Michael Sweet, frontman of the Christian metal band Stryper, recently addressed the notable difference in fan turnout between US and international shows in a statement shared on Facebook.

Sweet reflected on a pattern he has observed repeatedly throughout the band’s touring schedule. He compared the audience sizes between domestic and international performances, noting a significant disparity.

“Something I’ve thought about time and time again and it’s very interesting to me,” Sweet said. “We can book a tour here in the US and average anywhere from 500 to 1500 people per night. And then we can book a tour in South America and average 1000 to 3000 people per night. Literally, double the numbers. And, sometimes we can visit certain territories and perform to 5000, 6000, 7000 people or more!”

The Stryper vocalist acknowledged that the band’s fanbase in the United States was once much larger. He noted they historically played more domestic shows than international ones.

“Back in the day we had a huge fan base here in the US,” he continued. “And to be fair, we played a lot more in the US than we did internationally. I do, however, find it interesting that our numbers are at least double (if not more) in other countries compared to what they are in the US. It could be that Christian music in general is more popular in certain other countries? Or, it could mean that our style of metal is more popular in certain other countries. Combine the two and my questions may very well be answered.”

Sweet’s observations raise questions about the evolving landscape of Christian metal in different markets and whether religious or musical preferences are driving the attendance gap.

The contrast between Stryper’s domestic and international reception reflects a broader challenge the band has faced throughout its career. CBS Austin reported that Stryper formed in 1983 and achieved their commercial and creative peak with the 1986 album To Hell With the Devil, which brought multi-platinum success in the US and international recognition. However, their debut EP The Yellow and Black Attack (1984) and album Soldiers Under Command (1985) received little mainstream or Christian radio airplay due to their hard rock style.

The band’s struggle for radio acceptance in the US has been a persistent issue. CBS Austin noted that Christian metal historically faced challenges gaining mainstream radio play in the US, partly because established Christian stations preferred softer styles. This limited exposure may have contributed to the band’s declining domestic audience over the decades, even as they maintained a devoted following.

The international appeal of Christian metal tells a different story. Salt and Light revealed that Christian metal has notably stronger reception internationally, particularly in South America, where Christian music enjoys robust popularity and metal styles are widely appreciated. This cultural difference helps explain why Stryper consistently draws larger crowds abroad, where their faith-driven metal resonates more strongly and Christian music often enjoys higher mainstream visibility.

Salt and Light highlighted that Stryper continues to actively tour and produce albums that glorify God, with Michael Sweet often speaking about their ongoing mission to reach new audiences globally. The band’s international success, particularly in regions where metal’s appeal is more deeply rooted culturally, demonstrates how geographic and cultural factors can significantly impact a band’s reception, even decades into their career.