They say you should never meet your heroes. It’s a cynical warning that the larger-than-life figures we admire from afar can never live up to the legend we build in our minds. On July 18, 2025, at a packed Astor Plaza in Bogotá, I learned that sometimes, “they” are dead wrong. As a 47-year-old who has been listening to STRYPER since my teenage years, their music isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s the soundtrack to my life. Having traveled from Venezuela to Colombia with plans to build a new life there, being at this show felt like a pilgrimage. It wasn’t just something I wanted to do; it was something I had to do. And it was, without exaggeration, perfect.
The night began with a powerful showcase of Colombia’s own thriving rock scene. First to the stage were Hijos del Viento, a rock/metal outfit from Bogotá. They weren’t just an opening act; they were a statement. With a fresh, innovative sound honed on the stages of major festivals like Lowfest and Wacken Metal Battle Colombia, they immediately seized the crowd’s attention with tight riffs and an explosive energy that set a high bar for the evening.
Following them was Aura Ignis, a heavy/power metal band that brought a classic, commanding presence to the stage. Originally from Tunja but now based in Bogotá, their experience was palpable. Touring in support of albums like their self-produced “Marcando Tu Destino,” they performed with the confidence and polish of true veterans. They masterfully bridged the gap between modern metal and the anthemic sounds we were all there to celebrate, ensuring the audience was at a fever pitch for the headliners.
Then, the moment decades of fandom had been leading up to. The lights dimmed, the roar of the crowd became deafening, and STRYPER stormed the Astor Plaza. Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Perry Richardson, and the phenomenal Howie Simon took their places and launched into their set with an authority that left no doubt: we were in the presence of legends. Michael’s voice was a force of nature, soaring with the same power and clarity it had on the records that shaped my youth. Robert’s drumming was a thunderous, precise heartbeat, locked in perfectly with Perry’s soul-shaking bass lines. And Howie Simon, stepping in for the beloved Oz Fox (wishing him a swift and complete recovery!), was simply spectacular. He honored Oz’s iconic solos with respect while injecting his own fiery, brilliant style, proving to be a perfect fit for the yellow and black attack.
The setlist was a masterfully crafted journey through a hallowed discography. From the opening declaration of “In God We Trust” and the powerful one-two punch of “Revelation” and “Calling On You,” every song was an anthem. The band navigated from classics like “Free” and “Soldiers Under Command” to the modern power of tracks like “The Valley” and “No More Hell To Pay” with seamless energy.
Every song was a highlight, but a few moments transcended the music. Hearing the opening riff of “Yahweh” was a profound experience for me. It’s my kids’ favorite song, a bridge connecting my own musical history with theirs. I recorded it for them, a digital message in a bottle from a night they’ll one day understand the significance of.
And of course, the encore. After the final notes of “Soldiers Under Command,” the band returned to deliver a knockout blow. The entire venue became a unified choir for “Sing Along Song” before descending into glorious, fist-pumping chaos for “To Hell With The Devil.” It was the perfect, explosive finale—a moment of pure, unadulterated rock and roll joy.
This wasn’t just a concert. It was a validation. It was the thrill of seeing my heroes not just meet my expectations, but shatter them. The energy in the Astor Plaza was electric, a shared celebration of faith, resilience, and the enduring power of rock. It was a dream come true and a night I will carry with me forever.
