In a recent interview, Michael Sweet, the lead singer and guitarist of the Christian metal band Stryper, revealed some surprising insights about a potential collaboration with C.C. DeVille, the iconic guitarist of Poison. This revelation has intrigued many fans who were unaware that such a high-profile pairing nearly happened. To understand the gravity of this near-miss, it’s important to look at the background, the nature of the collaboration, and what Michael Sweet himself had to say about the almost partnership.
C.C. DeVille and Stryper: The Unexpected Connection
C.C. DeVille, known for his flamboyant style and blistering guitar solos in Poison, is an unlikely candidate to join a band like Stryper. Stryper, which gained popularity in the 1980s, is renowned for its distinct Christian message and blend of hard rock and heavy metal. The band’s image was often characterized by their bold yellow-and-black striped outfits, their commitment to faith-based lyrics, and their crossover appeal in the Christian and mainstream rock scenes.
DeVille, on the other hand, was firmly associated with the glam metal movement, a genre that was more focused on partying, excess, and rock-and-roll rebellion than on religious themes. Nonetheless, there were points in time when his talents were in high demand, and the prospect of him joining a band like Stryper seemed plausible, if somewhat unconventional.
The Backstory of the Potential Collaboration
According to Michael Sweet, the story of C.C. DeVille potentially joining Stryper dates back to the early 2000s when the band was working on new music and exploring ways to freshen up their sound. Sweet, who had been keeping an eye on DeVille’s career after Poison’s 80s heyday, saw an opportunity for a collaboration that could elevate the band’s musical output.
The specifics of how DeVille came into the picture were not entirely clear, but Sweet described how they first crossed paths. He had met DeVille at a mutual friend’s party, and they immediately hit it off. Sweet recalled that C.C. was receptive to the idea of joining Stryper, which was quite surprising given the differences between the two bands in terms of image, musical style, and philosophy. But the chemistry between Sweet and DeVille was undeniable, and it sparked the notion that they could work together.
C.C. DeVille’s Interest in Stryper
For C.C. DeVille, the idea of joining Stryper seemed intriguing. While Poison had a more hedonistic reputation, DeVille himself had always been open-minded musically. His versatility as a guitarist was well-documented, and he was known for being able to play across different genres, from glam rock to hard rock to even elements of pop. Moreover, DeVille was at a crossroads in his career at that point, as Poison was not as active in the public eye as they had been during their prime. The idea of joining Stryper, a band with a fervent following, particularly in the Christian rock scene, was a unique opportunity.
Sweet recalls that DeVille was intrigued by the chance to explore a new direction musically, especially given that Stryper’s songs had always incorporated elements of melody, technicality, and guitar solos that he admired. DeVille reportedly told Sweet that he appreciated the band’s musicianship and the challenge of playing in a different musical environment—one where faith-based lyrics could be the driving force behind the songs.
However, as Michael Sweet pointed out, the collaboration was never meant to be permanent. While DeVille was genuinely interested, he was already committed to other projects and bands, which made it difficult for him to fully devote his time to Stryper. DeVille’s ongoing commitments with Poison and his personal career ambitions were, in the end, significant barriers to the collaboration. But, Sweet noted, the interest was there, and the idea was seriously entertained at one point.
What Michael Sweet Had to Say About the Idea
In the interview, Michael Sweet expressed that while the idea of C.C. DeVille joining Stryper never fully materialized, he was grateful for the moments of possibility it presented. Sweet recalled being excited about the musical opportunities that a collaboration could have brought, especially when it came to songwriting and guitar arrangements. He acknowledged that DeVille’s unique style could have infused Stryper’s music with a fresh energy and a more melodic, bluesy edge.
Sweet also discussed how the collaboration would have pushed Stryper in new creative directions. “C.C. brought an element of fun and excitement that could have meshed well with our style,” Sweet said. “His guitar playing is legendary, and it could have really helped elevate our sound. We were always looking for ways to keep things fresh, and C.C.’s touch would have been exactly what we needed.”
However, Sweet also acknowledged the unique identity that Stryper had already built and the challenges that would have come with merging DeVille’s style with their own. Stryper’s commitment to Christian themes and faith-driven lyrics was a non-negotiable part of their identity. While DeVille was open-minded and willing to explore, Sweet admitted that it would have been a tricky balancing act. “There are boundaries that you don’t cross,” Sweet said. “We couldn’t just go in and write a song about partying and drinking like you might expect from a Poison album. The music would have had to reflect our message, and that’s a challenge for any musician.”
Why the Collaboration Never Happened
The main reason the collaboration between C.C. DeVille and Stryper never came to fruition was due to timing. As mentioned earlier, DeVille was involved in Poison at the time, and balancing both bands would have been impossible. Furthermore, there were no real long-term plans for him to join Stryper permanently. The collaboration idea was more of a short-term consideration, but when it didn’t come to pass, Sweet and the band moved on to other musical ventures.
In the end, Sweet expressed no hard feelings about the situation. “It would have been cool, but we moved forward, and C.C. moved forward,” he said. “It’s just one of those things that never worked out, but we remain good friends. He’s a great guy, and I’m glad we had the chance to talk about it.”
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity or a Blessing in Disguise?
The idea of C.C. DeVille joining Stryper remains one of the more interesting “what-ifs” in the world of rock and metal. While the collaboration didn’t come to fruition, it serves as a reminder of how the world of music is filled with unexpected twists and turns. For fans, it is a fascinating scenario to imagine: C.C. DeVille’s flashy, energetic guitar playing alongside Michael Sweet’s soaring vocals and the faith-filled, anthemic sound of Stryper.
While we may never know what that collaboration would have sounded like, the fact that the two musicians were open to the idea shows that the world of rock can sometimes transcend genres and boundaries. Ultimately, both DeVille and Stryper found their own paths, but the near-collaboration remains an interesting chapter in the history of 80s glam and Christian metal music.
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