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STRYPER Recruit Former FIREHOUSE Bass Player Perry Richardson
October 30th, 2017


Stryper (l-r): Robert Sweet, Oz Fox, Perry Richardson and Michael Sweet


American Chistian heavy metal band Stryper have recruited former Firehouse bass player Perry Richardson, revealing this development on October 30th, 2017. Richardson replaces Tim Gaines who was fired earlier this year, the group citing “erratic and hostile behaviour” for his dismissal.

“The first time I met the guys in Stryper was in 1985, when my first band, Maxx Warrior opened for them in Charlotte, North Carolina,” says Richardson. “From that first meeting, they have always been one of my favourite bands and a huge influence on me personally and musically. To have the honour of becoming a member of Stryper today, is an indescribable experience for me. I am so overwhelmed I can’t put it into words. To be asked to be a member of one of my favourite all-time bands is one of the greatest honours of my career. I’m so looking forward to being a part of this next chapter in Stryper’s legacy. I’m ready to rock the world with my new brothers!”

“Perry is a perfect fit within our band,” adds Stryper frontman Michael Sweet. “He’s an amazing singer, an excellent bass player and just a great human being. The moment we first rehearsed with Perry we knew that it was right. We sang harmonies and the vocals sounded awesome. He shared stories of how Stryper was one of his favourite bands and that he’s always respected us. It meant a lot to hear him say that. He has brought a kind and humble spirit to the band. He is a professional and an absolute gentleman. His resume is quite extensive and as impressive as it gets. We’re honoured to have him on our team and we’re extremely excited about the future!”

The band are currently in pre-production on their upcoming new album, due in 2018 through Frontiers Music Srl.

Stryper’s line-up is as follows:

Michael Sweet (vocals)
Oz Fox (guitar)
Perry Richardson (bass, ex-Firehouse / ex-Maxx Warrior)
Robert Sweet (drums)

Eighth full-length studio album proper Fallen was released in October 2015.