In a stunning turn of events, John Cooper, the frontman and bassist of the Grammy-nominated Christian rock group Skillet, has come out and said that he’s still a proud Christian. I know, I know, it’s a real shocker. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be a Jesus freak when you’re selling out shows and raking in the dough? 🤑 Cooper spoke to CCM Magazine about how the band’s music has been able to reach a plethora of people outside of the faith-based realm, and his answer is just so… authentic. “I think when somebody says, ‘What would you say is the reason you’ve been able to do it?’ I usually just say, especially if who I’m talking to is not necessarily a person of faith and they don’t understand providence, and I just say, ‘Look, I do think we were very authentic. We’ve always been authentic. We’ve always been very open about who we are.'” Wow, what a bold statement. I bet the interviewer was just on the edge of their seat, wondering if Cooper would finally reveal the secret to Skillet’s success.
The Crossover Appeal of Skillet
So, how has Skillet been able to appeal to such a wide range of audiences? Well, according to Cooper, it’s all about being true to themselves. “I made the decision, when we were making that crossover, going into interviews… I knew there was going to be some people that were, like, not down with the Jesus stuff,” he explained. “And I just made the decision on the front end, because there had been a few bands that have crossed over, and they ought to do what they believe is right. And I’m not being critical towards them by any means, but as a Christian music fan, I know what I want to see a Christian artist say in that interview. And so I just decided, if they say, ‘Are you a Christian band?’ I’d [say], ‘Absolutely. [I am] proud to be a Jesus freak.'” Because, you know, nothing says “rockstar” like being a self-proclaimed Jesus freak. 🤘
But seriously, Skillet’s music has been able to resonate with people from all walks of life, and that’s no small feat. Their song “Monster” has surpassed five billion global streams and earned a place in Spotify’s Billions Club, which is just insane. And their European headline tour earlier this year drew the largest international crowds in the band’s history, including record-breaking ticket sales at Zénith in Paris. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see a bunch of Christians rocking out on stage? 🎸
New Music and Tour Dates
Skillet will be releasing a new independent six-song EP, “After The Storm”, on October 9, which marks a return to the band’s heavier musical roots and one of their most personal creative statements to date. The EP was produced by David Cowell (Sleep Theory) and the band’s own Korey Cooper, and it’s inspired by seasons of betrayal, grief, perseverance, and ultimately hope. Because, you know, what’s more hopeful than a bunch of Christians singing about their feelings? 🙏
The band will be supporting the EP with a nationwide U.S. Live Nation headline tour beginning this October, because what’s a new album without a tour, am I right? 🤷♂️ With more than 23 million albums sold, two Grammy Award nominations, a Billboard Music Award, three Top 5 Billboard 200 debuts, and music featured by the NFL, WWE, ESPN, Marvel, and countless film and television productions, Skillet continues to expand its reach across generations. Because, apparently, millions of people demanded more Christian rock music. 🙄
In conclusion, Skillet is still a thing, and they’re still making music about Jesus. Who knew? 🤷♂️ But hey, if you’re into that sort of thing, you can catch them on tour this October, or you can just stream their music on Spotify like a normal person. 🎧 Either way, Skillet will continue to rock on, spreading their message of hope and Christianity to the masses. Because, you know, the world was just missing that. 🙄
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
