Michael Sweet reflects on impact of Stryper band members having to declare bankruptcy in early ’90s

Michael Sweet reflects on impact of Stryper band members having to declare bankruptcy in early ’90s

Stryper frontman Michael Sweet is one of the most outspoken ’80s era hard rock / heavy metal performers on Facebook.

The talented singer and lead guitarist posted a message today on his Facebook account on the virtues of hard work and the impact of the Stryper band members having to each declare bankruptcy back in the early 1990s:

“I’ve always been a hard worker. I remember loading catering trucks at 4:00 am before I’d start the school day as a freshman, working to save enough to purchase new gear. I’d come home from high school and start writing songs immediately in order to have a new song/songs to teach the guys so we could build our original set.

I’m made this way. I work hard and always have. I’ve never asked anyone for anything. I believe that hard work and discipline leads to blessings and rewards from above. If you work with diligence God will honor that. If you don’t, well……

I’ve also had my share of being “down and out”. We all (the band) had to file bankruptcy back in the early 90’s based on being over 2 million dollars in debt and never incorporating. Since we were only a partnership, all partners had to file. It really put things in perspective for me in ways I never imagined. I realized that not only did I have to apply myself, I also had to be smarter and wiser.

I wound up leaving the band in 1992 and slowly but surely rebuilt my relationship with God, my life, my family, my finances, my credit, my music, everything. How did I do it? I worked my butt off every way. I didn’t blame others for my circumstances and I did my best to honor God in my choices and decisions. I’m still this way to this day. We just wrapped a tour and what’s the first thing I decided to do? Record a new solo album?

Add to that my amazing, exceptional wife Lisa. She works harder than anyone I’ve ever known. She never stops. It’s exhausting to watch her and she just keeps going. She has this beautiful heart that wants to help everyone around her and she does.

My point? Work hard with a smile and don’t give up. Your hard work will pay off and you’ll see the fruits of your labor. Do so with integrity and don’t blame others for your hardships. That will make God smile in return and He will bless all that you do?

Blessings to all of you,

M“