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Stryper
Stryper at the To Hell with the Devil tour in 1987
Background information
Origin	Orange County, California, United States
Genres	Christian metal, glam metal, heavy metal, hard rock, nu metal[1] (late)
Years active	1983–1992, 2003–present
Labels	Enigma, Hollywood, Big 3
Associated acts	Boston, SinDizzy, King James, Blissed
Website	www.stryper.com
Members
Michael Sweet Robert Sweet Oz Fox Tim Gaines
Past members
Matt Hurich Tracy Ferrie

Stryper is a Christian glam metal band from Orange County, California. The group's lineup consists of Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar), Oz Fox (guitar), Tim Gaines (bass guitar), and Robert Sweet (drums). In 2004, Gaines left the band and was replaced by Tracy Ferrie (bass guitar) but rejoined in 2009.

Formed in 1983 as Roxx Regime, they would change their message and name to Stryper and go on to be the first Christian rock band to be recognized by the mainstream.^[2] In 1983, they were signed by Enigma Records and released their first album The Yellow and Black Attack. By the mid-1980s, Stryper saw their most successful period starting with the release of To Hell with the Devil, which achieved Platinum sales status. Stryper would go on to release two more Gold albums before breaking up in 1992. In 2003, Stryper came out of retirement for a reunion tour and subsequently signed a multi-album contract with Big3 Records in 2005.

Origin of name[link]

The name "Stryper" derives from the King James Version of the Bible.^[3] "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."^[4] The reference, Isaiah 53:5, is frequently included as part of their logo. Stryper's drummer, Robert Sweet, also created a backronym for their name: "salvation through redemption, yielding peace, encouragement and righteousness".^[5]

History[link]

Foundation and mainstream success (1975-1990)[link]

The Sweet brothers became Christians^{[clarification needed]} in 1975, but began to pull away from this faith. They played in a band called "Parliament and Kirkadelic" (cf. Parliament-Funkadelic), which received critical acclaim from the southern California rock community, causing lead singer Clayton Kirk to quit the band. The Sweet brothers rejoined the church after their friend Kenny Metcalf (who later became the original touring keyboardist for Stryper) persuaded them to do so.^[6][7]

Inspired by bands such as Van Halen, but distressed by their message, they sought to form a band that would extol their worldview and beliefs.^[7] Stryper was originally known as Roxx Regime and composed of brothers Michael Sweet on lead vocals and lead guitar and Robert Sweet on drums. Eric Johnson played bass. They were originally a trio. Oz Fox eventually joined the band.^[6] Before Oz Fox joined the band, a number of guitarists had almost joined Roxx Regime, including Doug Aldrich. The name "Stryper" was adopted when bassist Tim Gaines joined the band. The name "Stryper" first came when they were recording from a passage in Isaiah "by his stripes we are healed." Shortly afterward, they released the EP The Yellow and Black Attack on July 21, 1984. During this period, Stryper opened for bands like Ratt and Bon Jovi, leading some fans and critics to claim that they were not a true Christian band. Stryper's first full-length album, Soldiers Under Command, released on May 15, 1985, was the band's first gold record. Capitalizing on this unexpected success and in an attempt to make up for the EP's extremely limited release (fewer than 20,000 copies), their record label, Enigma, re-released The Yellow and Black Attack on August 10, 1986 with two new tracks and new cover artwork.

Stryper's third album, To Hell with the Devil, was released on October 24, 1986 and went platinum after spending three months on Billboard's album charts,^[8] eventually selling more than 2 million copies. In addition to being Stryper's most successful record, it was both the first contemporary Christian music and Christian metal album to achieve this feat.^[6] "Calling on You", "Free" and "Honestly" were hugely popular MTV hits in 1987—so much so, that "Free" and "Honestly" both became most-requested songs on the show, Dial MTV. They were also the second Christian band to get any airplay on MTV, Degarmo & Key were the first with their release of the song "666". ^[9] "Honestly" is Stryper's highest-charting song, peaking at No. 23 on the Top 40 charts.^[7] The album received a Grammy Award nomination.

Bassist Tim Gaines did not participate in the recording of this album, and for a short period of time prior to the release of the record he was replaced by another bass player, Matt Hurich. Hurich was not with the band more than a month, although he was outfitted with a Yellow & Black striped bass and a racing costume. Brad Cobb played bass on the album.^[9] However, when the promotional photos for the album were being shot, Gaines returned to the band and participated in its successful world tour. In 1987 the band headlined the Dynamo Open Air Festival in the Netherlands.^[2] There is one To Hell with the Devil promotional photo of the band with Matt Hurich that was used in print advertisements. Prior to his time in Stryper, Matt was in the band Leatherwolf. In 1989 he performed with his Stryper bass in the group Divine Right who featured Kevin Brandow (Petra) on lead vocals and guitar.

In 1986 Brent Jeffers replaced Kenny Metcalf on Keyboards and toured with Stryper until 1990.

Their next album, In God We Trust, released on June 28, 1988, also went gold, and the song "Always There for You" briefly entered the lower levels of the pop charts peaking at No. 71 though it was another massive hit on MTV. However, the sound of the album was more pop-oriented than previous releases^[6] and a number of critics, as well as Stryper fans, criticized the record for being over-produced. In addition, the image of the band was moving even closer to the glam metal look of the era, giving fans something else to criticize. These factors led to lower sales, and the album spent only 5 weeks charting on Billboard.^[8] The second single & video "I Believe in You" peaked at No. 88 and a third single "Keep the Fire Burning" failed to chart at all. As with the previous album, Tim Gaines did not participate in the recording of In God We Trust and Brad Cobb once again played bass, but later Tim Gaines rejoined the group for another world tour. In God We Trust also garnered two GMA Dove Awards for "Hard Music Album" and "Hard Music Song" for the title track.^[10]

Decline, break-up and solo projects (1990-1999)[link]

On August 21, 1990, Stryper released the controversial album Against the Law, which drastically changed the band's image and lyrical message.^[6] While their earlier albums all had yellow and black colors in the covers and the lyrics spoke of God and salvation, Against the Law featured the band with black leather clothes and with no mention of the word "God" in the lyrics at all.^[2] The band's musical sound was also heavier, closer to classic metal.^[6] Drummer Robert Sweet said that the change of image and sound was in response to the criticism of the previous album and an attempt to leave behind their glam metal image. The album sold poorly. This was partly due to rumors in the press (both mainstream and Christian) that Stryper's music was trending towards a more mainstream sound as their Christian faith weakened.^[6][11] Fans would wonder why they covered the 1975 Earth Wind & Fire's "Shining Star". The video for it would not be a hit on MTV, the first Stryper video that was not. Two other videos followed for "Two Time Woman" and "Lady" which generated minimal airplay. However, many critics still considered the album to be Stryper's best musical production to date.^[12]

On July 20, 1991, after being signed to Hollywood Records, Stryper released a greatest hits collection called Can't Stop the Rock, which featured two new songs. One of which was the Gulf War inspired "Believe". The band continued to tour until February 1992, when frontman Michael Sweet departed the band citing artistic differences and to pursue a solo career.^[6]

Stryper continued as a trio for several European dates. Sometime during this period while touring with the Christian band Bride, Dale Thompson would fill in at vocals. It was during one of the concerts that Robert Sweet unexpectedly announced that Bride's frontman Dale Thompson was going to be their new lead singer. This, however, was later denied by Thompson. Upon returning to the United States, the remaining members decided to go their separate ways and were never able to recapture success without Michael Sweet.

Michael Sweet signed with Benson Records in 1993 and released his first solo effort in 1994. It went on to sell 250,000 units, achieve five No. 1 Christian CHR hit singles and three No. 1 rock singles. Michael Sweet has released five solo records which were hugely successful in the Christian Music market. He is currently working on his sixth solo record and also writing a book to be released in 2012.

Oz Fox and Tim Gaines formed their own band, SinDizzy, and released the album He's Not Dead in 1998. Drummer Robert Sweet played in several bands, among them Blissed, who released an album in 2002. Other bands include King James, dbeality, Final Axe, and The Seventh Power.

Reunion (1999-2005)[link]

The former members of Stryper first reunited in 1999, when Michael Sweet and SinDizzy were invited to play at a summer rock festival in Puerto Rico. As an encore, Sweet joined Oz Fox and Tim Gaines on stage and played several Stryper songs. Later, in 2000, the first "Stryper Expo" was held in New Jersey, and for the first time in 8 years the complete line-up of Stryper took the stage. That same year, a concert was held in Costa Rica at which the four members played together. A second "Stryper Expo" took place in Los Angeles in 2001.^[6]

Hollywood Records asked the former members of Stryper to record tracks for a new greatest hits compilation in 2003 7: The Best of Stryper. The compilation was released with two new songs, "Something" and "For You",^{[citation needed]} marking Stryper's first new music since the early 1990s. A tour followed in support. The band played 36 shows in the United States and finished the tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A live album, titled 7 Weeks: Live in America, 2003, was released the following year, and the concert in Puerto Rico was filmed for a live DVD produced and directed by Jack Edward Sawyers. However, that show in Puerto Rico proved to be the last for the original line-up of Stryper. Gaines and the band parted ways in 2004 before they were slated to play Disney's Night of Joy in Orlando. Michael's bassist on his previous solo tours, Tracy Ferrie, replaced him.^{[citation needed]}

After the "Night of Joy" show and with new found energy, Stryper decided to go back into the studio to record a new CD, Reborn and another tour followed in the fall of 2004.

Stryper's next album, Reborn, was released on August 16, 2005, and was the band's first full-length CD of original material in 15 years. It was produced by Michael Sweet. The new album received a positive response from fans and critics, some of whom labeled Reborn as one of the best albums of that year.^[13] With a more modern sound incorporating aspects of alternative rock and grunge, along with fewer guitar solos, the new record updates their style while keeping the Stryper identity. The record was written by Michael Sweet.^[14] The lyrics also have returned to the band's familiar themes of God and salvation.

In 2006, the band released the DVD Greatest Hits: Live in Puerto Rico with Music Video Distributors.

New album and back on the road (2006-present)[link]

In November 2006, Stryper announced new management. They also announced a follow-up to Reborn tentatively due in spring/summer 2007. However, that February saw lead singer Michael Sweet postponing the release of the new album two days before its recording was to begin. Sweet's wife Kyle had been diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer, and the new album was put on hold so that he could care for his family and ailing wife. She underwent surgery and treatment from February 14 to July 14. In April 2008, Kyle announced that her cancer had returned as of October 2007. The new album was in the mixing stage as of January 2008, and Sweet said that it should be released in July or August.^[15]

Michael Sweet performed with the band Boston in 2007 and was asked to join the band as co-lead vocalist and guitarist and toured with Boston in 2008 with Styx as the opening act.

On March 5, 2009, Michael Sweet's wife, Kyle, died from cancer.^[16] Murder by Pride was released on July 21, 2009; with the lead single "Peace of Mind" preceding it.

In addition to still playing in Stryper, Oz Fox is also one of the guitarists in the Christian metal band Bloodgood, who was also a frontrunner in the early '80s Christian metal scene.

Since late 2008, Tim Gaines has played bass in concert with Tourniquet. The band has since added the song "To Hell With The Devil" to their set list to highlight Tim's involvement. Recently,^[when?] Oz Fox joined Tourniquet on stage in Germany to perform the same song.

[edit] The Covering

It was announced on July 13, 2010, that The Covering would be the name of Stryper's latest album, tentatively scheduled for release October 13 from Big3 Records/SONY. The album, produced by Michael Sweet, is a collection of twelve cover songs from bands that inspired Stryper and helped to shape the band's sound and musical identity, including past hits from Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Kansas and many others. The Covering also includes "God", a new original recording. On September 14, 2010, it was announced that the album's first single, a cover of Black Sabbath's hit "Heaven and Hell", was available for download on iTunes. The album was released on February 15, 2011.^[17]

Music and image[link]

	"To Hell with the Devil" noicon Sample of "To Hell with the Devil" by Stryper, from To Hell with the Devil (1986). Representing Stryper's rock/metal style, this is one of the most popular songs from the band's best selling album.
Problems listening to this file? See media help.

During 1980s, Stryper represented the popular glam metal style for the time which is characterized by highly visual performances, twin guitar solos, Michael Sweet's high-pitched, multi-octave screams and big hair. A trademark of the band's stage act was drummer Robert Sweet's practice of turning his enormous drum kit sideways to the audience so that the crowd could see him playing. This is why Robert was more often called a "visual timekeeper" rather than a drummer.^[18] A characteristic element of the band was that all their outfits, sets, and instruments were painted in yellow and black stripes. The number of the stripes represented in various stage props and costumes increased during the show, leading up to In God We Trust. The band would explain the symbolism of the stripes: a direct reference to the whiplash scourges given by Pontius Pilate to Jesus, derived from the King James Version of the Bible's Isaiah 53:5.^[19]

Apart from its ubiquitous yellow and black stripes, Stryper had other distinctive trademarks. During concerts, Stryper threw Bibles to the concert crowd—specifically editions of the New Testament with the band's logo stickers affixed to them. As a protest against "666" symbols popular among many heavy metal fans of the era, Stryper promoted an alternative numerological symbol; Stryper's trademark use of the "777" symbol subsequently became quite popular among Christian metalheads. Although the number "777" is not actually referenced by the Bible (as opposed to 666, which is famously mentioned in The Book of Revelation as The Number of the Beast) the number "7" is traditionally (in Christian symbolism) associated with divine perfection. Some of the band's stage sets included the crossed out symbols of "devil" and "666".

The Los Angeles Times reported in 1985 that "the band gets sullen fans of Twisted Sister cheering and poking stubby 'one way' fingers heavenward—a refutation of the double-fingered 'devil horns' salute of many metal groups".^[20]

Legacy[link]

Stryper is recognized as the first openly Christian heavy metal band to gain recognition in the mainstream music world.^[2] Their message of salvation has also made them popular with some elements of the media.^[who?] Mark Joseph states "The Yellow and Black Attack was propelled by the group's success in Japan, which was largely due to an endorsement of the band by famed rock critic Masa Itoh, the man who ruled the Japanese hard rock/metal scene, who many fans looked to for his evaluation of bands. Itoh had heard of Stryper, gotten in touch with their manager Daryn Hinton, and liked what he heard. When he gave the band a positive review in Japan's heavy metal bible Burrn! magazine and played the album on his radio show, Stryper suddenly found themselves at the top of the metal heap in Japan with a record that was outselling Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, and every other metal band."^[21] This led to the band signing with CBS Sony in Japan.

Stryper has not been free of controversy. Many Christian critics did not approve of the group's association with the heavy metal subculture, which has often been associated with Satanic imagery.^[11] Other Christian detractors viewed the band's flashy costumes as incongruous with the modesty in dress often associated with sincere practitioners of devout Christianity.^[22] Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart was a particularly prominent critic, likening Stryper's practice of distributing the New Testament at their shows to "casting pearls before swine".^[6] A 1985 CCM magazine article by Chris Willman, who was also writing for the Los Angeles Times, stated that "Stryper was the target of scattered picketing, boycott threats, and righteous denunciations". For example, concert-goers were often greeted by protesters armed with bullhorns and distribution of Gospel tracts. "It was just like if Ozzy Osbourne was there. They gave us the same treatment, laughs Daryn Hinton."^[23]

In 1990, Rolling Stone magazine reported that the band had become disillusioned with Christian music.^[6] This, combined with a notable shift in tone in the band's lyrics, led to Against the Law being banned from many Christian bookstores. The Benson Company, Stryper's sole tie to the Christian market, dropped this album from distribution.^[9] Swaggart's condemnation may not have been a surprise, however, as Stryper was supported by the rival Jim Bakker ministries, who are thanked on several Stryper albums.

Stryper has sold over 10 million recordings worldwide,^[9] and it is estimated that two-thirds of their albums were bought by non-Christians.^[6] 2011 Stryper won the readers choice award for Best Christian / Gospel Artists & Bands. Kim Jones of About.com states "With 44% of the vote, hard rock legends Stryper beat out all of their competition to be named the Best Christian Hard Rock Band, bringing to mind the old adage, 'like a fine wine, some things just get better with age.'"^[24]

Ian Christe, author of the heavy metal history book Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal, mentions the album To Hell with the Devil in his book as one of the landmarks of the glam metal movement.^[25]

The song To Hell with the Devil appears on the Rhino Records release The Heavy Metal Box, a compilation mainly of secular Classic Metal bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Metallica, as well as hair bands like Twisted Sister and Poison.

In popular culture[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

The Marvel comic series Runaways refers to Stryper as being a Christian glam band in Vol. 4 True Believers.

UK band Half Man Half Biscuit refer to Stryper in the chorus of their song "Christian Rock Concert" from the 1991 album McIntyre, Treadmore and Davitt.

In the 2009 film Whip It, Ellen Page's character "Bliss" distinctively wears a Stryper t-shirt throughout the film.

On the Bloodhound Gang song "Lift Your Head Up High (And Blow Your Brains Out)" on One Fierce Beer Coaster the lyric "Or do you own a record by Stryper?" is a part of a list of reasons for doing what the title of the song suggests.

Members[link]

Current members[link]

• Michael Sweet - lead vocals, lead guitar (1983–1992, 2003–present)
• Robert Sweet - drums (1983–1992, 2003–present)
• Tim Gaines - bass, vocals (1983–1992, 2003–2004, 2009–present)
• Oz Fox - lead guitar, vocals (1983–1992, 2003–present)

Former members[link]

• Tracy Ferrie - bass, (2004–2009)

Session members[link]

• John Van Tongeren - bass, keyboards, piano (Soldiers Under Command, To Hell with the Devil, In God We Trust)
• Christopher Currell - Synclavier, guitar (Soldiers Under Command)
• Billy Meyers - keyboards (In God We Trust)
• Steve Croes - Synclavier (In God We Trust)
• Brad Cobb - bass (To Hell with the Devil (album): In God We Trust (album))
• John Purcell - keyboards (Against the Law)
• Jeff Scott Soto - background vocals (Against the Law)
• Randy Jackson - bass (Against the Law)
• Brent Jeffers - keyboards (Against the Law), (1986-1990 Touring)
• Tom Werman - percussion (Against the Law)
• Kenny Aronoff - drums (Murder by Pride)
• Charles Foley - keyboards (Touring)
• Kenny Metcalf - keyboards (1985;1986 Touring)

Stryper tours[link]

• 1984: Yellow & Black Attack Tour
• 1985: Yellow & Black Attack / Soldiers Under Command Tour
• 1986: Soldiers Under Command Tour
• 1987: To Hell With The Devil Tour
• 1988-1989: In God We Trust Tour
• 1990: Against The Law Tour
• 1991-1993: Can't Stop The Rock Tour (1992 and 1993 featured Oz Fox as the lead singer)
• 2000: Stryper Expo / Costa Rica Concerts
• 2001: Stryper Expo / Cornerstone Concerts
• 2003-2004: 7 Weeks Live In America Reunion Tour
• 2005: Reborn Tour
• 2006-2009: Various concerts only
• 2009-2010: Murder By Pride / 25th Anniversary Tour
• 2011: The Covering Tour

Discography[link]

• The Yellow and Black Attack (1984)
• Soldiers Under Command (1985)
• The Yellow and Black Attack (Re-Issue) (1986)
• To Hell with the Devil (1986)
• In God We Trust (1988)
• Against the Law (1990)
• Reborn (2005)
• Murder by Pride (2009)
• The Covering (2011)

References[link]

Further reading[link]

• Mac Donald, Meg (1990). "Stryper". In LaBlanc, Michael L., ed.. Contemporary Musicians. Volume 2. Farmington Hills, Michigan: Gale Group. pp. 227–228. ISBN 0-8103-2212-9. ISSN 1044-2197. 
• Christensen, Brett (March/April 1997). "STRYPER: Can't Stop The Rock?". HM Magazine (64). Archived from the original on 2000-09-18. http://web.archive.org/web/20000918053820/http://www.hmmagazine.com/archives/Stryper.htm. Retrieved 2007-04-30. 
• Thompson, John J (2000). Raised by Wolves: The Story of Christian Rock & Roll (First printing ed.). Ottawa, Ontario Canada: ECW Press. ISBN 1-55022-421-2  Pages =152–155.
• Christe, Ian (2004). Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal (First printing ed.). HarperCollins. (published 2003). ISBN 0-380-81127-8 

External links[link]

• Official homepage
• Michael Sweet's site
• Stryper at Metal Archives
• Stryper Expo 2000
• Stryper Expo 2001
• Kingdom Extreme Magazine interview with guitarist Oz Fox 2009

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (December 2010)

Scott Ian
Scott Ian performing with Anthrax in 2009
Background information
Birth name	Scott Ian Rosenfeld
Born	(1963-12-31) December 31, 1963 (age 48) Queens, New York, United States
Genres	Heavy metal, thrash metal, crossover thrash, groove metal Hardcore punk
Occupations	Musician, songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, bass, vocals, drums
Years active	1981–present
Associated acts	Anthrax, Stormtroopers of Death, Damnocracy, Pearl, The Damned Things
Notable instruments
Washburn 'Scott Ian' Signature Model Jackson 'Scott Ian' Signature Model

Scott Ian Rosenfeld (born December 31, 1963), known by the stage name Scott Ian, is an American musician, best known as the rhythm guitarist for the thrash metal band, Anthrax. Ian is the guitarist and a founding member of the crossover thrash band Stormtroopers of Death. He has hosted The Rock Show on VH1 and has appeared on VH1's I Love the... series, Heavy: The Story of Metal and Supergroup (TV series). Ian is also the rhythm guitarist for the metal band The Damned Things.

Biography[link]

Early life[link]

Ian was born to a Jewish family in the Bayside section of the New York City borough of Queens. He has a younger brother named Jason who was involved in Anthrax briefly and a half-brother named Sean. Ian attended Bayside High School, class of 1981.

Witnessing Kiss live at Madison Square Garden in 1977 made a huge impact on Ian, who has been vocal about his love for the band, and appeared on an episode of Gene Simmons Family Jewels, in which he visited Simmons' home and spoke about the impact Kiss had on his life. Ian went on to be influenced by British heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden, Motörhead and Judas Priest, as well as by NYC hardcore. Ian also discovered the Ramones around the age of 12 and knew that he could become a famous hard rock/heavy metal star.

Anthrax[link]

As a founding member of Anthrax, Ian's inspiration AC/DC and idol Angus Young "When we started Anthrax, Angus was my absolute inspiration" ^[1] helped to create thrash metal in the mid-80s alongside Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica. Ian came up with the idea to crossover with rap legends Public Enemy in 1991 and record a foundation of the rap/rock genre. Covering Bring the Noise, Anthrax reached new heights, kicking open the door for bands such as Rage Against the Machine, Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock and Linkin Park. In 2005, Ian was invited by Chuck D of Public Enemy to perform “Bring the Noise” with them as part of their induction into VH1's Hip Hop Honors Hall Of Fame. Ian also joined Public Enemy on the Rock The Bells tour in 2007.

In 2009, Anthrax completed a run of European festivals including Metallica's Sonisphere festivals in Germany and Knebworth in the U.K. which was highlighted by the return of singer John Bush. Anthrax returned to Japan in October 2009 with Bush to play at the Loud Park festival in Tokyo. Anthrax's next shows were in Australia in February 2010 as a part of the Soundwave Festival. Anthrax was a part of the Sonisphere Festival in Europe in the summer of 2010, where for the first time Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth performed together on the same stage.

Other ventures[link]

Ian got into a television gig with VH1 in 2001 when they asked him to host “Rock Show”. During his 48 episodes as host, Ian interviewed guests including Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Halford, Ted Nugent, Stone Temple Pilots, Megadeth, 3 Doors Down, Sevendust, Tenacious D and The Cult. Ian is a regular commentator on various VH1 shows including the “I Love The 70s, 80s, and 90s” series, “100 Most Metal Moments”, “Awesomely Bad Number One Songs”, “When Metallica Ruled The World”, and episodes of VH1's “Behind The Music” featuring Metallica, Pantera and Anthrax. Ian was prominently featured in VH1's “History Of Heavy Metal”. In June 2006, Ian starred in the VH1 reality series “SuperGroup” with Ted Nugent, Sebastian Bach, Jason Bonham and Evan Seinfeld.

Ian plays guitar in the group Pearl, who just finished two tours with Velvet Revolver and Meat Loaf. The debut album from Pearl was released on January 19, 2010 through Megaforce Records. Ian performed with Pearl on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on January 20, 2010. In 2008, DC Comics asked Ian to take the character Lobo and write a two-issue prestige format series for that character. Books one and two of Lobo: Highway To Hell were released in November and December 2009.

In 2008, Ian signed with Ultimate Bet, the third largest internet gaming site in the world as one of their online professional players. Ian joined professional poker players Phil Hellmuth Jr. and Annie Duke as one of Ultimate Bets star pros. He won Ultimate Bet's premier Sunday 200K tournament and he cashed in 2010's WSOP main event by finishing 634th out of 6494 players. In 2010 Ian joined the metal supergroup The Damned Things, which released their first album on December 14, 2010. On June 21, 2011 Ian's wife Pearl Aday gave birth to their first child, thus forcing Ian to briefly depart from Anthrax's tour. Andreas Kisser from Sepultura filled in.

Personal[link]

Ian is married to singer Pearl Aday, daughter of famed singer Meat Loaf. Their first child Revel Young Ian, was born on June 19, 2011.^[2] Ian is a die hard Yankees fan. He enjoys snowboarding. He plays poker and is an online pro at UltimateBet. He finished 637th in the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event taking home $21,365.^[3] He is a devout Battlestar Galactica fan, posting numerous blogs about the show and also making an appearance for the red carpet series finale.

He is a fan of Doctor Who, the television series, as seen in “The Best of the Doctor" that aired August 13, 2011 on BBC America numbered episode 166. Ian is a fan of hip hop music, particularly Public Enemy. He was known to wear Public Enemy shirts while performing gigs in the late 1980s and also said Run-DMC came out with the same aggression that metal bands played with (that he was listening to). He fell in love with rap and said Run-DMC was the group that put rap on the map.

Bands[link]

• Anthrax
• Stormtroopers of Death
• Damnocracy
• Pearl
• The Damned Things

Discography[link]

With Anthrax[link]

With Stormtroopers of Death[link]

Stormtroopers of Death videos[link]

Collaborations[link]

• Performed with Public Enemy during the Rock the Bells 2007 tour.
• Comedian Brian Posehn's music video "Metal By Numbers."
• Wrote the DC 2-part comic Lobo: Highway to Hell (2-part series, illustrated by Sam Kieth)
• Played guitar on "Apocalypse (Theme from The Plan)", a track on Bear McCreary's Razor/The Plan soundtrack.^[4]
• Performed guitar on "Evil Rules" by rapper Necro on his 2007 album, "Death Rap".
• Played guitar on all tracks on Pearl's "Little Immaculate White Fox" (2010).

Television[link]

• Married... with Children 1992
• NewsRadio (as himself)
• VH1's Rock Show (as host) 1999-2002
• VH1's Hip-Hop Honors- performer along with Anthrax & Public Enemy for "Bring Tha Noise".
• VH1's Supergroup 2006
• VH1's "I Love The..." series specials
• VH1's "40 Greatest Metal Songs"
• VH1's "100 Most Metal Moments"
• VH1's "50 Least Metal moments"
• VH1's "100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs"
• VH1's "100 Most Shocking Music Moments"
• VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of All-Time"
• VH1's Rock Honors Kiss. Performers: Rob Zombie (Rob Zombie, White Zombie), Scott Ian, Gilby Clarke (ex-Guns N' Roses, The Starfuckers, Rock Star Supernova), Slash (ex-Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver), Ace Frehley (ex-Kiss), Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe, Rock Star Supernova).
• VH1 Classic's "Rock 'n Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament" - Scott won the tournament and played against Sully Erna (Godsmack), Vinnie Paul (ex-Pantera), Dusty Hill (ZZ Top) and Ace Frehley.
• NBC's Celebrity Apprentice
• Metalocalypse - "RenovationKlok" (voice only)
• Metalocalypse - "TributeKlok" (voice only)
• That Metal Show - Season 4, Episode 3, along with wife Pearl Aday.
• That Metal Show - Season 8, Episode 5, along with bandmate Charlie Benante, and Dave Sabo of Skid Row.
• AMC's Talking Dead, panel member.

Equipment[link]

Scott Ian uses his signature Jackson guitars and signature Randall MTS Series heads and cabinets. He is known to use Dimebag Darrell tribute Deans and was previously endorsed by Washburn.^[5][6][7] During the mid 80's, he used ESP guitars for a while, also getting Kirk Hammett his ESP endorsement. Scott uses a DigiTech signature Black 13 distortion pedal, and a DigiTech chorus pedal for his clean sounds.^[8] Many of his guitars have been equipped with custom made Seymour Duncan "El Diablo" pickups,^[9] but can also be seen using standard Seymour Duncan SH-4's and '59 pickups on several guitars, including his newest signature Jackson.

In late 2009, Scott ended his endorsement with Washburn and went back to Jackson guitars. He was seen using custom made Soloist and Randy Rhoads guitars during the 2009 Sonisphere Festival. On March 27, 2010, Scott announced the production of a new signature guitar by Jackson via Twitter and Youtube. He said it would be based on his Soloist from 1987. It has a silverburst finish, a single Seymour Duncan J.B. humbucker, lightning bolt inlays, and a string-thru/tune-o-matic bridge. A dual-humbucker version with a Floyd Rose tremolo will also be released. He stated, "I am so stoked to be back with Jackson." He was seen using this guitar while playing with Brian Posehn at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards and with The Damned Things at the 2011 Download Festival.

Guitars[link]

• Jackson T-1000 Soloist
• Jackson custom "NOT" Soloist
• Jackson custom Randy Rhoads
• Jackson Adrian Smith San Dimas Dinky
• Gibson Flying V (1982, Used in the studio)
• Gibson "Thunderhorse" Explorer (Used at Download Festival 2011 with The Damned Things)
• Jackson JJ1 (USA-made, Seymour Duncan JB And Jazz pickups, Alder or Korina body with maple neck)
• Jackson JJ2 (USA-Made, Seymour Duncan El-Diablo pickups and a killswitch, alder body with maple neck or mahogany body with mahogany neck)
• Jackson JJ4 (Lower-end model, Asian-Made, with Duncan Designed pickups and a killswitch)
• Jackson JJ5 (5-string Baritone)
• Jackson Custom "NOT" Telecaster
• Charvel Surfcaster (Main guitar for the Sound of White Noise era)
• Jackson Randy Rhoads (1982)
• Washburn SI75TI (Used Washburn from 2004–2009)
• Washburn WV540VASI
• Washburn WV40VASI
• Washburn SI60MW
• Washburn SI61G
• ESP M-100FM
• ESP Custom M-II and Telecaster (1985–1989)
• Seymour Duncan J.B. pickups
• Seymour Duncan El Diablo (Scott Ian custom shop pickups)
• DR Strings .10-.52
• DR Strings .18-.56 (for JJ-5)
• Dunlop Tortex .88mm Picks

Effects[link]

• BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer
• DigiTech WH-2 Whammy pedal
• DigiTech Black 13 distortion pedal
• DigiTech XMC chorus pedal
• T.C. Electronic Booster+ Line Driver & Distortion
• Korg DTR-1 Tuner
• Rocktron HUSH IIC
• Samson UHF Synth 6 Wireless

Amplifiers[link]

• Randall MTS Series RM100SI signature head with signature modules
• Randall MTS series RM100 and RM100LB heads (With Ultra modules)
• Randall V2 400 Watt Heads
• Randall V-Max Heads (Used in 2003 before the V2 and MTS heads)
• Randall Cyclone Heads (Used from 2001–2003)
• Randall Warhead Heads (First amp used when Ian transitioned from Marshall to Randall)
• Randall SI412 signature speaker Cabs
• Randall NB412 Nuno Bettencourt Signature 4x12 Cabs
• Randall XL 4x12 Cabs
• Randall XL 2x12 and 1x15 Cabs
• Fender/EVH 5150III Heads (Backup, seen at the Loud Park 2009 Festival)
• Marshall JCM 800 2210 (Early years of Anthax, and used for leads on "We've Come For You All". Used by Rob Caggiano for recording Worship Music)
• Peavey 6505+ 120 Watt head
• Randall RT100 heads (Only used at the 2010 Revolver Golden Gods Awards while performing in Brian Posehn's backing band)
• Randall RT-412RC Cabs (See above)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Scott Ian at the Internet Movie Database