Stryper released their new studio album, Murder By Pride, which was released today - twenty-five years to the day after the release of their debut EP, The Yellow and Black Attack.
The band will kick off a 25th Anniversary Tour in September, touring throughout the U.S. before heading out on an international run in early 2010. In addition to their hits and fan favorites, Stryper will perform songs from their latest studio album Murder by Pride.
The tour will be a two set show. The first set will be new Stryper material and include current bassist Tracy Ferrie, along with original members Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet and Oz Fox. The second set will feature all four original members, including original bassist Tim Gaines, wearing new yellow and black stage outfits from the original designer and performing the band's hits from the last twenty-five years.
The 25th Anniversary Tour will be a family project, with Michael Sweet Jr.'s band Flight Patterns opening all dates. Flight Patterns' debut album will be released this fall on Fifty Three Five Records.
Murder by Pride includes a cover of the BOSTON song "Peace of Mind" (featuring BOSTON founder, guitarist and songwriter Tom Scholz on the recording). Ironically, Stryper had recorded "Peace of Mind" and planned to include it on Murder by Pride long before Michael Sweet was asked to join BOSTON on vocals and guitar for their 54-city headlining tour of North America in summer 2008.
