by Stryper frontman Michael Sweet recently opened up about his ongoing health challenges and how they’ve affected his vocal abilities. He shared a detailed update on Facebook.
The update focused on his thyroid condition following cancer surgery and the potential impact on his voice.
“So, I had my checkup yesterday as a follow up to thyroid cancer and surgery in 12/23 (the left side of my thyroid was removed),” Sweet said. “The right side had/has a 9mm nodule. My doctor has been keeping an eye on that and although it’s relatively unchanged in terms of size, there is some new macro calcification within the nodule. So, I’ll need to do a biopsy to determine what the calcification is. Hopefully and prayerfully, it’s due to aging.”
Sweet explained that thyroid cancer doesn’t run in his family. He noted possible environmental factors from his past work.
“Thyroid cancer does not run in my family. As a matter of fact, I don’t know of anyone in my family who has had thyroid cancer,” he continued. “A few of my relatives have had thyroid issues, but not thyroid cancer. I did work in the cranberry bogs for a number of years and I applied round up quite a few times to the bogs so there’s that. Regardless, it is something that I’m dealing with. I’m very fortunate in the sense that it was caught early, and I have the best care possible.”
The vocalist addressed why he chose to share this personal information publicly.
“I’m really not the kind of person that wants to put every little detail of everything I’m going through on social media. But I do however, believe in the power of prayer,” Sweet explained. “I posted and ask for prayer and I wanted to give you all an update so you know how to pray. I deeply appreciate your thoughts and prayers and it means the world to me. I’m believing that everything will work out and I’m trusting that God has a plan.”
Sweet directly addressed the changes fans may have noticed in his vocal performance over recent years.
“If you’ve noticed any changes to my voice over the past 4-5 years, I’m fairly certain that those changes are due to what’s going on near and around my vocal folds,” he said. “There’s only so much room in there and when it gets overcrowded, it can wreak havoc on vocal range, power and control.”
Despite the challenges, Sweet remains committed to his craft and grateful for his supporters.
“I am however very blessed and very fortunate to have what I have vocally and I do my best to deliver on every album and every performance,” he concluded. “Sometimes it’s a struggle but for the most part, I can still pull off what I need to to get the job done. I love you guys and I appreciate you more than you know.”
Sweet’s health journey has been particularly challenging given the critical role his voice plays in his career. The partial thyroidectomy he underwent in 2023 carried significant risks for any vocalist. Such procedures can potentially damage vocal nerves and permanently affect vocal quality.
Blabbermouth reported that Sweet emerged from the surgery with his voice intact. He acknowledged that his voice has naturally changed with age. Thyroid issues can significantly impact singers’ voices because the thyroid gland regulates metabolism, which directly influences vocal production. Changes in thyroid function can lead to alterations in vocal quality, including hoarseness, breathlessness, or shifts in vocal pitch and range.
Despite these health challenges, Sweet has remained remarkably active with Stryper. KMUW noted that the band celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album titled “When We Were Kings” and an accompanying tour. The tour included performances at venues like Wichita’s Temple Live. The milestone tour allowed the legendary Christian metal band to celebrate their musical history with longtime fans.
The band has continued to push forward with new projects. Blabbermouth revealed that Stryper has been working on an upcoming Christmas album. Sweet expressed excitement about the project. The vocalist’s determination to continue creating music and performing despite his health struggles demonstrates his dedication to both his craft and his fans.
Sweet will undergo a biopsy to determine the nature of the calcification in his thyroid nodule. Fans worldwide are offering their prayers and support during this uncertain time.
