STRYPER Bassist Launches Tour Diary

Bassist Timothy Gaines of Christian hard rockers STRYPER will be posting regular updates from the band's 25th-anniversary tour exclusively at StryperForum.com. The first post was published yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, August 25) and can be found at this location.

As previously reported, bassist Tracy Ferrie will not be performing on the U.S. leg of the STRYPER tour, which kicks off in early September. Instead, original bassist Gaines will be the sole bass player. What was originally planned to be a two-set performance has now turned into one full 90-minute concert consisting of all the greatest hits and new STRYPER material. The band will be wearing new yellow-and-black outfits designed by the original outfit designer. All original members — Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Oz Fox, and Tim Gaines — will be performing on the 25th anniversary U.S. tour.

Commented the band: "Tracy has made the very honorable decision, one in which we support, to put the needs of his family first. Contrary to what many may believe, most professional musicians (especially those with families) have other jobs when their band is not touring. And in order to provide for their families, they often need to find other means of work during non-touring times.

"We are living in extremely difficult economic times whereby finding a good day job is difficult. Tracy has a great one. One that provides well for his family. Leaving this job could put his family in a tough situation upon returning from tour.

"We support Tracy in this decision to ensure security for his family. At the same time, we're excited to get back out on the road and share our new music and the 25th-anniversary show with our friends and fans whom we have not seen in a long time.

"We're honored to have been doing this for 25 years and blessed to have the opportunity to go out on tour this fall. Without you, our friends and fans, we would not have lasted this long. Thank you. See you on the road soon."

"Murder By Pride", the new album from STRYPER, sold 5,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 73 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Murder By Pride" will be released in Europe on August 28 via Frontiers Records. The CD was made available in the U.S. on July 21 through Big 3 Records.

25 years ago (1984),STRYPER broke onto the scene with its debut EP, "Yellow And Black Attack", and has since gone on to sell 8 million records worldwide and tour the world spreading an inspirational message through their branded sound of rock songs, heavy guitars, and pristine harmony vocals.