STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet says that he is fighting “a full-blown viral infection and a chest cough” but is refusing to cancel any shows on the band’s current tour.

“2019 History Tour – Greatest Hits & Covers” kicked off earlier this month and is scheduled to run through mid-June. The trek sees Sweet and his bandmates playing “about nine covers” alongside “11 or 12 STRYPER songs.”

Earlier today, Sweet posted the following message on his Facebook page: “Just saw a doctor and they scoped me and my vocal folds are pretty swollen but no permanent damage. I’ve got a full-blown viral infection and a chest cough that won’t stop. So, I’m hitting some strong antibiotics and some cough suppressants as well as some much-needed rest.

“It’s been a struggle each night since we began and I deeply apologize if I haven’t been at 100%. I want nothing more than to give my all at every show and for every fan. When I can’t, it really gets the best of me. I’m so sorry… I hope you’ve enjoyed the shows and although I’ve only been at 50%, know that my heart is full to look out and see all of you there night after night.

“I look forward to seeing you all soon. God bless and thank you for your prayers.

“No shows are being cancelled.”

Formed 36 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group’s name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: “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.”

STRYPER‘s albums include “To Hell With The Devil”, “Second Coming”, “No More Hell To Pay”, “Fallen” and the band’s latest effort, “God Damn Evil”.

The follow-up to 2015’s “Fallen”, “God Damn Evil” marked STRYPER‘s first effort since the addition of former FIREHOUSE bassist Perry Richardson. Perry joined the band as the replacement for STRYPER‘s longtime bassist Tim Gaines, who was fired from the group in 2017.

Just saw a doctor and they scoped me and my vocal folds are pretty swollen but no permanent damage. I’ve got a full…

Posted by Michael Sweet on Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Fonte: Blabbermouth.net