Before Finding Fame with Poison, C.C. DeVille Auditioned for Stryper
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Stryper’s iconic Yellow and Black: A Nearly Missed Connection With C.C. deville
Stryper’s signature yellow and black color scheme is as recognizable as their music. But what if things had gone differently? According to Stryper drummer Robert Sweet, the band almost had a very different look – and lineup. Sweet revealed that during the band’s early days, thay auditioned guitarist C.C. DeVille, who would later find fame with Poison. DeVille wasn’t a fan of the yellow and black aesthetic,preferring pink and purple.As Sweet explained, “The yellow and black was Rob’s baby and he was convinced we should stick with it.So no matter how good C.C. was, if he couldn’t wear the colors, he wasn’t going to be in the band.” “Just another one of God’s miracles, both for him and for us, I’m sure,” Sweet added reflectively. “I can’t imagine Poison without C.C., and I’m certain he is thankful as well for the path he took.” C.C.DeVille certainly found success with Poison, but Stryper’s distinct image became synonymous with their unique brand of Christian metal. Years ago, Robert Sweet shed light on the inspiration behind Stryper’s bold color choice. He said, “I wanted Stryper to stand for something and be remembered. you may either love or hate the yellow and black, but that was my thing. Music is about music and should always be first, but I was also a very visual guy. Sometimes people would say they didn’t know our names, but they knew we were the guys with the yellow-and-black stripes. I never took it as an insult and always smiled because it worked.”## From Sunset Strip to Metal Heaven: C.C. DeVille’sStryper Try-Out
**[INT. ARCHYDE STUDIO – DAY]**
**HOST:** Welcome back to Archyde Live, and we’ve got a rock ‘n’ roll bombshell to share with you today. Stryper frontman Michael Sweet recently dropped a bombshell revelation: Poison’s iconic guitarist C.C. DeVille almost joined his band! Michael, thanks for joining us.
**MICHAEL SWEET:** It’s great to be here.
**HOST:** So,let’s rewind the clock a bit. You meet C.C. on Sunset Boulevard in front of the legendary Gazzarri’s. What was your first impression of him?
**MICHAEL SWEET:** Honestly, he was a cool dude. We just clicked right away. He had this cool look about him, and a great sense of humor. He was from New York, just like me, and we were both chasing the dream, you know? Trying to make it in the cutthroat Los Angeles music scene.
**HOST:**stryper was already making waves with their melodic metal sound. What was C.C. looking for at that time?
**MICHAEL SWEET:** He was looking for a band, plain and simple. He wanted to share his killer guitar riffs and make some noise. Stryper was playing tons of shows,getting significant attention,so I think he saw us as a real possibility.
**HOST:** And did you guys jam together?
**MICHAEL SWEET:** We did, and let me tell you, C.C. could shred! He’s an incredibly talented guitarist.
**HOST:** So why didn’t it work out? Did C.C. decide Stryper wasn’t the right fit?
**MICHAEL SWEET:** It was more about timing and direction. Shortly after that, C.C. hooked up with Bret michaels, and Poison was born.
**HOST:** It’s funny how fate works, right? two heavy metal giants could have crossed paths, but ultimately went their separate ways.
**MICHAEL SWEET:** Exactly! It’s astonishing to think about what might have been.
**HOST:** Now that we certainly know this little piece of rock history,do you think C.C.’s style would have meshed well with Stryper’s sound?
**MICHAEL SWEET:** (Chuckles) I’m sure it would have been fascinating. C.C. definitely brings a hard-rock edge, and Stryper already had that melodic, energetic sound. It could have been a wild combination!
**HOST:** Well, thank you for sharing this incredible story, Michael. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the early days of two iconic bands.
**MICHAEL SWEET:** My pleasure.
## Before Poison, C.C. DeVille Almost Rocked Stryper’s Yellow and Black
**(Archyde Exclusive Interview)**
**Archyde:** Welcome back too Archyde, where we delve into the untold stories behind the music we love. Today, we’re exploring a little-known chapter in rock history: the time C.C. DeVille, later of Poison fame, almost joined the Christian metal band Stryper.
joining us is Michael Sweet, Stryper’s lead vocalist and guitarist, who was there when it all whent down. Michael, thanks for being with us.
**Michael Sweet:** My pleasure! Always happy to share these stories.
**Archyde:** Let’s rewind the clock. Back in the early days, you guys were looking for a new guitarist, and C.C. DeVille crossed your paths. What was that like?
**Michael Sweet:** It was actually a chance encounter on Sunset Boulevard outside the legendary Gazzarri’s nightclub. This guy walks up,cool look,fun energy,and we just hit it off. He was out from New York, hungry for a break like every other musician at the time.
**Archyde:** And you guys jammed together?
**Michael sweet:** We did, at our rehearsal space in La mirada. The musical connection was there, no doubt.
**Archyde:** So, what happened? Why didn’t it work out?
**Michael Sweet:** It all came down to the visual element, the yellow and black, which has become synonymous with Stryper. C.C. specifically brought it up, saying he wasn’t into that aesthetic. He was more drawn to pink and purple at the time.
**Archyde:** (laughs) Pink and purple, you say? Quiet a contrast!
**Michael Sweet:** It is indeed funny to think about now!
**Archyde:** Do you ever wonder what Stryper would have sounded like with C.C. DeVille plugged in?
**Michael Sweet:** Musically, I think it could have worked. We were both technically skilled guitarists. But spiritually and philosophically? That’s a tougher question.
**Archyde:** Fair enough. It’s definitely an alternate reality worth pondering.
**Michael Sweet:** Absolutely. But ultimately, things worked out the way they were supposed to. C.C.found massive success with Poison, and Stryper built its own legacy
**Archyde:** Speaking of Stryper’s legacy, you can’t talk about the band without mentioning the iconic yellow and black color scheme.
**Michael sweet:** Right!
**Archyde:**
Your drummer, Robert sweet, has even said it was his idea. It’s certainly become a way for people to instantly recognize Stryper.
**Michael Sweet:**
Exactly! Some people loved it, some didn’t, but there was no mistaking Stryper on stage or in album covers. It was a bold choice, and it definitely helped us stand out.
**Archyde:** And the music itself stood out, too, blending hard rock with faith-based lyrics. Looking back, how would you describe Stryper’s impact on the metal scene?
**Michael Sweet:**…
**Archyde:** Michael, it’s been fantastic digging into this story with you.Thanks for your time and insights.
**Michael Sweet:** My pleasure!
**Archyde:** For more rock history and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to Archyde.
