(Photo : Big3 Records)
Michael Sweet
As the frontman for Christian hard rock legends, Stryper, and the guitarist and co-vocalist for Boston from 2007 - 2011, Michael Sweet has spent more than a fair-share of time in the international spotlight. On May 6, 2014, fans will learn more about the man behind the microphone as Sweet releases his autobiography, Honestly: My Life and Stryper Revealed and a new solo album, I'm Not Your Suicide.
The book will revisit his 30-year career. It has already gotten endorsements from Eddie Trunk, Dave Mustaine, Larry the Cable Guy, Jeordie White and Chris Jericho. Among the topics Michael discusses are:
- In the beginning - How Michael Sweet formed the first Christian rock band to hit #1 on MTV, paving the way for an entire genre of music.
- Behind the scenes - First-hand stories of the Sunset Strip, with never-before-told stories that include friends and musical peers such as Poison, Motley Crue, RATT, Whitesnake, Metallica and more.
- Mega Evangelists - How Jimmy Swaggart and Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker played a role in Michael's life.
- Falling prey - The temptations and ultimate low-points of a notable Christian rock star.
- When the mighty fall (and get back up) - What led to the decline and fall of Stryper in 1992, and subsequent reunion and re-birth in 2001.
Readers will also be treated to never-before-revealed stories of life behind the scenes in Stryper; the reasons why so many famouse people have declared Michael Sweet a significant influence on their lives; and the heartbreak of losing his wife of 22 years to cancer and re-marrying shortly thereafter. Michael takes an honest look at his often tumultuous family relationships and shares the unlikely relationship between himself and national radio personality Don Imus. You can preview the first chapter of the book here.
The self-produced album, I'm Not Your Suicide, features special appearances by Tony Harnell (TNT), Kevin Max (dcTalk, Audio Adrenaline), Chris Jericho, Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), Electra Mustaine (daughter of Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine), Stryper bandmates Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines and legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff.
I'm Not Your Suicide Track List:
- Taking on the World Tonight (featuring Tony Harnell)
- All That's Left (For Me To Prove)
- The Cause
- This Time (featuring Kevin Max)
- I'm Not Your Suicide (co-written with Blair Daly)
- Coming Home
- Miles Away
- Strong
- How to Live (featuring Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines of Stryper)
- Heart of Gold
- Anybody Else (featuring Chris Jericho and Doug Aldrich)
- Unsuspecting
- Heart of Gold (featuring Electra Mustaine) **Bonus Track
Three full-production music videos will be released on this album for the songs “I’m Not Your Suicide”, “Heart of Gold," and “Coming Home."
