grand old time in great heavy metal tradition. I’m so glad I went.
Review and photos by Doug Van Pelt. Photos edited by Teresa Turnage-Simon.
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