May 18th and 19th, 2001

AZUSA, CA - By the time Michael Sweet of Stryper strolled onto the stage at 10:20 PM singing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," approximately 2 hours after the group's scheduled appearance, one imagines many in the audience were muttering to themselves, "Hallelujah, they've finally arrived!"

This hour-and-a-half performance by the band, at the center of this expo, was like the tasty dessert to a filling two days of hard music nutrition, and well worth the wait.

Even though Michael Sweet had to run backstage to retrieve a CD booklet with the lyrics to "You Won't Be Lonely," and Robert Sweet muffed the drum intro to one song, Stryper looked and sounded great. Whether on Michael Sweet and Oz Fox's tandem guitar leads, or moments where the two harmonized vocally, these guys were generally on the mark. Tim Gaines, though he doesn't look it anymore, still thumps solid rock & roll bass, and Robert Sweet still looks and pounds the part as the unit's drummer.

In a set that ranged from older material, like "Soldiers Under Command," to later songs, such as "Can't Stop The Rock," Stryper provided a sampling of the many highlights from its memorable career.

But wherever the members of Stryper go these days, questions about the band's future are always sure to follow, and this event was no exception to that thorny issue. "I still think God wants these guys to be back together," said mom, Janice Sweet, the day before at a Q& A session. "But they need to hear this from God."

"If it's God's will, in God's time," said Michael Sweet, at another such Q&A conference, "it will happen."

Not to be too flippant about it, but it appears as if God only knows when -- or if -- Stryper will get back together again. But for this brief moment in time, at least, both band and fans alike had a chance to once again bask in this pioneering band's glam metal glory.

On the second day of the expo, the lineup could best be described as either artists who were contemporaries of Stryper, like Joshua, or bands that are in some way inspired by Stryper's influence. This grouping includes the music of East West, Disciple, and Oil.

When Oil's outdoor set was suddenly interrupted, it took on the appearance of another Bride/Stryper intersection. Not THAT Bride, but the kind of bride that is also accompanied by a groom, a crowd of well-wishers and a minister of some sort or other.

You see, across the street from the university, a backyard wedding at a rather large estate was about to begin just after Oil started to play. Police were called; the loud music ceased; a string quartet could once again hear itself play (and think), and everybody was happy again.

Joshua preceded Oil on this semi-impromptu outdoor stage, and looked and sounded like the '90s never really happened.

Stryper's opening acts, for lack of a better term, warmed up the crowd on the main stage. East West thrilled with its aggressive punkish roar, and Disciple dished out a large dosage of darn near funky metal, with just a dash of evangelism and worship.

The opening day of this event was a showcase for the various incarnations the Stryper guys have been involving themselves in since the band called it quits. Tim Gaines was impressive as he played long elastic bass lines to the folk-rock sounds of his love interest, singer Irene Kelly. Following Kelly, Oz Fox and Sin Dizzy -- which began its set with Fox mounting the stage in a large sombrero to the recorded sounds of traditional Mariachi music -- played a set of this gutsy band's raw rock sounds. It was also an opportunity for the group to introduce new bass player Kevin Walt, who appeared to fit right in.

In his closing set, Michael Sweet proved that he doesn't really need his old Stryper pals to help him put on an entertaining set. Sweet, who looks more and more like the young Elvis every day, has a natural charisma and charm, which he used to great effect in fronting his own band. To these ears, the music didn't sound too much different from his Stryper recordings -- albeit, a little less dated.

Disappointingly, the exhibition hall didn't have a whole lot to offer paying customers. There were a few tables with collectibles and artists' booths, but little more. In addition to the Guitar Center representation in the corner and a few radio station spokespeople, this small merchandise area was nothing too special. It took no more than about ten minutes to see it all. Staring at yellow and black spandex artifacts is not the same thing as taking in a Van Gogh; even for the biggest Stryper fan.

For many, this occasion was a chance to reunite with other old Stryper fans. Many warm hugs and handshakes were exchanged throughout the event. For others, such as Brenda Guerra, wife of Tourniquet guitarist Aaron Guerra, it was an opportunity to witness a Stryper show for the very first time. And by the looks of the numerous baby carriages and small kidlets throughout the place, it was obvious that a lot has changed over the years in the lives of Stryper fans. Such changes can best be measured by both scales, Grecian Formula usage and family unit sizes.

One thing that won't ever change, though, is the diehard fan loyalty Stryper still commands. Whether or not Stryper ever reforms as a recording and touring band, this love affair between band and fans is certainly to continue for a long time to come.