Welcome again to Extreme Guitars’ “Ax Facts & Stats”. HAPPY NATIONAL GUITAR MONTH!! Welcome to “Ax Facts & Stats”. This month I am very proud to have the very talented, the very spiritual and the very insightful Michael Sweet.
I have been a longtime fan of Michael since his STRYPER days all the way into his solo recording days when he recorded what I personally feel was his best song, ” Someday “. I have long admired Mr. Sweet not only for his playing & writing ability, but also because he and I share many of the same beliefs. Thank you Michael for bringing faith and will into an industry where many artists often steer clear of displaying their strong beliefs to greedily avoid limiting their fan base. You ROCK!
My name is: Michael Sweet
Myself described in 5 words: Determined, Easy going (two words), Humorous, passionate.
My current job is: Producer, writer,artist.
My hometown is: Whittier, CA.
My current album or project is: 3rd solo project. We (Stryper) have a new disc out entitled “Seven”. It was released on March 25th (2003) through Hollywood Records. We recorded two new songs for the compilation.
Former band(s): Firestorm, Roxx, Roxx Regime, Stryper.
My guitar influences growing up were: Edward Van Halen, Randy Rhodes, Neil Schon.
The guitars I use are: Peavey Wolfgang Customs, PRS’s, Les Pauls.
The strings and tunings I use are: 10’s tuned to E flat and E standard.
My current rig setup consists of: Two Peavey XXX heads, two combos and two cabs.
The greatest invention for guitars is: E-bow.
My normal songwriting process: Music first on guitar, then everything else follows.
My Favorite Michael Sweet solo is: The solo in “Free”.
My Favorite Michael Sweet song is: “Save me”.
My Career highlight is: 1987, World Tour.
My most embarrassing moment on stage: my pants ripped out 30 seconds before the show and I had to do the show with my pants duck taped.
The one piece of my gear that I cannot live without is: Sans Amp PSA-1.
The first song I mastered on guitar was: Chuck Berry “Johnny B Good”.
My first guitar was: Epiphone electric solid body.
If I am only sure of one thing in life, it’s… There is a God.
My Greatest fear is: Flying.
The one ritual I always perform prior to going onstage is: A very hot steam shower to open my vocal chords.
Favorite quote: “I am The Way, the Truth and The Life”.
The exact moment I knew I would pursue a career in music was: When I picked up the guitar for the first time-age 5.
The one thing most fans don’t know about me is: I play drums as well.
The best advice I could give beginning guitarists is: be patient and practice, practice, practice.
The CD(s) I’m listening to right now is: The All American Rejects, Johnny Cash and Coldplay.
My 3 all-time favorite albums are: Van Halen 1, Bad Company – Bad Company and Journey – Escape
I’m a sucker for: coffee and sushi.
If I could meet any ONE person living or dead, he/she would be: George Bush.
My favorite junk food is: Taco Bell.
My biggest pet peeve is: Stepping in Dog poo.
The word or catch phrase I say way too much is: “dude”, “man”, “bro”.
The first thing I do when I come home from touring: eat and sleep.
I knew I hit the “big time” when: when we went from 2,000 seaters to 10,000 seaters in two to three months!.
My Favorite Website is: www.wunderground.com
The worst job I ever had was: loading catering trucks and having to empty the grease traps.
Right after this interview I’m going to: eat.
I couldn’t imagine being on the road without: family.
If I wasn’t doing the musician thing, I could really see myself working as: actor?
My favorite movie ever: Groundhog Day.
My mission in life: : To tell the world of Gods love, mercy and grace.
My greatest obsession: cologne.
My first band was: Firestorm.
My next major step is: Release a new solo project.
The greatest contribution guitars have brought into my life is my passion for music and writing.
The coolest toy I had growing up was: etch-a-scetch.
Check out my Website at: www.MichaelSweet.com
The one musician I would love to work with that I have not yet had the chance would be: B.B. King.
When it’s all said and done, I want the world to remember me for: My stand for Christ and my belief in Christ.
Points of Interest: (Courtesy of Bio from Restless Records “Michael Sweet Press Kit”)
Michael is a co-founder along with his brother Robert and lead singer of perhaps the most popular Christian rock band ever, Stryper.
Michael is a Whittier, CA native, whose father Phil was a successful country songwriter (penning several hit songs with radio disc jockey Don Imus’ brother Fred, including Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius’ ’78 hit, “I Don’t Want To Have To Marry You”).
Michael is back with a solo album on Restless Records/Diamente, “Truth”, (co-produced by Bob Marlettte).
Mr. Sweet went through the whole Hollywood club scene, where he led the quintessential rock ‘n roll life. While in his teens Michael and his older brother Robert decided to form their own band after catching a Van Halen show and being impressed with the music, but distressed by the message. In 1983, the two, along with bassist Tim Gaines and guitarist Oz Fox, formed Roxx Regime, a group that played clubs all over Orange County. They soon changed their name to Stryper after a passage in Isaiah, “With His stripes we are healed,” recorded a demo and signed to Enigma Records.
Thank you so much Mr. Sweet for joining Extreme Guitars Monthly and we all deeply appreciate your insight and your kindness in taking part in “Ax Facts & Stats”. I want to invite our visitors and readers to check out Mr. Sweet’s Website at www.MichaelSweet.com. Also be sure to check back for the next installment of “AX Facts & Stats” coming soon!
Extreme Guitars is the web home of articles and interviews written by Dave Roberts. All Dave Roberts interviews & articles are available for use or reprint ONLY by Permission. Permission can be obtained by contacting Dave. All materials are Copyright Dave Roberts and Oceanbreeze Ent. All Rights Reserved.