The 80’s came alive this past weekend in at the Vine in Waterloo, NY. Christian rockers Stryper along with Vixen played to a hearty crowd yearning to hear music from yesteryear and some new music as well. Stryper is currently on tour supporting their 14th studio titled ‘The Final Battle.’
Opening the show were Vixen. Even though the band has endured numerous lineup changes in their 40 year history, they played a very energetic and fun show. Currently the lineup consists of Julia Lage on bass, Britt Lightning on guitar, Lorraine Lewis on vocals and the Roxy Petrucci on drums. Petrucci is the only longtime member from their 80’s classic lineup. Their 35 minute set included their most well known tracks in “Crying,” “How Much Love” and “Edge of a Broken Heart.” Lewis, who also is no stranger to the limelight as she fronted her own successful 80’s act in Femme Fetale. She is the perfect front woman for this band. She not only has the vocals chops but constantly made interactions with the audience. At one point towards the end of the set, she sat on the edge of the stage and let fans take selfies with her. Make no mistake, this band is driven by the hard hitting Petrucci. Her underrated drumming is always a pleasure to see live. She also plays to the crowd as well. The new ladies (Lage and Lightning) fit in nicely too. Again, a very fun set put on by the ladies of Vixen!
The headliners Stryper took to the stage and went into the heavy “Transgressor,” which came off their latest record. The band immediately went back to play “Loving You” from one of their most successful albums in the ‘Yellow and Black Attack.’ After a few tunes in, vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet talked about the bands long rich history. He commented on the love that MTV gave the band back in the day and appreciated the fans who gave the band that platform. He proceeded to then toss the first batch of New Testaments to the crowd. More heavier tunes like “Revelation” and “Divider were played. Even though Stryper is branded more of a hard rock band, their last few releases ‘God Damn Evil’ and ‘Even the Devil Believes’ has warranted the classification more of a heavy metal band in my opinion. Nevertheless what you classify them as, the band is as tight as they have ever been. Sweet and guitarist Oz Fox both handle leads for Stryper. The bands rhythm section is Perry Richardson on bass and original drummer and backbone of Stryper in Robert Sweet. Of course, the fan favorites like “Calling on You” and “Soldiers Under Command” seemed to always bring out more energy from the crowd.
The band went though the entire catalog playing various tracks throughout their entire career. It was a dream set for longtime Stryper fans for sure. Michael Sweet can still belt it out with the best of them but what many may not notice his is tremendous guitar playing. He handles more leads than I can ever remember. I have to say, it was a very fun and fantastic night of good tunes and a good time!
Setlist:
Transgressor
Loving You
More Than a Man
Surrender
Calling on You
Free
In God We Trust
Revelation
Sorry
All For One
Always There For You
Divider
No Rest for the Wicked
No More Hell to Pay
Soldiers Under Command
To Hell With the Devil
Sing-Along Song
We would like to thank Bittersweet Management for the credentials to review the show.
