My Thoughts, My heart, my mind.........

by Stryper Music on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 6:34pm ·

I'm sitting here on the bus traveling from Santa Clara to Vancouver as we wrap up this leg of the tour. I've been reflecting on the past 3 months and I thought I would share some stories as well as my sincere appreciation to all of you.

I've always been a person who has given everything that I set out to do 110%. This tour has been no different. Rehearsals began 3 weeks prior to the tour and it was really important to work out every note of every song and to bring you all the best version of Stryper that you have ever heard or seen. We were extremely limited in the financial department and this would certainly fall into the "low budget" category as far as tours go. Back in the day, we toured with 3 tour buses and 3 trucks loaded with walls of amps, lights, pyro, stage props and guitars galore. Now, we travel 12-15 people on a bus pulling a trailer. Although we don't have the production that we once showcased, we still give our all and want to give you the best Stryper show possible. We work hard and hopefully that has shown on this tour. We consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to do what we do and we will never, ever take that for granted.

It all began in Boston on 9/11 and here I sit typing these words on 11/20! How quickly the time passes. I've said this every night on this tour and I'll say it again - savor every moment, make every second count. Be an example in all that you do and live life to the fullest. Life is a precious gift and it passes by so quickly.

We have had some great times on this tour from meeting Criss Angel and finding out he's a huge fan to having dinner with Larry The Cable Guy (Dan), who is a great friend and an amazing guy (thank you for dinner buddy!) to hearing from my good friend Chris Jericho and finding out that he and his wife Jess were flying into San Francisco and driving down to Santa Clara to hang out. Thank you for coming Chris and Jess. There are so many stories and memories from this tour. Amazing!

It was also such an honor to be able to announce my son's band, Flight Patterns and to share the stage with him night after night. Also, to be traveling with Lena and to see her smile everyday. She is an angel.... I love you guys so much and I am proud to be your dad!

Also, to have such a beautiful woman in my life, who understands me and who brings me comfort, laughter, love and joy I love you Lisa........

Thank you Oz, Robert, Tim and Charles for your friendship and for the brotherhood that we share. Maybe we'll be able to look back 25 years from now to celebrate 50 years?

I want to thank our crew - Rick, Kenny, John, CJ and Shaggy - you guys went beyond the call of duty and put up with so much and yet did so with a smile - thank you for being the best crew we've ever had.

As we wrap up this portion of the tour and prepare to head over seas, I want to thank all of you for your kindness in supporting us through the years and for always being there for us. We could not have done any of this without you and we will forever remember every moment, every kind word, every smile and everything that we have shared with you. We love you and we'll see you next time - sooner than later.

Be blessed and stay well my friends,

Michael

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  • Melissa Kurzbard, Crystal Mitchell, Stuart Coulter and 89 others like this.
    • Cindy Hall Jasmin Thanks for all that you guys have done for the Kingdom! You are an inspiration and we appreciate your willingness to come out and tour.
      November 20, 2009 at 8:55pm
    • Lani Whosoever Burki Privileged to see you on every tour, sometimes twice. I thought this was the best you've sounded and performed. It is hard to top yourself, but you have done it. :) On the edge of my seat for the next tour.
      November 20, 2009 at 9:02pm
    • Stephen Green My wife and I are going to the show in Portland on Monday. We were married 13 years ago, and on our wedding day I sang to her "Forever yours". It would be so special if you could play that and dedicate it to Stephen and Kellee. Thanks.
      November 20, 2009 at 9:06pm
    • Patrick Beaulieu YOU GUYS RAWK!!! Cya in Vancouver...Soooo Pumped!!!
      November 20, 2009 at 9:07pm
    • Fern Al A true sign of devotion to your craft is being able to relish every moment, and give it all you've got. Thanks for being that type of artist...something I've recognized since I saw my first show and bought my first Stryper album back in 1985!
      Bless you guys, and I look forward to seeing you later in the year!
      November 20, 2009 at 9:07pm
    • Steve Vine Big or small tours, whatever venue, You are a great band and i've been there since the beginning. Unfortunately I was never able to see a concert. Too bad you can't make it to Phoenix...maybe someday. Thanks much.
      November 20, 2009 at 9:21pm
    • Nathan Johnson see you in Seattle on the 22nd!
      November 20, 2009 at 9:32pm
    • Mark W. T. Payne
      Brother Mike, lemme tell ya sumthin' about yer low buget, small production show. I'm a big time rock fan, and I've been to lot's of shows. This year my wife and I went to see Kiss on their big world tour, and we also went to see you guys. Y...ou don't get a much bigger production that Kiss, and to be sure, it was a heck of a show, but in my opinion what I saw from you guys, beat Kiss HANDS DOWN. I don't mean to flatter you or swell your ego or anything, but the energy, SKILL, love, and care that you put into your shows literally BLAZES through! All the pyro and lights in the world can't match the magic that you guys bring to the stage, trust me! It's not just my opinion either. After we saw you in Michigan, I asked my wife: "So who did you like better, Kiss or Stryper?" Her answer: "Oh, Stryper BY FAR!"
      Take heart brother, size doesn't matter (can I say that...?). Keep doin' what yer doin'. To quote a Rush song: "Good work is the key to good fortune!"
      Rock on!
      See More
      November 20, 2009 at 9:47pm
    • Mike Michilsen You guys were amazing in Toronto and look forward to seeing you guys many more times! STRYPER ROCKS!
      November 20, 2009 at 9:50pm
    • JoAnn Quarrato Reichelderfer Michael,
      I saw Stryper in the 1980s in San Francisco, San Jose, and Concord. The show last night in Santa Clara was just as good, if not better, than those shows! The passion, energy, and professionalism are amazing!

      Brief questions: Is that a PRS guitar you are playing? What happened to the Jackson Rhoads?

      Love the new album!!! Looking forward to many more!!!
      November 20, 2009 at 10:00pm
    • Daniel Mc Donald dudes san antonio? you promised mike
      November 20, 2009 at 10:21pm
    • Bruce Evans come up and rock us!!!!!!
      November 20, 2009 at 11:11pm
    • Troy Correia
      Thanks to You, Robert, Oz, and Tim (and Tracy) for keeping such a great band alive!

      I had the chance to see you guys a few times back in the mid 80's and a few times since. Monday night in Anaheim, you guys kicked some serious ass. Low bud...get or not, you guys sounded amazing and put on an excellent show. Right up there with the big budget tours. All of you looked like you were having a great time on stage and that adds so much to the performance. I hope you guys continue to tour and give us fans the chance to enjoy your music live. Thanks Again for 25 Great Years!!!See More
      November 20, 2009 at 11:27pm
    • Kris Duncan Looking forward to tomorrow night in Vancouver!
      November 20, 2009 at 11:44pm
    • Tom Kelly Looking forward to Seattle Blessings tomorrow....So cool for you all to still be giving so much to so many!!!

      Peace 2 U
      TK
      November 20, 2009 at 11:45pm
    • Pearl Charlotte Brandmeier Yes Stryper is comin to Vancouver BC Canada we love you guys and pray 4 U all...in Jesus name from Canada
      November 21, 2009 at 12:18am
    • Kay Dee
      Michael, Ozzy, Timmy and Bob it's because of you guys (well.. Raul, Guido, Andy P. & Eric Blair too!) in your garage in LM hearing the message through the music that I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I am here today, married (to "the ...Pastor" lol) with three beautiful children and in love with the One True and Living God because you were obedient and in doing so made a way!!!

      It was great to see/hear and celebrate with you all @ HOB Anaheim. Both Steve Valdez and I agreed it was like being in a "time warp"!?! The only thing missing were the yellow and black spandex pants! :o) lol (Oh and maybe Tony Rochon too? Because what IS a night without "The Doctor"!?! Love you Tony!!! LOL)

      No really... I know & love the Lord directly because of Stryper's ministry! Praise the Lord and thank you to you all. May the Lord bless you richly as you continue to follow hard after Him. Love and Blessings! xoxo We will see each other again!
      See More
      November 21, 2009 at 12:18am
    • Johnny Lopez Michael, I met u once when I was thirteen @ calvary chapel west covina. I was so bummed as I thought my chance to see my favorite band "live" had gone by the wayside. Thanks for coming to Anaheim last Monday and making this 35 year old kid a happy camper! Luv u guys man....good luck with the rest of the tour!
      November 21, 2009 at 12:24am
    • Jane Wonder
      Do it again!

      I saw you guys in Falls Church (VA) and it was seriously the highlight of my *decade*! My brother was in a mini-flavor-of-the-week band (Ghoti Hook!) and would never have picked up a base if it weren't for Stryper!. The con...tribution you guys have made to my life cannot even be put into words - from holding on to our faith and values in our teens (or younger) to etching the lyrics in our hearts for 25 years - I can see why you would be honored and overwhelmed!

      Thank YOU for going with the idea of touring again. My only regret is that my brother missed your show at House of Blues (the ticket was a birthday present to him) - he was in a car accident :(

      Be blessed, and have safe travels!!!
      See More
      November 21, 2009 at 3:36am
    • Jane Wonder ‎*Oops, I mean BASS (:



      November 21, 2009 at 3:39am
    • Luis F. Torres Michael, you guys are living the word of God. To sum up your words, Prov 17:17 .

      I made this passage mine a few years ago when the Lord showed me the true value of friends. Today, I want to chare it with you guys.

      See you in Puerto Rico. Be blessed guys, and God speed.
      November 21, 2009 at 4:16am
    • John Latone
      Michael, thanks for sharing your heart.....I saw you guys in Toronto at the Reverb...my best friend and I just kept saying their playing and they are like right there dude....I am sure Tim sweat many drops on us as we stood right in front o...f him. It was awesome to see my daughter and son rock along with To Hell with the Devil (they love that song). I was the guy who brought in some starbucks coffee and handed it to you just at the end of the meet and greet....I was just wondering how the coffee was. I got it as it was their anniversary blend and thought it was appropriate.....hope you enjoyed it! John in Canada!See More
      November 21, 2009 at 4:45am
    • Tom Giusti Thanks for being obedient... I cam to know the Lord in 1985....Stryper and Undercover at the Concord Pavillion - Michael gave a salvation message and I responded... my life has never been the same since......
      November 21, 2009 at 5:19am
    • Tom Matteson I saw you guys in Lancaster, PA back in September. Great show! I can't wait to see you again next time!
      November 21, 2009 at 5:41am
    • Patti Martelli Krespan was there, too at Cham Club! See you in Glory!
      November 21, 2009 at 5:51am
    • Jose Reyes Estrada thank you Michael for your kind words. My wife and I LOVED the Clifton Park show and meet n greet time. you were all very kind and i liked seeing you look through the "Loud N Clear" book and commenting on the "funny pics." My wife is an OFFICIAL Stryper convert and fan forever. Thank you for blessing us with your gifts and talents. Can't wait for the new video. Stryper 4 EVER!
      November 21, 2009 at 6:50am
    • Derek Novaes The band deserves sooo much more! Fans...$25 tix...$40 meet-n-greets and a small venue connections! This was OUR privilege!
      November 21, 2009 at 7:25am
    • Γαλια Ξαλιμη Ηερρηρα Γωμεζ strayper lo mejorrrrrrrrrr
      November 21, 2009 at 7:32am
    • Jeff Winger Can't wait to see you guys tonight at the Red Room.
      November 21, 2009 at 8:00am
    • Daryn Hinton Gabriel Stryper is better than ever ;) Love you guys!!!!
      November 21, 2009 at 8:22am
    • Phil Strahm I saw you 3 times on the tour...all 3 shows were amazing! And got my giant THWD poster autographed in Dayton!
      Your music did a lot for me and my faith when I was at college at a secular school...Your songs encouraged me and I was able to have MANY conversations with my floormates about your music and, most importantly, Jesus!
      Blessings on your overseas tour!
      November 21, 2009 at 8:36am
    • Paul Castiglione may God Bless all of you!! stay strong in the Lord and the power of His might!!
      November 21, 2009 at 8:47am
    • Jason Tetley Start the tour again... :) I am sure everyone would come back out ! I caught you in Toronto and would love to hear you guys again...!!
      November 21, 2009 at 9:09am
    • Mike Reardon This has got to be one of the nicest letters to fans I have ever read! Michael, you Oz, Tim, Robert, and Tracy have been a blessing to more people than you'll ever know - in more ways than you'll ever know. God bless you all, your familes, and EVERYONE invoved with Stryper! Keep on rockin for the One who is the Rock!
      November 21, 2009 at 11:05am
    • Juan Manuel Romero God bless you all
      November 21, 2009 at 11:52am
    • William Dale Robinson
      Like many, I was also thrilled to have went to the Reverb show in Toronto. Stryper rocked with so much energy I thought the old venue was going to fall down! Sorry about the altercation with the TTC streetcar ;-) Really, we are not a violen...t country and don't wish to cause harm! Long since first seeing the band at Massey Hall (with Metal Church) I've witnessed a musical and spiritual passion that has perservered and matured thru thick and thin. Talk about devotion to a cause! Welcome back to Canada. Vancouver fans, they will not disappoint. 'Scream, Shout, Loud 'n Clear' this fact to the rest of Canada. Hear this Calgary, St.John's and the world for that matter, that Stryper is back in a BIG way! Recently, I've heard many people say 'Stryper - I remember them - what a GREAT band - I missed them? Didn't even know they are back together and touring'. It's true that media exposure here was very limited. Never once heard an advert on the radio, seen a newspaper promo, magazine article or even seen Stryper music displayed in places such as Walmart or Best Buy. I hope the media recognises this and starts to display more of the likes of the positive 'Stryper Story' and less of the negative 'War,Corporate Greed and Environmental Disaster Story'. By the way, the CBC has this capability. They did a great job bringing national attention to Rush drummer Neil Peart today. Why not Stryper? After all, with seemingly very little resources and financial backing, you guys are working hard to make this tour work. It has been mentioned, that for Stryper, it's not about numbers. Really though, this band deserves some renewed attention and reward for their hard work. After all, it is an 'honest' way to make a living. You have families to support. You have charities to contribute to... Best Wishes and Season's Greetings.See More
      November 21, 2009 at 11:55am
    • Eric Laranjo God bless Stryper. You are a bright light in a very dark world.
      November 21, 2009 at 12:49pm
    • Nomar Afarat GOD BLESS YOU GUYS AND THANKS FOR SHOWING US THE RIGHT WAY.....JESUS IS THE WAY
      November 21, 2009 at 1:03pm
    • Mike Yokum
      Thanks Stryper for your dedication to Christ and the Truth! I saw you live as a young man (1985) and was able to share you with my 17 year old son at the Asheville, NC in October! Make no apologies for a "low budget" show! You guys rocked h...ard and faithfully and there was NO DISAPPOINTMENT!!! How could anyone be disappointed in hearing the Truth presented in such an awesome way! Stryper is a world class musical group with Bible based lives and lyrics! Thanks again and come back to North Carolina again soon!See More
      November 21, 2009 at 1:37pm
    • Andy Wilhorn Even though you claim your tour to be "low budget" it definitely wasn't low quality. You guys put on a great show at Chicago HOB and after all these years of being a fan I got to see you in concert. Simplicity can be all that is needed when you guys are as good as you are. Hopefully this won't be your last trip on the road.
      November 21, 2009 at 1:56pm
    • Daniel Bernard Cassick
      we love you guys very much stryper is very much a beautiful part of this world i wish you all the best and am very happy for you michael that youve found love again i know it's very hard to lose some one you love to mike jr. remember your m...om is always with you and when you dream about her its her way of telling you she will always be there i too lost my mom five years ago. time will heal your heart and soul remember the dreams there are very beautiful i still dream about my mom with deepest love for you and your sister
      Daniel
      See More
      November 21, 2009 at 2:33pm
    • Sarah Dowell Davenport
      You guys are amazing, thank you so much for sharing your gifts, your faith and your lives with us. You were pioneers back in the day that I strongly believe opened peoples eyes, ears and hearts to the fact that rock and roll can have a Chr...istian message. It's a great testimony to the world that you held to your convictions and faith and didn't waver when I can imagine your peers didn't make it easy for you to be "different". You opened my eyes personally to Christian rock music back then and you opened my heart back to it now after life has thrown me some nasty curves. May God continue to bless you all and we will definitely be looking for you again very soon!!! It warms my heart to hear my five year old singing his favorite song "Run In You" as he dreams of some day being a drummer. : )See More
      November 21, 2009 at 3:15pm
    • Steve Smith You Guys played a awesome venue, it may have been much smaller than the past but, you played there 20,000 people there. Thanks Stryper!
      November 21, 2009 at 3:56pm
    • Colleen Costa-Messer Thank you so much for being able to share your faith in music with us Canadian folk. We are blessed that Styper came and rocked our world with Christ. Prayers are with your families and travels. Really glad you guys done a reunion tour.
      November 21, 2009 at 4:08pm
    • Col Heslop Abundant grace, peace,joy and love be with you all <"))><
      November 21, 2009 at 5:03pm
    • Scott Booth
      You guys sounded as good or better than I remember... We saw both of your SOCAL concerts... My daughter is a new fan, and my girlfriend loves your voice Michael... She came just for that reason! I enjoyed Oz's cool hair at HOB, Tim's jammin...g and energy, and Robert's constant rock'n beat!

      The thing about Stryper that I appreciate the most, is that, while your unique music sounds as good, or better, than any other rock group, it is WHO you stand for that makes you a convenient target. I really appreciate your courage on that. Being born-again is not popular to the world we currently live in, we Christians can relate with you on that...

      No matter what the enemy does and says, you guys keep GETTING BACK UP, IN UNITY... so rock on
      See More
      November 22, 2009 at 6:00pm
    • Joe Killaby THANK YOU!
      November 23, 2009 at 10:57am
    • Juan Luis Morales
      Through the years I have had the chance to attend many concerts by some of the most famous bands and solo artists of the world. People like Aerosmith, The Rolling Stone, Guns-n-Roses, Garth Brooks, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Elton John, ...Billy Joel, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and all of them have big budget but they can not match your energy and passion on stage. The only one that is almost at your level is Garth. I have attended Stryper's concerts at big venues like the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan PR and small venues like HOB in Anaheim CA and Orlando Fl. It doesn't matter if the concert have taken place in a big or small venue I have felt the same energy and the desire to attend a Stryper concert again and again. THANK YOU for the music you have given to us through these years. See you next week at the meet and greet and at the concert in San Juan.See More
      November 23, 2009 at 7:30pm