Ok, Who Had The Meltdown?

Michael Sweet of Stryper shared a little tea this morning, recalling an incident where Stryper was opening for another act in the 80s. Stryper felt they should headline, but performed as contracted. Apparently, the members of Stryper were told to not use the stage catwalk as that was “for the headliner only.”

Sweet didn’t think about it and used the catwalk a few times. Apparently, chaos ensued backstage and the headliner had a major fit.

Now, who was this petty headliner?

Sweet writes:

“Here’s a good one:

True story (although I’m sure there’s even more to the story, which would make it even more ridiculous). I won’t mention where or who because that will only get me into more trouble

We (Stryper) were performing with two other bands/artists from the 80’s. We were performing in a place where we really should have headlined, because we’ve performed there many times, as a headliner.

We agreed to open the show (and for the record, we have no issues doing that whatsoever, if it makes sense).

Before the show, the promoter came to me and said that the headliner insisted that I not use the catwalk. The promoter then told me that he paid for it and I could use it anytime, if I wanted to.

So, we went on and performed and as you know (if you’re a performer), sometimes your energy (and the crowds energy) takes over and adrenaline is flowing. In the heat of the moment, I went out on the catwalk a few times, not really thinking much of it to be honest.

Well, apparently that was a really bad decision. I was told that the headliner had a meltdown backstage and swore me up and down, threw some things, broke some things and didn’t want to be “upstaged”. I thought, wow, why would this “rock star” feel threatened by me (for literally walking out on a catwalk a few times)?

1/3 of the crowd (at least) left after our opening set. Maybe that caused a little more tension? I have absolutely no idea

What’s the moral of the story? If you’re in a band and you’re opening a show, just do (or maybe I should say “don’t do”) whatever the headliner asks.”