Robert Sweet | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Robert_Sweet_House_of_Blues_Orlando_September_2016_(cropped).jpg) Sweet performing in September 2016 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Robert Lee Sweet |
| Born | March 21, 1960 Lynwood, California |
| Origin | U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Drummer, producer |
| Instrument(s) | Drums, percussion, vocals |
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Website | www |
Robert Lee Sweet (born March 21, 1960) is the drummer of the Christian metal band Stryper. He and his brother Michael founded the band as Roxx or Roxx Regime. Robert became known as the "Visual Time Keeper" for his wild drumming and captivating drum kits. Unlike most drummers, Sweet faces in the direction of stage left or right while playing, not straight ahead, so that the audience can see him and not have their view of him obscured by his drumkit.[2] He began using a sideways setup in 1978 as a way to enhance his showmanship and connect with the audience.[3] Sweet also played a key role in the visual direction of the band itself as well as being a significant contributor to the group.
Sweet's interest in drumming began in early childhood. He cites a stop at a club during a trip to Las Vegas when he was 10 years old as a defining moment. A blue sparkle Ludwig drum set caught his attention and he "fell in love".[4]
Sweet attended Pioneer High School in Whittier, California.[5] During high school, instead of participating in a traditional school music program like marching band, he worked with the school's music director to put together a rock band. He is a self-taught drummer, honing his craft playing along with other drummers while developing his style at the same time. After high school he went to college to study music but left after a month.[4]
At the age of 15, in April 1975, Sweet became a Christian, an outgrowth of a lifelong belief in God.[6]
- ^ Portell, Paul (August 21, 2005). "Stryper Reborn Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved March 16, 2011.
- ^ Erickson, Sturdevant (2006). Stryper: Loud n' Clear (unabridged audio ed.). Maryland: Classic CD Books. ISBN 0-9764805-4-9.
- ^ "STRYPER Drummer ROBERT SWEET Talks Gear, Rock Stars And Stripes In New Career-Spanning Interview". BraveWords. March 17, 2017. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- ^ a b Aubrecht, Michael (February 28, 2017). "Interview: Robert Sweet (Part 1)". Off Beat with Michael Aubrecht. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- ^ "The Stryper Historian presents...." The History of Stryper "". Stryper Historian - Stryper History. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- ^ Jackson, Zik. "A Voice In The Wilderness An Interview with Robert Sweet". The Phantom Tollbooth. Retrieved September 20, 2019.