Certainly one of the most visible drummers of the 80's and not the type to slow down, Robert Lee Sweet has been going "Full Steam Ahead" since he first hit the scene recording his first record at 15. The picture above played a massive role in influencing me to play drums, as I am sure it had for hundreds of others. Robert says he always had more in common with guitarists than drummers and as a result he's developed his unique sense of showmanship rather than being the guy behind the kit in shorts that no one wants to talk to.

Robert Sweet - Drum solo - "Tank"

Steve Bob Robert Sweet Drum Solo - Live

Visual Timekeeper - Robert Sweet - Video

Probably best known for his role as the "Visual Timekeeper" for Stryper, Robert has played in several bands, including a Rod Stewart tribute band. He's also pulled a "Phil Collins" putting out a solo disc called Love Trash for which he wrote all of the songs and played all of the instruments. Robert can sing too and says he plans to do so on his next solo record. Robert certainly knows his way around a guitar. However, no one can ever mistake his outlandish kits for another drummer or his heart for anything other than belonging to God.

Stryper put the bucks into production and certainly a huge chunk of that had to have gone to Robert's drum kits. Always stryped, mirrored, and sometimes spinning, Robert's kits take first prize in originality. Cymbals hanging from chains, up on 10 foot risers or set up on a football-field-sized-hundred-dollar-bill (I kid you not!), you name it and he's probably done it. Robert has had the blessing to have had custom kits from most of the major drum manufacturers from Sonor to Pearl to ddrum. His latest kit from ddrum includes an impressive 22" floor tom and a beautifuly painted yellow and black sparkle finish.

Robert Sweet ddrum kit - video

For all of Robert's showmanship, he's never been the kind to blow you away with solos, although he does usually play a small solo at each show. For whatever reason there are few examples of a good live mic mix of his drums, and that bothers me to no end because you can see him playing things that you just don't hear coming out of the speakers. Thankfully all of his studio efforts have turned out quite well, with special recognition going out to his drumming and the over-all sound on Against the Law, Stryper's last album before disbanding in the 90's. 

Classic Stryper documentary from Australia

Classic Stryper documentary from Germany

Flashy like the sun on chrome and solid to no end, as a friend says, ""Visual Timekeeper" pretty much sums it up." Even the blind have a hard time missing Robert when he takes the stage.

Stryper - "Always There For You" - Video

Check out Stryper's latest full-length, Murder By Pride, as well as their upcoming covers album, The Covering and their Limited Edition Picture Book, By His Strypes, commemorating their 25th anniversary.

Robert Sweet of Stryper with Rod Stewart cover band.