Stryper with Slick Cadillac
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center
Kingsport, Tennessee
October 17, 2026
Review by James Stamper
Photos by Tom Biggs
It’s a cold Saturday afternoon in Kingsport, Tennessee, as I find myself traveling to the Meadowview Convention Center, where Smoky Mountain Fan Fest and Smoky Mountain Terror are both held every year. But this visit was not for a convention, this would be the first concert I attended at Meadowview Convention Center, and what a spectacular debut to start! When it comes to rock ‘n’ roll, some bands play music, some make it an experience. However, when Stryper and Slick Cadillac share the bill, the stage is set for an evening of unlimited power, passion and the timeless spirit of hard rock and heavy metal! Let’s dive into the night!
Starting this tremendous show out, were Tennessee natives, Slick Cadillac! These guys brought the attitude and energy of classic rock! Doing covers such as “Home Sweet Home” by Mötley Crüe, “You Got Another Thing Coming” by Judas Priest and one that truly surprised me “We All Die Young” from the movie “Rock Star” soundtrack. Incredible is all I could say about that! Slick Cadillac threw in some originals as well, most notably being “Nobody Rides For Free.” With a name that screams leather jackets, fast cars and loud guitars, Slick Cadillac unleashed the unapologetic side of rock ‘n’ roll that kept Kingsport wanting more! If melody, old-school rock and amazing musicianship is what you’re after, this is the band for you! If you have never seen these guys, I’m telling you, fix that quickly!
Next to take the stage are legendary Christian metal band, Stryper!
What else can be said about Stryper? Few bands have carved out a legacy like Stryper has! Hailing from Orange County, California, brothers Michael and Robert Sweet wanted to prove that a heavy metal beat with Christian messages could blend without sacrificing intensity! They have proved time and time again; the yellow and black attack isn’t going anywhere! Hitting the stage at Meadowview Convention Center, Stryper opened with “I’m Alright (I’m Okay)” from their brand-new studio album “Throne Of Thorns”. Front to back, this album is superb! Hard-hitting drums, melodic guitar riffs and thunderous guitar solos, along with deep-cutting bass grooves and super clean vocal work! This needs to be in your daily rotation of music listening! Stryper’s melodic power did not disappoint with songs such as “Divider”, “Sorry”, and “More Than a Man”. What makes Stryper special and their continued presence of more than 40 years impressive, is their commitment they have made to rock ‘n’ roll, and their message they deliver every show. Instead of giving up and abandoning their roots, they have built on them, connecting the 1980s sound with a blend of their own style. This style was definitely shown on the last song of the night, ending with their biggest album and hit to this day “To Hell With The Devil”. By far one of my favorite Stryper songs. The dual guitar solos between Michael Sweet and Oz Fox are simply amazing! Did I mention that Ex-FireHouse bassist, Perry Richardson is playing with them? No? Well, that had to be thrown in because that is too cool!
In conclusion, Stryper and Slick Cadillac brought the house down in Kingsport, Tennessee. This show is in the top five concerts I’ve seen this year. Outstanding! Rock ‘n’ roll has survived changing trends, shifting landscapes and countless predictions of it’s demise. Stryper and Slick Cadillac shown exactly why rock ‘n’ roll isn’t going anywhere. This genre refuses to fade quietly into history, and with our support, it will never die!
Stryper is on their 4 Decades and Counting tour, in support of their new album, “Throne of Thorns”. There are still a few shows left on the tour. Never seen them? Fix that! Support live music! TO HELL WITH SILENCE! ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!
All photos by Tom Biggs at TRB Photography LLC
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