BREAKING NEWS

In a historic moment for the music industry, Stryper’s iconic ballad “Honestly” has secured a Guinness World Record for 2025 as the “Most Played Christian Power Ballad of All Time”. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the band, solidifying their status as one of the most influential and enduring Christian metal acts of all time.

Released in 1986, “Honestly” was a breakout hit for Stryper, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming an anthem for a generation of Christian music fans. The song’s powerful vocals, soaring guitar solos, and heartfelt lyrics resonated with listeners worldwide, cementing its place in the annals of Christian music history.

To earn the Guinness World Record, Stryper’s management team submitted extensive documentation, including radio airplay reports, concert setlists, and streaming data. The evidence revealed that “Honestly” has been played over 1.5 million times on the radio, streamed over 100 million times on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, and performed live over 500 times by the band.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this honor,” said Michael Sweet, Stryper’s lead vocalist and guitarist. ” ‘Honestly’ has been a fan favorite for decades, and to see it recognized in this way is a testament to the enduring power of our music.”

The Guinness World Record is a crowning achievement for Stryper, who has been a driving force in the Christian metal genre for over 35 years. With a career spanning 16 studio albums, 7 million records sold worldwide, and a devoted fan base, Stryper has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

“Honestly” has been a staple of Stryper’s live shows, with the band performing it to sold-out crowds and festival audiences around the world. The song’s impact extends beyond the Christian music scene, with fans from diverse backgrounds and genres citing it as an inspiration and a source of comfort.

“The song ‘Honestly’ has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless people,” said Oz Fox, Stryper’s guitarist. “It’s a reminder that music has the power to transcend boundaries and touch hearts in ways that nothing else can.”

Stryper’s commitment to their faith and their music has earned them a loyal following, with fans spanning multiple generations. The band’s message of hope, redemption, and love has resonated with listeners from all walks of life, making them one of the most beloved and respected Christian metal acts of all time.

In recognition of this achievement, Stryper will be performing a special concert at the prestigious Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, with all proceeds going to support music education programs for underprivileged youth. The event will feature a retrospective of the band’s greatest hits, including “Honestly”, as well as special guest appearances by other notable Christian music artists.

As Stryper looks to the future, they remain committed to creating music that inspires and uplifts their fans. With a new album in the works and a world tour on the horizon, the band is poised to continue their legacy as one of the most influential and enduring Christian metal acts of all time.

In a statement, Robert Sweet, Stryper’s drummer, expressed his gratitude to the fans and the music industry for their support. “We are humbled and grateful for this recognition. It’s a testament to the power of music to bring people together and inspire positive change. We are honored to be a part of this legacy and look forward to continuing to create music that makes a difference in people’s lives.”

The Guinness World Record for “Most Played Christian Power Ballad of All Time” is a fitting tribute to Stryper’s enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of “Honestly”. As the band continues to create and perform music that inspires and uplifts their fans, their impact on the music industry and the world at large will only continue to grow.

**THE ROAD TO GUINNESS WORLD RECORD**

Stryper’s journey to the Guinness World Record began over three decades ago, with the release of their debut album “The Yellow and Black Attack” in 1984. The album’s blend of heavy metal and Christian lyrics sparked a movement, inspiring a generation of Christian music fans and paving the way for future acts.

The band’s subsequent albums, including “Soldiers Under Command” (1985) and “To Hell with the Devil” (1986), solidified their position as one of the leading Christian metal acts of the 1980s. “Honestly” was released in 1986 as a single from the album “To Hell with the Devil”, and its impact was immediate.

The song’s music video, featuring the band performing in a dramatic, apocalyptic landscape, received heavy rotation on MTV and other music channels, introducing Stryper to a wider audience. The song’s message of hope and redemption resonated with listeners, making it an instant classic.

Over the years, “Honestly” has been covered by numerous artists, including country and pop acts, and has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the band’s ability to craft music that transcends genres and generations.

**REACTION FROM THE MUSIC INDUSTRY**

News of Stryper’s Guinness World Record has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with fans and fellow artists alike congratulating the band on their achievement.

“Stryper is a true pioneer in the Christian metal genre, and ‘Honestly’ is an iconic song that has stood the test of time,” said Brian “Head” Welch, guitarist for Korn and a longtime fan of Stryper. “This recognition is well-deserved, and I’m honored to call Michael and the guys friends.”

“I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with Stryper on numerous occasions, and their energy and passion are infectious,” said John Cooper, lead vocalist for Skillet. ” ‘Honestly’ is a masterpiece, and I’m thrilled to see it recognized in this way.”

The news has also sparked a renewed interest in Stryper’s music, with fans and newcomers alike discovering or rediscovering the band’s extensive catalog.

**CONCLUSION**

Stryper’s achievement of the Guinness World Record for “Most Played Christian Power Ballad of All Time” is a testament to the enduring power of their music and the timeless appeal of “Honestly”. As the band looks to the future, they remain committed to creating music that inspires and uplifts their fans, and their legacy as one of the most influential and enduring Christian metal acts of all time continues to grow.

With over 1.5 million radio plays, 100 million streams, and 500 live performances, “Honestly” has cemented its place in music history, and Stryper’s dedication to their craft has earned them a loyal following and a permanent place in the hearts of music fans worldwide.

The story of Stryper and “Honestly” serves as a reminder that music has the power to transcend boundaries, touch hearts, and inspire positive change. As the band continues to create and perform music that makes a difference, their impact on the music industry and the world at large will only continue to grow, inspiring future generations of fans and artists alike.