Robert Sweet (musician)
Encyclopedia
Robert Lee Sweet is the drummer
of the Christian metal
band Stryper
. He and his brother Michael
originally founded the band as Roxx or Roxx Regime. Robert became known as the "Visual Time Keeper" for his wild drumming and captivating drum kits. Unlike most drummers, Sweet faces in the direction of stage left or right while playing, not straight ahead, so that the audience can see him and not have their view of him obscured by his drumkit. Sweet also played a key role in the visual direction of the band itself as well as being a significant contributor to the group.
After Stryper broke up in 1992, Sweet went on to play in a variety of acts and projects largely Christian-oriented. He participated in the band King James
alongside former Stryper bassist Tim Gaines
and former Whitecross
guitarist Rex Carroll
, and toured with them until 1996. He also participated in such projects such Shameless
and Titanic. Sweet went on to record a solo album titled Love Trash which demonstrated an eclectic side of his writing and performing capabilities. Later, Sweet joined Blissed
.
Sweet played a key role in the reappearance of Stryper by taking part in 2000's "Stryper Expo" and a reunion show in Costa Rica
. The successful reception led Sweet to push for a reunion of the band which came in the form of a request by Hollywood Records
for a new Best of collection. The band decided that rather than simply doing another compilation, they would record two new songs and then go on tour in support of the new release. 2003 saw Sweet tour with a re-formed Stryper. In 2004, Stryper returned to the studio to begin working on its August 2005 release, Reborn, which marked the band's first full-length recording of original material in over 15 years, since 1990's Against the Law
. Stryper's newest album, entitled Murder by Pride
, was released in July 2009, although he did not play drums on the record (as this position was filled by studio musician Kenny Aronoff
). Sweet did however play in Stryper's 25th Anniversary Tour in support of the album.
Other bands include Final Axe and The Seventh Power.
2003 Metal Mayhem Release "It's About Time" with former Tainted Angel guitarist Lynn Edward Glezen and Guardian's Jamie Rowe. 7 HOURS LATER were tourmates with Stryper on both the 7 Reunion Tour and the Reborn Tour.
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
of the Christian metal
Christian metal
Christian metal, also known as white metal, is a form of heavy metal music usually defined by its message in a song's lyrics as well as the band's dedication to Christianity...
band Stryper
Stryper
Stryper is a Christian glam metal band from Orange County, California. The group's lineup consists of Michael Sweet , Oz Fox , Tim Gaines , and Robert Sweet...
. He and his brother Michael
Michael Sweet
Michael Sweet is a singer from Whittier, California, United States. Sweet is best known as co-founder, writer and frontman of the Christian glam metal band Stryper. He was also one of the two lead vocalists and one of three guitarists for Boston until August 2011.-Youth:He began his musical career...
originally founded the band as Roxx or Roxx Regime. Robert became known as the "Visual Time Keeper" for his wild drumming and captivating drum kits. Unlike most drummers, Sweet faces in the direction of stage left or right while playing, not straight ahead, so that the audience can see him and not have their view of him obscured by his drumkit. Sweet also played a key role in the visual direction of the band itself as well as being a significant contributor to the group.
After Stryper broke up in 1992, Sweet went on to play in a variety of acts and projects largely Christian-oriented. He participated in the band King James
King James (band)
King James is a metal/rock supergroup formed in 1993 by guitarist Rex Carroll . He joined former Sacred Fire frontman, Jimi Bennett to form the band. Some time later, they recruited Tim Gaines and Robert Sweet, of Stryper, and released their first album in 1994. The band supported the album with...
alongside former Stryper bassist Tim Gaines
Tim Gaines
Timothy Gaines is bass guitar player of the Christian metal band Stryper.-With Stryper:Being a Sunset Strip regular, Tim joined the band in 1983, and quickly rounded out the quartet's sound with his bass, background vocals and keyboard skills...
and former Whitecross
Whitecross
Whitecross is a Christian metal band that formed in 1985 in Waukegan, IL releasing their first recording in the year 1987. Their early albums, which often invite comparisons to Ratt, are laced with fast, technical guitar work. In 1994, bandleader, primary songwriter and producer Rex Carroll split...
guitarist Rex Carroll
Rex Carroll
Rex Carroll is a guitarist and known for his work in the Christian metal band Whitecross. Rex Carroll is also the leader and guitarist of other bands like Fierce Heart, King James and The Rex Carroll Band. He also filled in and did all the guitar work on Eden's 1994 album "Fan The Flame". In...
, and toured with them until 1996. He also participated in such projects such Shameless
Shameless (band)
Shameless are a hard rock and glam metal supergroup based in Munich, Germany. Although the band are based in Germany, they are notable for having numerous American rockers appearing on their albums.-History:...
and Titanic. Sweet went on to record a solo album titled Love Trash which demonstrated an eclectic side of his writing and performing capabilities. Later, Sweet joined Blissed
Blissed (band)
Blissed is a Christian hard rock band formed in 2002 by David Pearson. The original lineup consisted of David Pearson, Robert Sweet of Stryper, Trevor Barr, and Jeff Miller.-Debut EP and first album:...
.
Sweet played a key role in the reappearance of Stryper by taking part in 2000's "Stryper Expo" and a reunion show in Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Costa Rica , officially the Republic of Costa Rica is a multilingual, multiethnic and multicultural country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east....
. The successful reception led Sweet to push for a reunion of the band which came in the form of a request by Hollywood Records
Hollywood Records
Hollywood Records is an American record label owned by Disney Music Group, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.-History:Hollywood Records was founded in 1989 by then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner with the idea of expanding the music operations of the company and to develop and promote...
for a new Best of collection. The band decided that rather than simply doing another compilation, they would record two new songs and then go on tour in support of the new release. 2003 saw Sweet tour with a re-formed Stryper. In 2004, Stryper returned to the studio to begin working on its August 2005 release, Reborn, which marked the band's first full-length recording of original material in over 15 years, since 1990's Against the Law
Against the Law (album)
Against the Law is the fifth release, and fourth full-length album, from the Christian metal band Stryper, released on August 21, 1990 ....
. Stryper's newest album, entitled Murder by Pride
Murder by Pride
Murder by Pride is the eighth studio album by Stryper. The first single for the album, "Peace of Mind", debuted at #27 on Christianrock.net on October 24, 2008 and peaked at #1 on February 22, 2009. The track is a cover version, originally performed by Boston...
, was released in July 2009, although he did not play drums on the record (as this position was filled by studio musician Kenny Aronoff
Kenny Aronoff
Kenny Aronoff is an American drummer. He has played drums for many musicians, including John Mellencamp, Bob Seger, Belinda Carlisle, Elton John, John Fogerty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Meat Loaf, The BoDeans, Gregg Alexander, The Smashing Pumpkins, Tony Iommi, Jon Bon Jovi, Vasco Rossi, Cinderella and...
). Sweet did however play in Stryper's 25th Anniversary Tour in support of the album.
Non-Stryper discography
- King James (1994)
- Love Trash (1998)
- Blissed, Waking Up The Dead (2002)
- 7 HOURS LATER, It's About Time (2003)
- Dbeality, Self-Titled Debut (2005)
Other bands include Final Axe and The Seventh Power.
2003 Metal Mayhem Release "It's About Time" with former Tainted Angel guitarist Lynn Edward Glezen and Guardian's Jamie Rowe. 7 HOURS LATER were tourmates with Stryper on both the 7 Reunion Tour and the Reborn Tour.