Stryper with Slick Cadillac
MeadowView Convention Resort & Conference Heart
Kingsport, Tennessee
October 17, 2026
Overview by James Stamper
Images by Tom Biggs
It’s a chilly Saturday afternoon in Kingsport, Tennessee, as I discover myself touring to the Meadowview Conference Heart, the place Smoky Mountain Fan Fest and Smoky Mountain Terror are each held yearly. However this go to was not for a conference, this might be the primary live performance I attended at Meadowview Conference Heart, and what a spectacular debut to begin! In the case of rock ‘n’ roll, some bands play music, some make it an expertise. Nonetheless, when Stryper and Slick Cadillac share the invoice, the stage is ready for a night of limitless energy, ardour and the timeless spirit of onerous rock and heavy metallic! Let’s dive into the evening!
Beginning this large present out, have been Tennessee natives, Slick Cadillac! These guys introduced the perspective and vitality of traditional rock! Doing covers comparable to “Residence Candy Residence” by Mötley Crüe, “You Bought One other Factor Coming” by Judas Priest and one that actually shocked me “We All Die Younger” from the film “Rock Star” soundtrack. Unbelievable is all I might say about that! Slick Cadillac threw in some originals as properly, most notably being “No one Rides For Free.” With a reputation that screams leather-based jackets, quick vehicles and loud guitars, Slick Cadillac unleashed the unapologetic facet of rock ‘n’ roll that stored Kingsport wanting extra! If melody, old-school rock and superb musicianship is what you’re after, that is the band for you! If in case you have by no means seen these guys, I’m telling you, repair that shortly!
Subsequent to take the stage are legendary Christian metallic band, Stryper!
What else could be stated about Stryper? Few bands have carved out a legacy like Stryper has! Hailing from Orange County, California, brothers Michael and Robert Candy needed to show {that a} heavy metallic beat with Christian messages might mix with out sacrificing depth! They’ve proved time and time once more; the yellow and black assault isn’t going wherever! Hitting the stage at Meadowview Conference Heart, Stryper opened with “I’m Alright (I’m Okay)” from their brand-new studio album “Throne Of Thorns”. Entrance to again, this album is great! Onerous-hitting drums, melodic guitar riffs and thunderous guitar solos, together with deep-cutting bass grooves and tremendous clear vocal work! This must be in your day by day rotation of music listening! Stryper’s melodic energy didn’t disappoint with songs comparable to “Divider”, “Sorry”, and “Extra Than a Man”. What makes Stryper particular and their continued presence of greater than 40 years spectacular, is their dedication they’ve made to rock ‘n’ roll, and their message they ship each present. As a substitute of giving up and abandoning their roots, they’ve constructed on them, connecting the Eighties sound with a mix of their very own type. This type was positively proven on the final music of the evening, ending with their largest album and hit to this present day “To Hell With The Satan”. By far one in all my favourite Stryper songs. The twin guitar solos between Michael Candy and Oz Fox are merely superb! Did I point out that Ex-FireHouse bassist, Perry Richardson is enjoying with them? No? Nicely, that needed to be thrown in as a result of that’s too cool!
In conclusion, Stryper and Slick Cadillac introduced the home down in Kingsport, Tennessee. This present is within the prime 5 concert events I’ve seen this yr. Excellent! Rock ‘n’ roll has survived altering tendencies, shifting landscapes and numerous predictions of it’s demise. Stryper and Slick Cadillac proven precisely why rock ‘n’ roll isn’t going wherever. This style refuses to fade quietly into historical past, and with our assist, it should by no means die!
Stryper is on their 4 Many years and Counting tour, in assist of their new album, “Throne of Thorns”. There are nonetheless a number of exhibits left on the tour. By no means seen them? Repair that! Assist dwell music! TO HELL WITH SILENCE! ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!
All photographs by Tom Biggs at TRB Pictures LLC
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Slick Cadillac:
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