Robert Lee Sweet (born March 21, 1960 in Lynwood, California) is the drummer of the Christian metal band Stryper. He and his brother Michael originally founded the band as Roxx or Roxx Regime. Robert became known as the "Visual Time Keeper" for his wild drumming and captivating drum kits. Unlike most drummers, Sweet faces in the direction of stage left or right while playing, not straight ahead, so that the audience can see him and not have their view of him obscured by his drumkit. Sweet also played a key role in the visual direction of the band itself as well as being a significant contributor to the group.
After Stryper broke up in 1992, Sweet went on to play in a variety of acts and projects largely Christian-oriented. He participated in the band King James alongside former Stryper bassist Tim Gaines and former Whitecross guitarist Rex Carroll, and toured with them until 1996. He also participated in such projects such Shameless and Titanic. Sweet went on to record a solo album titled Love Trash which demonstrated an eclectic side of his writing and performing capabilities. Later, Sweet joined Blissed.
Sweet played a key role in the reappearance of Stryper by taking part in 2000's "Stryper Expo" and a reunion show in Costa Rica. The successful reception led Sweet to push for a reunion of the band which came in the form of a request by Hollywood Records for a new Best of collection. The band decided that rather than simply doing another compilation, they would record two new songs and then go on tour in support of the new release. 2003 saw Sweet tour with a re-formed Stryper. In 2004, Stryper returned to the studio to begin working on its August 2005 release, Reborn, which marked the band's first full-length recording of original material in over 15 years, since 1990's Against the Law. Stryper's newest album, entitled Murder by Pride was released in July, 2009, although he did not play drums on the record (as this position was filled by studio musician Kenny Aronoff), Sweet will play in Stryper's 25th Annyversary Tour in support of the album.
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