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Skillet

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Band Timeline

1996

Formation of Skillet and debut album release

Skillet was formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996 by John Cooper, former vocalist of Seraph, and Ken Steorts, former guitarist of Urgent Cry. Initially a side project encouraged by their pastor, the band quickly gained interest from ForeFront Records. Soon after formation, Trey McClurkin joined as a temporary drummer. Skillet released their demo "Right Upside Your Head" and their self-titled debut album in October 1996, marking the start of their career. The band's name, reflecting a mix of different musical styles, was inspired by their pastor's analogy to southern cooking in a skillet.
1998

Second album "Hey You, I Love Your Soul" marks a stylistic shift

In April 1998, Skillet released their second album, "Hey You, I Love Your Soul." This album represented a noticeable change from their grunge-influenced debut towards a lighter industrial and alternative rock style. During this period, Korey Cooper, future bandmate and John Cooper's wife, was enlisted to play keyboards live, helping ease John Cooper's onstage duties. This album helped broaden their sound and fan base as they continued touring across the United States.
2000

Lineup changes and releases "Invincible" and worship album "Ardent Worship"

Around 2000, Skillet underwent significant lineup changes. Founding guitarist Ken Steorts departed to focus on family and to establish Visible Music College. Kevin Haaland joined as the new guitarist. Korey Cooper officially became a permanent member, contributing keyboards. The band released their third album "Invincible" early in 2000, showcasing a shift towards a more electronic sound. Soon after, original drummer Trey McClurkin left, replaced by Lori Peters. The band also launched their first worship album, "Ardent Worship," later in 2000, expanding their musical scope and audience.
2001

Release of the album "Alien Youth" and further lineup adjustments

Skillet released their fourth studio album, "Alien Youth," on August 28, 2001. This album continued from the sound established in "Invincible" and was the first production effort led by John Cooper himself. Before the album's release, the band saw another guitar change with Kevin Haaland's departure and Ben Kasica joining as the new guitarist. "Alien Youth" solidified the band’s presence in the Christian rock scene and showcased their evolving sound and industry experience.
2006

Breakthrough with "Comatose" album; Grammy nomination and Platinum certification

2006 marked a major breakthrough for Skillet with the release of "Comatose." This album elevated the band's profile in both Christian rock and mainstream circles. It was nominated for a Grammy Award and achieved Platinum certification by the RIAA, signaling widespread commercial success. Highlights included the powerful, melodic tracks and polished production. "Comatose" helped establish Skillet as a significant force in rock music, with enduring popularity and critical acclaim.
2009

Release of "Awake" album, achieving Double Platinum status

In 2009, Skillet released their album "Awake," which became one of their most successful works. The album was certified Double Platinum by the RIAA and featured some of the band’s most iconic songs like "Monster" and "Hero." "Awake" demonstrated Skillet’s ability to blend hard rock energy with melodic hooks and empowering lyrics. The album’s success boosted Skillet’s profile globally, driving major tours and increasing their fan base substantially.
2013

Release of "Rise" album; Gold certification and continued success

Skillet released their album "Rise" in 2013. It marked continued commercial success for the band, earning Gold certification by the RIAA. "Rise" featured a mix of hard rock and electronic elements, featuring hits like "Impossible" and "Sick of It." The album reinforced the band’s position in the rock world and continued their tradition of high-energy performances and extensive touring. This period also saw them maintain a strong presence in both the Christian and mainstream rock markets.
2016

"Unleashed" album release and Gold certification

In 2016, Skillet released their eleventh studio album "Unleashed." The album was certified Gold by the RIAA and showcased the band’s evolving sound, with energetic rock tracks such as "Feel Invincible." "Unleashed" maintained the band’s reputation for producing hard-hitting, motivational music infused with their Christian faith. The album was supported with extensive touring and expanded their global fan base, further cementing Skillet’s legacy in modern rock music.
Ongoing achievements and touring reputation

Skillet’s multi-platinum singles and relentless touring schedule

Beyond album releases, Skillet has achieved remarkable success through multiple multi-platinum and platinum-certified singles, including "Monster," "Hero," "Awake and Alive," and "Feel Invincible." Their relentless touring has earned them a reputation as one of the hardest working bands, achieving a top five ranking in the Hardest Working Bands of 2010 by Songkick.com. Over the years, John Cooper has remained the only original member, with the band continuously evolving musically while delivering passionate live performances that connect deeply with fans worldwide.

Albums

skillet_1st_album
Skillet
10 tracks
1996
skillet_2nd_album
Hey You, I Love Your Soul
12 tracks
1998
skillet_3rd_album
Invincible
12 tracks
2000
skillet_4th_album
Alien Youth
12 tracks
2001
skillet_5th_album
Collide
10 tracks
2003
skillet_6th_album
Comatose
11 tracks
2006
skillet_7th_album
Awake
12 tracks
2009
skillet_8th_album
Rise
15 tracks
2013
skillet_9th_album
Unleashed
20 tracks
2016
skillet_10th_album
Victorious
12 tracks
2019
skillet_11th_album
Dominion
12 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Korey Cooper

1999

Background vocals

Synthesizer

Keyboard

Electric guitar

Jen Ledger

2008

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Background vocals

Lead vocals

Seth Morrison

2011

Electric guitar

John L. Cooper

1996

Acoustic guitar

Keyboard

Bass guitar

Lead vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Ben Kasica

2001
2011

Lori Peters

2000
2007

Drums (drum set)

Trey McClurkin

1996
2000

Drums (drum set)

Ken Steorts

1996
1999

Electric guitar

Ken Steorts

1996
1999

Electric guitar

Story of Skillet

Skillet: A Rock Band Powerhouse

Skillet, a Christian rock band hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, has been shaking the music scene since 1996. Fronted by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, John and Korey Cooper (lead vocals, bass, rhythm guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), the band is also complemented by Jen Ledger (drums, co-lead vocals) and Seth Morrison (lead guitar).

Skillet's musical journey has seen them release eleven studio albums, including "Collide" and "Comatose," both of which garnered Grammy nominations. They've achieved massive commercial success, with "Comatose" going platinum and "Awake" soaring to double platinum status by the RIAA. "Rise" and "Unleashed" also achieved gold certifications. Their chart-topping singles, "Monster," "Hero," "Awake and Alive," and "Feel Invincible," have achieved multi-platinum status, while other hits like "Whispers in the Dark," "Comatose," and "The Resistance" reached platinum status.

Throughout their career, Skillet has weathered numerous lineup changes, leaving John Cooper as the sole remaining original member. Their unwavering dedication to touring has been a defining characteristic, earning them a top-five ranking in Songkick.com's "Hardest Working Bands of 2010."

Early Days: A Genesis of Rock (1996-2002)

The roots of Skillet can be traced back to two prominent bands from Tennessee: Seraph, featuring John Cooper on vocals, and Urgent Cry, featuring Ken Steorts on guitar. Both bands shared the stage on tour, but eventually disbanded. Their pastor encouraged them to collaborate, and thus, the name "Skillet" was born, initially intended as a side project.

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