Jump to content

Skillet (band): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Replaced content with 'skillet is cool and awesome'
Tag: blanking
m Reverted 1 edit by 64.187.195.226 (talk) to last revision by Walter Görlitz. (TW)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2016}}
skillet is cool and awesome
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Skillet
| image = SkilletRTR.png
| image_size =
| landscape = yes
| caption = Skillet at the Road to Rise VIP experience in [[Nashville, Tennessee]] on June 14, 2013
| background = group_or_band
| origin = [[Memphis, Tennessee]], United States
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Christian rock]]
* [[Christian metal]]
* [[hard rock]]
* [[alternative rock]]
* [[nu metal]]
* [[symphonic metal]]
* [[Christian contemporary music|CCM]]
}}<!-- Keep the genres simple and precise; It should not list every genre the band has been described as. Please see [[Template:Infobox musical artist]] instructions. -->
| years_active = 1996–present
| label = {{flatlist|
* [[Ardent Records|Ardent]]
* [[Lava Records|Lava]]
* [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
* [[Warner Music Group|Warner]]
* [[ForeFront Records|ForeFront]]
* [[Fair Trade Services]]
}}
| website = {{URL|skillet.com}}
| current_members =
* [[John Cooper (musician)|John Cooper]]
* [[Korey Cooper]]
* [[Jen Ledger]]
* [[Seth Morrison (musician)|Seth Morrison]]
| past_members =
* Kevin Haaland
* [[Ben Kasica]]
* Trey McClurkin
* [[Lori Peters]]
* Jonathan Salas
* [[Ken Steorts]]
}}

'''Skillet''' is an American [[Christian rock]] band formed in [[Memphis, Tennessee]] in 1996. The band currently consists of husband [[John Cooper (musician)|John]] (lead vocals, bass) and wife [[Korey Cooper]] (rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals) along with [[Jen Ledger]] (drums, vocals) and [[Seth Morrison (musician)|Seth Morrison]] (lead guitar). The band has released nine albums, two receiving [[Grammy Award|Grammy]] nominations: ''[[Collide (Skillet album)|Collide]]'' and ''[[Comatose (album)|Comatose]]''.<ref name="2007 grammy nomination">[http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11561322/ CCMMagazine.com: Skillet Closes Out 2007 With Grammy Nomination]. Retrieved March 13, 2008.</ref> Two of their albums, ''[[Awake (Skillet album)|Awake]]'' and ''Comatose'', are certified Platinum by RIAA while ''[[Rise (Skillet album)|Rise]]'', is certified Gold {{as of|2016|7|12|df=US|lc=y}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=skillet%20rise|title=Gold & Platinum - RIAA|publisher=|accessdate=July 15, 2016}}</ref>

Skillet went through several line-up changes early in their career, leaving founder John Cooper as the only original member remaining in the band. They are known for a relentless touring schedule, which garnered them a top five ranking in the Hardest Working Bands of 2010 by Songkick.com.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2011/05/24.Skillet%20Scores%20First%20Billboard%20Music%20Award%20for%20Top%20Christian%20Album%20with%20Gold%20Certified%20AWAKE.asp |title=Music News, May 2011: Skillet Scores First Billboard Music Award for "Top Christian Album" with Gold – Certified AWAKE |publisher=Jesusfreakhideout.com |date=May 24, 2011 |accessdate=March 23, 2013}}</ref>

== Band history ==

=== Self-titled and ''Hey You, I Love Your Soul'' (1996–99) ===

Skillet formed in 1996 with two members: John Cooper, former vocalist for Tennessee progressive rock band Seraph, and [[Ken Steorts]], former guitarist for Urgent Cry. The two bands met through touring together, but those bands disbanded soon after, so John and Ken's pastor encouraged them to form their own band as a side-project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16a1p_gN0WA |title=Skillet – "Alien Youth" Album EPK |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> Coming from different styles of rock music, they decided to name the experiment Skillet. After Trey McClurkin joined the band as a temporary drummer. Skillet was only together for a month when they received interest from major Christian record label [[ForeFront Records]]. In 1996 they released a self-titled debut ''[[Skillet (album)|Skillet]]''. It was well-received, and the trio continued to write new material as they toured the United States. One topic that comes up often among fans and the band itself, is the name 'Skillet'. John Cooper, the lead vocalist, explains that it was a joke at first. Each starting band member was already in a separate band, and all decided to start a side project. Since each other band had a different sound and style to it, the side project was said to be like putting all of those styles in a big skillet to come up with something unique, hence the band name 'Skillet'. The band name is still somewhat of a joke between the band members, especially Cooper, who claims to still not like the title.

Skillet recorded their follow-up album throughout 1997, titled ''[[Hey You, I Love Your Soul]]'', which was released in April 1998. Their second effort was a change in style from the band's first release. With this release, Skillet would abandon their post-grunge approach for a lighter alternative rock and style. His wife Korey was enlisted soon after to play keyboards live in order to alleviate John's live performance duties, but he still played on the Love Your Soul UK Tour in 1998.

=== ''Invincible'', ''Ardent Worship'', and ''Alien Youth'' (2000–02) ===

Shortly before the band began recording for their third album, ''[[Invincible (Skillet album)|Invincible]]'', Steorts left the band to be with his family and launch [[Visible School|Visible Music College]], a modern music ministry college located in Memphis, and Kevin Haaland joined the band as their new guitarist. Korey Cooper joined the band permanently and played keyboards for the recording of ''Invincible''. Because of this change, the musical style on ''Invincible'' changed to a more electronic sound.<ref name="Phantom Tollbooth">{{cite web|author=Shari Lloyd |url=http://www.tollbooth.org/2001/reviews/skillet.html |title=Skillet – a Review of The Phantom Tollbooth |publisher=Tollbooth.org |accessdate=September 6, 2011}}</ref> Soon after the release of ''Invincible'' in early 2000, Trey McClurkin parted ways with Skillet, and [[Lori Peters]] filled the drummer's position.

The band released their first worship album, and fourth album overall, ''[[Ardent Worship]]'' in late 2000. The band kept much of their sound from ''Invincible'' on their next album ''[[Alien Youth]]''.<ref name="Phantom Tollbooth" /> With little time between touring and recording, Skillet released ''Alien Youth'' on August 28, 2001, which was the first album that John Cooper took on production duties. Before the release of ''Alien Youth'', Haaland left the band, and [[Ben Kasica]] took over on guitar. The first single, the title track, was a major hit in the Christian market and drove Skillet into their first headlining shows.{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}

=== ''Collide'' (2003–05) ===

In 2003, ''[[Collide (Skillet album)|Collide]]'', the band's sixth studio album, was released by [[Ardent Records]] and contained the singles "Savior" and "Collide". In 2004, the rights to ''Collide'' were bought by [[Lava Records]], an imprint of [[Atlantic Records]]. On May 25, 2004, ''Collide'' was re-released by Lava Records, with "Open Wounds" as an added track. The album was nominated for "Best Rock Gospel Album" in 2005. ''Collide'' was yet another musical shift for the band.{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}}

Citing [[P.O.D.]] as inspiration for the musical shift on ''Collide'', Cooper said, "Well I'm one of these song writers, everything I hear goes through my John Cooper filter of what I like and what I don't like. [...] All these things [...] have been an influence on me."<ref>[http://www.musicfaith.com/Interviews/10 Interview at MusicFaith] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201180027/http://www.musicfaith.com/Interviews/10 |date=December 1, 2008 }}</ref>

=== ''Comatose'' (2006–08) ===

Skillet's album ''[[Comatose (album)|Comatose]]'' was released on October 3, 2006. It features the singles "[[Rebirthing (song)|Rebirthing]]," "[[Whispers in the Dark (Skillet song)|Whispers in the Dark]]," "[[Comatose (Skillet song)|Comatose]]," "[[The Older I Get]]," "Those Nights," "[[The Last Night (Skillet song)|The Last Night]]", and "Better Than Drugs". The album debuted at No.&nbsp;55 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and No.&nbsp;4 on the US [[Top Christian Albums]] chart.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/279527/skillet/chart |title=Skillet - Chart history |publisher=Billboard |date=2009-09-12 |accessdate=2016-08-09}}</ref>

In January 2008, Skillet announced that their drummer, Lori Peters, was retiring from the band, feeling that "it's time for her to come off of the road and start a new chapter in her life."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/New_Drummer/30480/p1/ |title=New Drummer: Drummer Lori Peters leaves skillet, Replaced by Jen Ledger – Jan 23, 2008 |publisher=crossrhythms.co.uk |date=January 2008}}</ref> Peters' last concert with Skillet was on December 31, 2007.<ref name="Skillet News: new drummer">[http://www.skillet.com/news/01-14-08.html Skillet News] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107025246/http://www.skillet.com/news/01-14-08.html |date=November 7, 2015 }}</ref> However, during the 2007 Christmas season, she took the time to train Skillet's next drummer, Jen Ledger.<ref name="Skillet News: new drummer" />

On October 21, 2008, ''[[Comatose Comes Alive]]'' was released; a CD/DVD combo featuring live recordings of the band's May 9, 2008 concert in [[Chattanooga, Tennessee]]. It was shown on the [[Gospel Music Channel]] on December 5, 2008. Skillet's Comatose Comes Alive CD also had a B-side with "Live Free or Let Me Die" as a single, also with five acoustic tracks which purchasers could download by inserting the CD in their computer.<ref>[http://www.skillet.com/news/cmt.html Skillet News] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820132005/http://www.skillet.com/news/cmt.html |date=August 20, 2008 }}</ref>

The Comatose album was certified Gold in sales by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]] on November 3, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=SKILLET&ti=COMATOSE|title=Gold & Platinum - RIAA|language=en-US|access-date=2016-09-30}}</ref>

===''Awake'' (2009–11)===<!-- Please do not change the end year to 2012 as it ends in 2011 -->
Skillet announced that they went into the studio January 12 to finalize the new record with Grammy-nominated producer [[Howard Benson]]. They added two songs ("[[Hero (Skillet Song)|Hero]]" and "[[Monster (Skillet song)|Monster]]") from the new record to their setlist on April 2, 2009 in Evansville, Indiana as part of their Comatose Tour 2009.{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}}

Skillet's eighth album, ''[[Awake (Skillet album)|Awake]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbn.com/cbnmusic/interviews/jej_Skillet_041610.aspx |title=Awake and Alive with Skillet |date=May 6, 2010}}</ref> contains twelve songs and was released on August 25, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/salem/ccm_200904/#/4 |title=CCM – April 2009 |pages=4–5 |accessdate=July 29, 2009 |publisher=Nxtbook.com|date=April 2009}}</ref> It charted at No.&nbsp;2 on the Billboard top 200 selling around 68,000 units in its first week.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> "Monster" was released as a single on July 14, 2009. Contrary to popular belief, John Cooper stated that "Hero" was not the album's lead single. It was, however, released as a single in March 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMk41eLzbdI |title=The Band Skillet "AWAKE" on ABC News Radio |publisher=YouTube |date=February 3, 2010 |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> They also released a deluxe version with the extra songs "Dead Inside" and "Would It Matter", along with the original, radio edit of "Monster" that does not have the distorted growl as in the single and in the CD. A remix on "Monster" was featured on one of their popular podcasts.The song "Hero" was used in the publicizing of the first football game of the 2009 NFL season between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans, and the song "Monster" was used in the episode "Jason: The Pretty-Boy Bully" on MTV's [[Bully Beatdown]]. "Monster" was the theme song for the [[WWE]] event [[WWE Hell in a Cell]] while the song "Hero" was the theme song for WWE [[Tribute to the Troops]] and [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble 2010]], as well as both songs being included on the official soundtrack for the [[List of video games in the WWE 2K Games series|WWE video game]] [[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010]]. "Monster" would also become the theme song for the [[American Hockey League|AHL]] team the [[Lake Erie Monsters]] in Cleveland, Ohio, being played in the player intros and after a Lake Erie goal, and serves as the opening theme of the [[Fresno Monsters]] of Fresno, California. "Monster" was aired at the beginning of several ACC football games on [[Raycom Sports]] during the 2009 season. The song would become a marching band recording and be performed by schools all across the country because of its booming sound and lyrics.{{Citation needed|date=January 2014}} In the first week of April 2010, "Monster" was released for the Rock band music store in [[Rock Band 2]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockband.com/zine/skillet-superchick-dlc |title=Rockband – April 2010 [12] |accessdate=April 2, 2010 |publisher=Rockband.com|date=April 2010}}</ref> It also tied the record for highest-charting Christian album on the ''Billboard'' 200 with [[Underoath]]'s 2006 release ''[[Define the Great Line]]'' and [[Casting Crowns]]' 2007 release ''[[The Altar and the Door]]'', as all three albums debuted at No.&nbsp;2.<ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=underoath|chart=all}} |title=Awake – Skillet |work=Billboard |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref>

Skillet was nominated for six Dove Awards for the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2010/02/18/41st-annual-gma-dove-awards-nominees-announced/ |title=41st Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees announced &#124; The Tennessean |publisher=Blogs.tennessean.com |date=February 18, 2010 |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ardentrecords.com/520/ |title=Part 520 |publisher=Ardent Records |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> ''Awake'' was certified gold July 2, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allaccessmagazine.com/2010/08/05/skillet/ |title=Skillet &#124; All Access Rock Music Magazine |publisher=Allaccessmagazine.com |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOD4XCYp9bI&feature=youtu.be |title=The One with a New Member – Skillet Podcast |publisher=YouTube |date=August 15, 2010 |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> Also in 2010, Ardent released ''The Early Years'', a collection of their songs from 1996 to 2001. On November 12, Skillet released an iTunes sessions EP consisting of songs from ''Comatose'' and ''Awake''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/SkilletiTunesSession.asp |title=Skillet, "iTunes Session" Review |publisher=Jesusfreakhideout.com |date=November 12, 2010 |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> "Monster" was certified gold a day later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2010/11/17.SKILLETS%20MASSIVE%20HIT%20MONSTER%20GOES%20GOLD%20AS%20BAND%20RACKS%20UP%20ANOTHER%20No.1%20SINGLE.asp |title=Music News, November 2010: SKILLET'S MASSIVE HIT "MONSTER" GOES GOLD AS BAND RACKS UP ANOTHER No.&nbsp;1 SINGLE |publisher=Jesusfreakhideout.com |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref>

On February 14, 2011, Skillet officially announced that longtime lead guitarist Ben Kasica would be leaving the band. Kasica was with the band for 10 years, contributing to the albums ''Alien Youth'', ''Collide'', ''Comatose'', and ''Awake'' as well as the live album ''Comatose Comes Alive''. He played what was planned to be his last concert with the band on March 20.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/skillet-music/important-message-from-skillet/10150093928563541 |title=Important Message from Skillet |author= |date=February 14, 2011 |accessdate=February 14, 2011}}</ref> The band announced that they had chosen solo artist Jonathan Salas as their new guitarist, but Salas confirmed he had left the band on April 9 via Twitter.{{Citation needed|date=May 2011}} Kasica returned and continued touring until a new guitarist was trained.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://twitter.com/benkasica |title=Ben Kasica (BenKasica) on Twitter |publisher=''Twitter'' |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> On April 16, [[Seth Morrison (Guitarist)|Seth Morrison]] replaced Kasica as the lead guitarist, and now tours full-time with Skillet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skillet.com/forums/486851-skillets-new-guitarist-is/ |title=Skillet's New Guitarist Is... – Discussion Detail |publisher=skillet.com |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=April 2011}}

Skillet announced the release of ''[[Awake and Remixed EP]]'' in early March 2011. The remixes were mainly done by [[Korey Cooper]] and [[Ben Kasica]]. On March 2, 2011, Skillet unveiled the album artwork for the album. John Cooper says the idea was conceived when Korey Cooper and Ben Kasica remixed the song Monster for their popular podcast. The four-song EP was released on March 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skillet.com/blog/6a0164-skillet-awake-and-remixed-ep-album-art/ |title=Skillet "Awake And Remixed" EP Album Art! |author=John Cooper |date=March 2, 2011 |accessdate=March 2, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716081339/http://www.skillet.com/blog/6a0164-skillet-awake-and-remixed-ep-album-art/ |archivedate=July 16, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref>

"Awake" was nominated for and won the "Top Christian Album" Award at the Billboard Music Awards 2011, and the song "Awake and Alive" was announced to be on the ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' Soundtrack in May 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skillet.com/blog/58a412-skillet-scores-first-billboard-music-award-and-lands-coveted-spot-on-transformers-3-soundtrack/ |title=Skillet Scores First Billboard Music Award And Lands Coveted Spot on Transformers 3 Soundtrack! – Blog Detail |publisher=skillet.com |date=May 26, 2011 |accessdate=July 6, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809053953/http://www.skillet.com/blog/58a412-skillet-scores-first-billboard-music-award-and-lands-coveted-spot-on-transformers-3-soundtrack/ |archivedate=August 9, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref>

===''Rise'' (2011–15)===<!-- Please do not change this to 2013 as it starts in 2011 -->
On June 21, 2011 John posted to his Twitter account that the band rehearsed new music for the first time and that they are getting ready for a new album.<ref name="twitternewmusic">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/johnlcooper/status/83308255828377600 | title=We r rehearsing new music |publisher=Twitter |author=[[John Cooper (musician)|John Cooper]] |accessdate=June 22, 2011}}</ref> At a question and answer session before a concert, John Cooper said that they would be recording a new record in January/February 2012. However, the band was then scheduled to headline the WinterJam Tour. In January 2012, Skillet announced that they would not be touring for most of the summer so that they could record the new album.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}} They planned to enter the studio at the conclusion of the Winter Jam eastern tour, approximately in May, for a release in late 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=269&articleid=20120223_269_WK8_ULNSkl92515 |title=Skillet's John Cooper talks about WinterJam event at BOK |publisher=Tulsa World |date=February 23, 2012 |accessdate=July 12, 2012}}</ref>

During a July 18, 2012 interview with RadioU, John Cooper stated the band currently had 61 songs written and would be heading into the studio in October to record the album with [[Howard Benson]] for an early 2013 release.{{Citation needed|date=August 2012}}

In an interview with ''[[CCM Magazine]]'', John Cooper described the new album as "a roller coaster ride". He states: "We have aggressive tracks, artsy and musical tracks, which is new territory for Skillet. A couple songs are classic American heartland anthems, and a couple songs are signature symphonic-classical rock Skillet. Guitars are dirty and edgier, with absolute shredding solos by Seth." One of the songs mentioned in the interview was titled "Salvation".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skillet.com/blog/get-inside-scoup-ccm-magazines-studio-feature-skillet-205361 |title=Get the inside scoup with CCM Magazine's "In the Studio" feature on Skillet! - Skillet Official Blog |publisher=Skillet.com |date=February 13, 2012 |accessdate=January 28, 2013}}</ref>

In an Interview on January 26, 2013 in Beaumont TX, John Cooper announced that the new album, ''[[Rise (Skillet album)|Rise]]'', would be coming out in May 2013,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://vimeo.com/58344825 |title=Skillet- Backstage Interview Live from Ford Arena Beaumont, Texas |publisher=YouTube |date= |accessdate=January 28, 2013}}{{dead link|date=January 2013|reason=It seems that the publicists don't like that this was leaked and then went global. WMG filed a copyright violation and had the video taken down. Unfortunately, the information was verified and that's all that matters. And then it was uploaded to Vimeo and Atlantic Records Group had it taken down.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://breathecast.christianpost.com/articles/6040/20130130/skillet-new-album-rise-2013-release.htm |title=Skillet New Album "Rise" May 2013 Release |date=March 15, 2013}}</ref> but was later scheduled for a June 25, 2013 release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/coming_soon.php |title=Upcoming Christian Music New Releases |publisher=NewReleaseTuesday.com |date=March 19, 2013 |accessdate=March 23, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skillet.com/blog/new-album-rise-coming-june-25-220536 |title=New Album RISE coming June 25! |publisher=Skillet.com |date=March 27, 2013 |accessdate=March 27, 2013}}</ref> In an interview with NoiseCreep, John Cooper stated the first single and music video is scheduled to be released by late April.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/02/06/skillet-new-album/ |title=Skillet Frontman John Cooper on Their Next Album: 'We've All Been Listening to More Edgier, Indie, Alt Bands' |date=February 6, 2013}}</ref> The first single from the album, "Sick of It", will be released to US Rock radio on April 23, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/rock/future-releases |title=Rock Future Releases &#124; Rock Music Radio Songs' Release Dates |publisher=AllAccess.com |date= |accessdate=March 26, 2013}}</ref> It was later confirmed that the first single, "Sick of It", would be released on April 9, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skillet.com/sickofit |title="Sick of It" Teaser and Photo Submissions |publisher=Skillet |date=March 7, 2013 |accessdate=April 7, 2013}}</ref> The album debuted at No.4 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and No.1 on the Top Rock Chart and Christian Album charts selling 60,000 copies in US alone during the first week of the release.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|title=Wale Scores First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1568843/wale-scores-first-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart|work=Billboard.com|accessdate=July 5, 2013}}</ref> On July 12, 2016, Rise was certified Gold by the [[RIAA]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gold & Platinum Search Results for Skillet|url=http://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Skillet|website=riaa.com|accessdate=July 14, 2016}}</ref>

The band performed the title track off ''Rise'' on the July 11, 2013 airing of ''[[Conan (talk show)|Conan]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2013/07/12.Skillet%20Rocks%20Late%20Night%20Audiences%20with%20their%20Performance%20of%20Rise%20on%20CONAN.asp |title=Skillet Rocks Late Night Audiences with their Performance of "Rise" on CONAN |date=July 12, 2013 |accessdate=September 8, 2013}}</ref>

Skillet was nominated and won a Dove Award for Rock Song of the Year for their song "Sick of It".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.doveawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DoveAwardNominees.FINAL_.8-1.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-10-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016131406/http://www.doveawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DoveAwardNominees.FINAL_.8-1.pdf |archivedate=October 16, 2013 |df=mdy }}</ref>

''Vital Signs'', a compilation album released exclusively in Europe, was released October 13, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.last.fm/music/Skillet/Vital+Signs|title=Vital Signs|work=Last.fm|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hallels.com/articles/9458/20141014/skillet-announces-european-album-vital-signs-and-european-tour-details.htm|title=Skillet Announces European Album "Vital Signs" and European Tour Details|publisher=|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>

=== ''Unleashed'' (2015–present) ===
{{main|Unleashed (Skillet album)}}
On February 16, 2015 Skillet announced they were writing material for a new album with recording to begin in June with a potential release in the late half of 2015 or early 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/skillet-halfway-there-writing-next-studio-album/|title=Skillet 'Halfway There' in Writing Next Studio Album |author=Chad Childers |date=February 16, 2015}}</ref> On April 8, Skillet released a preview of a new song, later revealed to be called "Out of Hell", on their social media pages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/skillet/videos/10153668045288720/|title=Skillet Music|publisher=|accessdate=July 10, 2016}}</ref> On May 20, 2016 the album's title, ''Unleashed'', was announced and later was released on August 5, 2016 on [[Atlantic Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FN74ZKU|title=Amazon.com: Unleashed: Skillet: MP3 Downloads|publisher=|accessdate=May 21, 2016}}</ref> A lyric video, "Feel Invincible", was also made available.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newreleasetoday.com/news_detail.php?newsid=1548|title=Skillet Releases New Single, New Album Available For Pre-Order|publisher=|accessdate=May 20, 2016}}</ref> On May 26, the lyric video and digital single "Stars" was released, along with a preview for another song titled "Back From the Dead".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newreleasetoday.com/news_detail.php?newsid=1560|title=Skillet Premieres New Single "Stars"|publisher=|accessdate=July 10, 2016}}</ref> WWE announced on July 7 that it had chosen "Feel Invincible" as an official theme for [[Battleground (2016)|WWE Battleground]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/skillet/photos/a.10150357061823720.356542.6483988719/10153872741348720/?type=3&theater|title=Skillet Music|publisher=|accessdate=July 10, 2016}}</ref> On July 8, the full version of "Back From the Dead" was made available for purchase online.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/skillet/photos/a.10150357061823720.356542.6483988719/10153873257348720/?type=3&theater|title=Skillet Music|publisher=|accessdate=July 10, 2016}}</ref>

== Musical style ==

The band's style has been described as [[Christian rock]],<ref name="AM">{{cite web|first= Jason |last= Ankeny |title= Skillet – Artist Biography |publisher= [[AllMusic]]. [[All Media Network]] |url= http://www.allmusic.com/artist/skillet-mn0000749571/biography |accessdate= February 13, 2016}}</ref><ref name="billboard-1">{{cite web | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/1569349/skillet-performs-talks-crossover-success-in-chart-beat-meet | title=Skillet Performs, Talks Crossover Success in Chart Beat Meet & Greet (Video) | publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | date=July 9, 2013 | accessdate=November 25, 2013 | author=Vitoulis, Alex}}</ref><ref name="HitFix">{{cite web | url=http://www.hitfix.com/news/skillets-rise-burns-with-intensity-album-review | title=Skillet's 'Rise' burns with intensity: Album review | publisher=[[HitFix]] | date=June 24, 2013 | accessdate=November 25, 2013 | author=Newman, Melinda}}</ref> [[Christian metal]],<ref name=MoveMag>{{cite web|last=Kupiszewski|first=Ben|title=Skillet's back and pissed off|url=http://move.themaneater.com/stories/2009/9/11/skillets-back-and-pissed/|work=[[MOVE Magazine]]|publisher=[[The Maneater]]|accessdate=May 25, 2011|date=September 11, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Schoof|first=Dustin|title=Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd and Skillet to rock Stabler Arena|url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/music/index.ssf/2010/01/shinedown_puddle_of_mudd_and_s.html|work=lehighvalleylive.com|publisher=PennLive|accessdate=May 25, 2011|date=January 11, 2010}}</ref> [[alternative rock]],<ref name="AM"/><ref name="billboard-1"/> [[hard rock]],<ref name="billboard-1"/><ref name="HitFix"/> [[nu metal]],<ref name=MoveMag/> and [[symphonic metal]].<ref name=MoveMag/> The band's [[Skillet (album)|eponymous debut album]] characterized by its [[grunge]] influences, while their follow-up album, ''[[Hey You, I Love Your Soul]]'' was noted for "its [[electronic music|electronic]] elements and [[industrial music|industrial]] feel."<ref name="HeyYouILoveYourSoul Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/HeyYouILoveYourSoul.asp |title=Skillet ''Hey You, I Love Your Soul'' Review |author=DiBiase, John |publisher=jesusfreakhideout.com |date=January 3, 1998 |accessdate=March 1, 2011}}</ref>
The musical style is also described as an aspiration; according to Cooper's idea for a perfect music is to 'unite' individuals spiritually and socially.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newreleasetoday.com/artistdetail.php?artist_id=56 |title=Skillet Artist Profile &#124; Biography And Discography |publisher=NewReleaseToday |date= |accessdate=2016-08-09}}</ref>
[[Allmusic]] reviewer James Christopher Monger described the band's musical style as a fusion of "[[alternative metal|alt-metal]], hard rock, [[post-grunge]], and soaring alternative rock," in his review for the band's 2013 album, ''[[Rise (Skillet album)|Rise]]''.<ref name="rise-review-allmusic">{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/rise-mw0002541599 | title=Skillet - Rise | publisher=[[Allmusic]] | accessdate=November 26, 2013 | author=Christopher Monger, James}}</ref>

== Touring ==

[[File:Skillet Live 2.JPG|thumb|left|Skillet performing live on April 12, 2008 at [[Anderson University (Indiana)|Anderson University]], [[Anderson, Indiana]].]]
In the middle of 2006, Korey Cooper took a break from performing, due to her pregnancy with their second child. Her rhythm guitar and keyboard roles were temporarily filled by two people: Andrea Winchell (who would later become the Coopers' nanny) on keys and Chris Marvin (lead singer/guitar of The Spark) on guitar.

Skillet toured with [[Ron Luce]] and [[Teen Mania Ministries]] on their [[Acquire The Fire]] Tour across the United States and Canada in 2007. When they returned, Skillet had plans to co-headline the Justice & Mercy Tour with [[Flyleaf (band)|Flyleaf]], but the tour was postponed and ultimately canceled after a number of shows due to Flyleaf lead vocalist [[Lacey Mosley]]'s vocal problems. They then toured with Luce's Global Expeditions program on a summer missions trip with teenagers to Mexico. In 2008 they joined [[Teen Mania Ministries]] and toured with Acquire the Fire.

Skillet joined [[Breaking Benjamin]], [[Three Days Grace]], and [[Seether]] on the first half of their tour in fall 2007.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://music.ign.com/articles/804/804788p1.html |title=IGN: Breaking Benjamin Fall Tour Schedule |publisher=Music.ign.com |date=July 13, 2007 |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> Then Skillet headlined their own ''Comatose'' Tour alongside [[Thousand Foot Krutch]] and traveled to approximately 30 cities. The tour started on March 28 and ran through May 11, 2008.<ref>[http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11564490/ CCMMagazine.com, Skillet Announces Spring ''Comatose'' Tour] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119124833/http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11564490/ |date=January 19, 2008 }}</ref> Skillet toured again from April 2009 through June 2009 with [[Decyfer Down]] and [[Disciple (band)|Disciple]]. This tour was called Comatose Tour 2009 (essentially a second branch of the 2008 Comatose Tour). In fall of 2009, Skillet began touring with [[Hawk Nelson]], [[Decyfer Down]], and [[The Letter Black]] to promote Skillet's album ''Awake''. The Awake & Alive Tour encompassed 52 cities from October through January. [[File:Skillet Cornerstone 2010.jpg|thumb|right|Skillet performing live on July 1, 2010 at [[Cornerstone Festival]] (Illinois).]] Skillet appeared at the 2009 [[Night of Joy (festival)|Night of Joy]] Christian Rock festival at [[Disney Hollywood Studios]] at [[Walt Disney World]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skillet.com/news/2009-07-17.html|title=Awake & Alive Tour|publisher=skillet.com|accessdate=August 9, 2009}}</ref> This marked the band's first absence from [[Universal Studios Orlando]]'s [[Rock the Universe]] in five years due to conflicting schedules. However, they were able to perform the following year, in 2010. On September 26, 2009, Skillet appeared at Awakening Music Festival in Leesburg, Virginia, alongside [[Jeremy Camp]], [[Kutless]], [[Hawk Nelson]], [[Disciple (band)|Disciple]], [[Decyfer Down]], and others. Skillet also played at the Super Dome in New Orleans for the ELCA National Youth Gathering in 2009.

Skillet headlined two separate Rock the River tours, run by the [[Billy Graham]] Evangelistic Association, and hosted by [[Franklin Graham]]. Those tours were Rock the River: Midwest in the summer of 2009 and Rock the River: West in the summer of 2010.

In January 2010 they toured with [[Puddle of Mudd]] and [[Shinedown]] through the East Coast of the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tunelab.com/2009/11/14/skillet-announce-new-tour-with-shinedown-and-puddle-of-mudd/ |title=Skillet Announce New Tour With Shinedown And Puddle of Mudd |publisher=TuneLab |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wmmr.com/music/news/story.aspx?ID=1165921 |title=SHINEDOWN, PUDDLE OF MUDD, SKILLET TEAMING FOR 2010 TREK &#124; 93.3 WMMR: Everything That Rocks |publisher=Wmmr.com |date=November 17, 2009 |accessdate=July 6, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314075539/http://www.wmmr.com/music/news/story.aspx?ID=1165921 |archivedate=March 14, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref> They also announced on their live chat with fans on December 5, 2009 that they would be touring with [[TobyMac]] in March and April 2010. This was later expanded upon as the "Awake Tonight Tour" named after both artists' new albums.<ref>[http://tobymac.com/awaketonight/] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114103116/http://tobymac.com/awaketonight/ |date=January 14, 2010 }}</ref> [[House of Heroes]] joined them on the tour as the opening act.

In April and May the band continued on a second branch of their ''Awake and Alive'' tour with [[The Letter Black]] and [[Red (band)|Red]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itickets.com/tours/887.html |title=Awake and Alive Tour |publisher=Itickets.com |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://christianmusic.about.com/od/tournews/a/aaskillet05tour.htm |title=Skillet 2011 Tour Dates – Christian Rockers Skillet on Tour |publisher=Christianmusic.about.com |date=May 11, 2011 |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> In April it was also announced that the band would be touring with [[Creed (band)|Creed]] and Theft in August and September 2010.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.myspace.com/creed |title=Creed &#124; Gratis muziek, tourneedata, foto's, video's |publisher=Myspace.com |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> In October the band will be co-headlining the "Monsters of Annihilation Tour" with [[Papa Roach]]. [[Trapt]] and [[My Darkest Days]] will be supporting acts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Papa-Roach-and-Skillet-Announce-Co-Headlining-US-Monsters-of-Annihilation-Tour-1309167.htm |title=Papa Roach and Skillet Announce Co-Headlining US Monsters of Annihilation Tour |publisher=Marketwire.com |date=August 24, 2010 |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> They toured again with TobyMac in November and December as the 2010 version of the Winter Wonder Slam tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winterwonderslam.com/ |title=Winter Wonder Slam 2011 |publisher=Winterwonderslam.com |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> On July 4, Skillet played at [[Creation Festival|Creation Festival East]] and John Cooper called it the best show of Skillet's career.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cooper|first=John|url=https://twitter.com/johnlcooper/status/17725187785|accessdate=July 8, 2011|title=John Cooper Quote}}</ref>

In January 2011, Skillet confirmed that they would be touring with [[Stone Sour]] and [[Theory of a Deadman]] on the Avalanche Tour. The tour began at the end of March 2011 and concluded on May 8 in Jacksonville, FL. Other supporting acts include [[Halestorm]] and [[Art of Dying (band)|Art of Dying]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} The band had a small international tour in January and February 2011 visiting Australia,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://redanttouring.com/past_tours_and_events_skillet.html |title=Past Tours & Events – Skillet |publisher=Red Ant Touring |accessdate=July 6, 2011}}</ref> New Zealand's [[Parachute Music Festival]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parachutemusic.com/festival/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124&Itemid=8 |title=Parachute 2011 -Artists |publisher=Parachutemusic.com |date=February 3, 2011 |accessdate=July 6, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720145416/http://www.parachutemusic.com/festival/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124&Itemid=8 |archivedate=July 20, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref> and Japan.{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}} In October 2011, the band continued their ''Awake and Alive'' tour with [[Disciple (band)|Disciple]], [[We as Human]], and [[Manafest]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2011}}

Skillet headlined the Winter Jam Tour 2012 for the central and eastern parts of the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2011/10/25/785934.aspx |title=Skillet To Headline Winter Jam 2012 |publisher=Pollstar |accessdate=February 6, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=768 |title=A Night at WinterJam 2012 &#124; AN EXCLUSIVE NRT TOUR REPORT |publisher=NewReleaseTuesday.com |date=January 26, 2012 |accessdate=February 6, 2012}}</ref>
[[File:Skillet zurich komplex.jpg|thumb|Skillet performing in the Komplex457 in Zurich in October 20, 2014]]
Starting on August 13, 2013 Skillet toured with [[Shinedown]], [[Papa Roach]] and [[In This Moment]] on the Carnival of Madness tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://carnivalofmadness.com/blog/2013/06/carnival-of-madness-2013-dates |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-06-23 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708131416/http://carnivalofmadness.com:80/blog/2013/06/carnival-of-madness-2013-dates |archivedate=July 8, 2013 |df=mdy }}</ref> In October and November the band arrives Europe supporting [[Nickelback]]'s tour in twenty one shows.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://skillet.com/blog/skillet-announces-upcoming-performance-conan-july-11-and-plans-tour-nickelback-overseas-fall |title=Skillet announces upcoming performance on Conan July 11 and plans to tour with Nickelback overseas this fall! - Skillet Official Blog |website=Skillet.com |date= |accessdate=2016-08-09}}</ref> The band closed the year headlining their own tour in Russia and a show in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|title=Russia tour | url=http://skillet.com/blog/skillet-wins-dove-award-rock-song-year-sick-it-278166|accessdate=August 4, 2014}}</ref>

Skillet started 2014 coheadlining the Roadshow 2014 with [[Third Day]] during January and February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skillet.com/blog/roadshow-2014-lineup-feature-skillet-third-day-andy-mineo-jamie-grace-and-more-278686|title=The Roadshow 2014 Lineup to Feature Skillet, Third Day, Andy Mineo, Jamie Grace and More - Skillet Official Blog|work=Skillet Official Website|accessdate=October 5, 2014}}</ref> Upon completion, the band continued coheadlining alongside Third Day in a Spring tour.<ref>{{cite web|title=Spring tour with Third Day| url=http://skillet.com/blog/skillet-announces-co-headline-us-spring-tour-third-day-and-all-star-line-including-mandisa|accessdate=December 19, 2013}}</ref> Later in May, toured with [[TobyMac]] and [[Lecrae]] in the ''Summer Shed Tour''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Summer shed tour| url=http://skillet.com/blog/tobymac-skillet-and-lecrae-join-forces-thrill-crowds-summer-shed-tour-302461|accessdate=August 4, 2014}}</ref> Starting in the end of May, the band traveled to be part of European festivals during six weeks.<ref>{{cite web|title=international summer tour| url=http://skillet.com/blog/international-tour-dates-2014-318446|accessdate=August 4, 2014}}</ref> In August and September they joined [[Godsmack]], [[Seether]], and [[Buckcherry]] in the [[Rockstar Uproar Festival]] in twenty one American cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://skillet.com/blog/skillet-play-2014-rockstar-energy-uproar-festival-322301 |title=Skillet To Play 2014 Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival - Skillet Official Blog |website=Skillet.com |date=2014-06-17 |accessdate=2016-08-09}}</ref> In October and November the band had its own tour in Europe and Russia, offering twenty-two shows.<ref>{{cite web|title=European fall tour|url=http://twitter.com/johnlcooper/status/494843529144061953|accessdate=August 4, 2014}}</ref>

Starting January 2, 2015, they will co-headline the Winter Jam Tour 2015 in the central and eastern part of the United States alongside [[Jeremy Camp]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.breathecast.com/articles/winter-jam-2015-lineup-announced-skillet-headlines-tour-as-event-celebrates-20th-year-21170/|title=Winter Jam 2015 Lineup Announced: Skillet Headlines Tour as Event Celebrates 20th Year|work=Christian Music, Christian Music News, BREATHEcast|accessdate=October 29, 2014}}</ref> They will also be part of the Winter Jam Tour 2015 West Coast.

On May 11, 2016, Skillet announced a European tour from May 28 through July 3 including [[Rock am Ring and Rock im Park|Rock am Ring]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skillet.com/blog/grammy-nominated-skillet-embarks-international-summer-festival-tour-hitting-uks-download|title=GRAMMY® Nominated Skillet Embarks On International Summer Festival Tour Hitting UK's Download, Germany's Rock Am Ring & Rock Im Park And More|work=Skillet Official Website|accessdate=May 16, 2016}}</ref>

In July 2016, it was announced that Skillet would be going on a headlining Unleashed Tour with Sick Puppies, [[Thousand Foot Krutch]] and Devour the Day, playing at club-sized venues in 18 cities primarily located along the East Coast of the United States to take place during September and October 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/skillet-2016-u-s-tour-dates/|title=Skillet Announce 2016 U.S. Tour Dates|publisher=|accessdate=December 20, 2016}}</ref> In December 2016, a 27-city, second leg of the tour was announced.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/skillet-second-leg-unleashed-tour-sick-puppies-devour-the-day/|title=Skillet Book 2017 Tour With Sick Puppies + Devour the Day|publisher=|accessdate=December 20, 2016}}</ref> Opening for Skillet on this second leg were Sick Puppies and Devour the Day.

== Band members ==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
'''Current'''
* [[John Cooper (musician)|John Cooper]] – lead vocals, bass guitar, occasional acoustic guitar <small>(1996–present)</small>; keyboards <small>(1996–1999)</small>
* [[Korey Cooper]] – keyboards, synthesizers, rhythm guitar, backing vocals <small>(1999–present)</small>; occasional live bass guitar <small>(2011–present)</small>
* [[Jen Ledger]] - drums, percussion, backing vocals, occasional co-lead vocals <small> (2008–present)</small>
* [[Seth Morrison (musician)|Seth Morrison]] – lead guitar <small>(2011–present)</small>

'''Former'''
* [[Ken Steorts]] – lead and rhythm guitar <small>(1996–1999)</small>
* Kevin Haaland – lead guitar <small>(1999–2001)</small>
* [[Ben Kasica]] – lead guitar <small>(2001–2011)</small>
* Jonathan Salas – lead guitar <small>(2011) </small>
* Trey McClurkin – drums <small>(1996–2000)</small>
* [[Lori Peters]] – drums <small>(2000–2008)</small>



{{col-2}}

'''Current touring and session'''
* Tate Olsen – cello <small>(2008–present)</small>

'''Former touring and session'''
* Billy Dawson – rhythm and lead guitar <small>(2000)</small>
* Chris Marvin – rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals <small>(2002–2003, 2005–2006)</small>
* Faith Stern – keyboards, backing vocals <small>(2002–2003)</small>
* Andrea Winchell – keyboards <small>(2005–2006)</small>
* Scotty Rock – bass guitar <small>(2009–2011)</small>
* Jonathan Chu – violin <small>(2008–2015)</small>

{{col-end}}

'''Timeline'''
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:90 bottom:80 top:0 right:10
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1996 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:1
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1996
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1996

Colors =
id:LV value:red legend:Lead_vocals
id:BV value:yellow legend:Backing_vocals
id:B value:blue legend:Bass
id:KB value:purple legend:Keyboards
id:LG value:teal legend:Lead_guitar
id:RG value:green legend:Rhythm_guitar
id:D value:orange legend:Drums
id:album value:black legend:Studio_album
id:other value:gray(0.55) legend:Other_release
id:bars value:gray(0.95)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars

LineData =
color:album
layer:back
at:10/29/1996
at:04/21/1998
at:02/01/2000
at:09/29/2000
at:08/28/2001
at:11/18/2003
at:10/03/2006
at:08/25/2009
at:06/25/2013
at:08/05/2016

BarData =
bar:John text:"John Cooper"
bar:Korey text:"Korey Cooper"
bar:Steorts text:"Ken Steorts"
bar:Haaland text:"Kevin Haaland"
bar:Kasica text:"Ben Kasica"
bar:Salas text:"Jonathan Salas"
bar:Morrison text:"Seth Morrison"
bar:McClurkin text:"Trey McClurkin"
bar:Peters text:"Lori Peters"
bar:Ledger text:"Jen Ledger"

PlotData=
width:11
bar:John from:01/01/1996 till:end color:LV
bar:Steorts from:01/01/1996 till:11/20/1999 color:LG
bar:Haaland from:11/20/1999 till:03/28/2001 color:LG
bar:Kasica from:03/28/2001 till:03/01/2011 color:LG
bar:Kasica from:04/01/2011 till:05/01/2011 color:LG
bar:Salas from:03/01/2011 till:04/01/2011 color:LG
bar:Morrison from:05/01/2011 till:end color:LG
bar:Korey from:11/20/1999 till:end color:KB
bar:McClurkin from:01/01/1996 till:11/20/1999 color:D
bar:Peters from:01/20/2000 till:01/01/2008 color:D
bar:Ledger from:01/01/2008 till:end color:D

width:7
bar:John from:01/01/1996 till:11/20/1999 color:KB
bar:Korey from:11/20/1999 till:end color:RG

width:3
bar:John from:01/01/1996 till:end color:B
bar:Steorts from:01/01/1996 till:11/20/1999 color:RG
bar:Korey from:11/20/1999 till:end color:BV
bar:Ledger from:01/01/2008 till:end color:BV
}}

== Discography ==
{{Main|Skillet discography}}

; Studio albums
* ''[[Skillet (album)|Skillet]]'' (1996)
* ''[[Hey You, I Love Your Soul]]'' (1998)
* ''[[Invincible (Skillet album)|Invincible]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Ardent Worship]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Alien Youth]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Collide (Skillet album)|Collide]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Comatose (album)|Comatose]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Awake (Skillet album)|Awake]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Rise (Skillet album)|Rise]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Unleashed (Skillet album)|Unleashed]]'' (2016)
<!-- Do not add future titles until the album has a name and release date, and ideally an article -->

== Awards and recognition ==

Skillet was recognized on February 1, 2016 as having recorded the biggest digital single in the history of Christian Music since their song "Monster" has garnered over 2.6 million sales. It was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA, was the number one streaming Christian song of 2015, and was the number eight streaming rock song of 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newreleasetoday.com/news_detail.php?newsid=1304|title=Skillet's "Monster" Recognized As Biggest Digital Single In Christian Music History|publisher=|accessdate=February 3, 2016}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year!! Award !! Nominee !! Category !! Result !! Source <!-- A secondary source to support the award's notability, not a primary source indicating the award itself -->
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2002 || rowspan="4"| [[GMA Dove Awards]] || "Alien Youth" || Rock Song of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| ''[[Alien Youth]]'' || Modern Rock Recorded Song of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| 2003 || "Vapor" || Hard Music Recorded Song of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| 2004 || "Savior" || Modern Rock Recorded Song of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| 2005 || rowspan="2"| [[Grammy Award]] || [[Collide (Skillet album)|''Collide'']] || rowspan="2"| [[Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album|Best Rock Gospel Album]] || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2007 || rowspan="2"| ''[[Comatose (album)|Comatose]]'' || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="14"| GMA Dove Awards || Rock Album of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| "Rebirthing" || Rock Song of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| Skillet || Artist of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2008 || "Comatose" || Rock Song of the Year || {{Won}} ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| Skillet || Artist of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2009 || Group of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| ''Comatose Comes Alive'' || Rock Album of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| Long Form Music Video of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="6"| 2010 || rowspan="2"| Skillet || Artist of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| Group of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| "Hero" || Rock Song of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| Short Form Music Video of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| "Monster" || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[Awake (Skillet album)|''Awake'']] || Rock Album of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| 2011 || [[Billboard Music Award]] || Christian Album || {{Won}} ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2011 || rowspan="2"| GMA Dove Awards || "One Day Too Late" || Rock Song of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| "Lucy" || Rock Song of the Year || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2012 || rowspan="2"| [[DRUM! Magazine|Drummies! Award]] || rowspan="2"| Jen Ledger || Rising Star || {{Won}} ||
|-
| Independent Drummer || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="10" | 2013 || GMA Dove Awards || rowspan="2" | "Sick of It" || Rock Song of the Year || {{Won}} ||
|-
| rowspan="5"| We Love Awards || Song of the Year || {{Won}} ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| Skillet || Rawkfist Award (Best Rock Group) || {{won}} ||
|-
| Group of the Year || {{Nom}} ||
|-
| John Cooper || Best Lead Singer || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="3"| [[Rise (Skillet album)|''Rise'']] || Album of the Year || {{won}} ||
|-
| [[Loudwire|Loudwire Music Awards]] || Rock Album of 2013 || {{Won}} || <ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/skillet-win-best-rock-album-3rd-annual-loudwire-music-awards/|title=Skillet Win Best Rock Album in the Loudwire Music Awards|work=Loudwire|accessdate=October 29, 2014}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3"| [[HM (magazine)|HM Awards]] || Best Album || {{Won}} || <ref name="youtube.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4pROgBjR1SA|title=Best Band, Best Album, Best HM Cover - Skillet - The HM Awards|work=YouTube|accessdate=October 29, 2014}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3"| Skillet || Best Band || {{Won}} || <ref name="youtube.com"/>
|-
| Best HM Cover || {{Won}} || <ref name="youtube.com"/>
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2014 || rowspan="2"| Billboard Music Award || Christian Artist || {{nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| ''Rise'' || Christian Album || {{Nom}} ||
|-
| rowspan="3"| Dove Awards || Rock Album of the Year || {{won}} ||
|-
| "Not Gonna Die" || rowspan="2"| Rock Song of the Year || {{Won}} ||
|-
| 2015 || "Good to Be Alive" || {{Won}} ||
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Skillet (band)|Skillet}}

* {{Official website|1=http://www.skillet.com}}
* {{YouTube|user=skilletband |Official Skillet Channel}}

{{Skillet}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Skillet (Band)}}

[[Category:Atlantic Records artists]]
[[Category:Alternative rock groups from Tennessee]]
[[Category:American alternative metal musical groups]]
[[Category:American Christian metal musical groups]]
[[Category:American nu metal musical groups]]
[[Category:American symphonic metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Christian rock groups from Tennessee]]
[[Category:Hard rock musical groups from Tennessee]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from Tennessee]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Memphis, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1996]]
[[Category:Musical quartets]]

Revision as of 15:45, 21 December 2016

Skillet
Skillet at the Road to Rise VIP experience in Nashville, Tennessee on June 14, 2013
Skillet at the Road to Rise VIP experience in Nashville, Tennessee on June 14, 2013
Background information
OriginMemphis, Tennessee, United States
Genres
Years active1996–present
Labels
Members
Past members
Websiteskillet.com

Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. The band currently consists of husband John (lead vocals, bass) and wife Korey Cooper (rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals) along with Jen Ledger (drums, vocals) and Seth Morrison (lead guitar). The band has released nine albums, two receiving Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose.[1] Two of their albums, Awake and Comatose, are certified Platinum by RIAA while Rise, is certified Gold as of July 12, 2016.[2]

Skillet went through several line-up changes early in their career, leaving founder John Cooper as the only original member remaining in the band. They are known for a relentless touring schedule, which garnered them a top five ranking in the Hardest Working Bands of 2010 by Songkick.com.[3]

Band history

Self-titled and Hey You, I Love Your Soul (1996–99)

Skillet formed in 1996 with two members: John Cooper, former vocalist for Tennessee progressive rock band Seraph, and Ken Steorts, former guitarist for Urgent Cry. The two bands met through touring together, but those bands disbanded soon after, so John and Ken's pastor encouraged them to form their own band as a side-project.[4] Coming from different styles of rock music, they decided to name the experiment Skillet. After Trey McClurkin joined the band as a temporary drummer. Skillet was only together for a month when they received interest from major Christian record label ForeFront Records. In 1996 they released a self-titled debut Skillet. It was well-received, and the trio continued to write new material as they toured the United States. One topic that comes up often among fans and the band itself, is the name 'Skillet'. John Cooper, the lead vocalist, explains that it was a joke at first. Each starting band member was already in a separate band, and all decided to start a side project. Since each other band had a different sound and style to it, the side project was said to be like putting all of those styles in a big skillet to come up with something unique, hence the band name 'Skillet'. The band name is still somewhat of a joke between the band members, especially Cooper, who claims to still not like the title.

Skillet recorded their follow-up album throughout 1997, titled Hey You, I Love Your Soul, which was released in April 1998. Their second effort was a change in style from the band's first release. With this release, Skillet would abandon their post-grunge approach for a lighter alternative rock and style. His wife Korey was enlisted soon after to play keyboards live in order to alleviate John's live performance duties, but he still played on the Love Your Soul UK Tour in 1998.

Invincible, Ardent Worship, and Alien Youth (2000–02)

Shortly before the band began recording for their third album, Invincible, Steorts left the band to be with his family and launch Visible Music College, a modern music ministry college located in Memphis, and Kevin Haaland joined the band as their new guitarist. Korey Cooper joined the band permanently and played keyboards for the recording of Invincible. Because of this change, the musical style on Invincible changed to a more electronic sound.[5] Soon after the release of Invincible in early 2000, Trey McClurkin parted ways with Skillet, and Lori Peters filled the drummer's position.

The band released their first worship album, and fourth album overall, Ardent Worship in late 2000. The band kept much of their sound from Invincible on their next album Alien Youth.[5] With little time between touring and recording, Skillet released Alien Youth on August 28, 2001, which was the first album that John Cooper took on production duties. Before the release of Alien Youth, Haaland left the band, and Ben Kasica took over on guitar. The first single, the title track, was a major hit in the Christian market and drove Skillet into their first headlining shows.[citation needed]

Collide (2003–05)

In 2003, Collide, the band's sixth studio album, was released by Ardent Records and contained the singles "Savior" and "Collide". In 2004, the rights to Collide were bought by Lava Records, an imprint of Atlantic Records. On May 25, 2004, Collide was re-released by Lava Records, with "Open Wounds" as an added track. The album was nominated for "Best Rock Gospel Album" in 2005. Collide was yet another musical shift for the band.[citation needed]

Citing P.O.D. as inspiration for the musical shift on Collide, Cooper said, "Well I'm one of these song writers, everything I hear goes through my John Cooper filter of what I like and what I don't like. [...] All these things [...] have been an influence on me."[6]

Comatose (2006–08)

Skillet's album Comatose was released on October 3, 2006. It features the singles "Rebirthing," "Whispers in the Dark," "Comatose," "The Older I Get," "Those Nights," "The Last Night", and "Better Than Drugs". The album debuted at No. 55 on the Billboard 200 and No. 4 on the US Top Christian Albums chart.[7]

In January 2008, Skillet announced that their drummer, Lori Peters, was retiring from the band, feeling that "it's time for her to come off of the road and start a new chapter in her life."[8] Peters' last concert with Skillet was on December 31, 2007.[9] However, during the 2007 Christmas season, she took the time to train Skillet's next drummer, Jen Ledger.[9]

On October 21, 2008, Comatose Comes Alive was released; a CD/DVD combo featuring live recordings of the band's May 9, 2008 concert in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was shown on the Gospel Music Channel on December 5, 2008. Skillet's Comatose Comes Alive CD also had a B-side with "Live Free or Let Me Die" as a single, also with five acoustic tracks which purchasers could download by inserting the CD in their computer.[10]

The Comatose album was certified Gold in sales by the RIAA on November 3, 2009.[11]

Awake (2009–11)

Skillet announced that they went into the studio January 12 to finalize the new record with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson. They added two songs ("Hero" and "Monster") from the new record to their setlist on April 2, 2009 in Evansville, Indiana as part of their Comatose Tour 2009.[citation needed]

Skillet's eighth album, Awake,[12] contains twelve songs and was released on August 25, 2009.[13] It charted at No. 2 on the Billboard top 200 selling around 68,000 units in its first week.[7] "Monster" was released as a single on July 14, 2009. Contrary to popular belief, John Cooper stated that "Hero" was not the album's lead single. It was, however, released as a single in March 2010.[14] They also released a deluxe version with the extra songs "Dead Inside" and "Would It Matter", along with the original, radio edit of "Monster" that does not have the distorted growl as in the single and in the CD. A remix on "Monster" was featured on one of their popular podcasts.The song "Hero" was used in the publicizing of the first football game of the 2009 NFL season between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans, and the song "Monster" was used in the episode "Jason: The Pretty-Boy Bully" on MTV's Bully Beatdown. "Monster" was the theme song for the WWE event WWE Hell in a Cell while the song "Hero" was the theme song for WWE Tribute to the Troops and Royal Rumble 2010, as well as both songs being included on the official soundtrack for the WWE video game WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010. "Monster" would also become the theme song for the AHL team the Lake Erie Monsters in Cleveland, Ohio, being played in the player intros and after a Lake Erie goal, and serves as the opening theme of the Fresno Monsters of Fresno, California. "Monster" was aired at the beginning of several ACC football games on Raycom Sports during the 2009 season. The song would become a marching band recording and be performed by schools all across the country because of its booming sound and lyrics.[citation needed] In the first week of April 2010, "Monster" was released for the Rock band music store in Rock Band 2[15] It also tied the record for highest-charting Christian album on the Billboard 200 with Underoath's 2006 release Define the Great Line and Casting Crowns' 2007 release The Altar and the Door, as all three albums debuted at No. 2.[16]

Skillet was nominated for six Dove Awards for the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards.[17][18] Awake was certified gold July 2, 2010.[19][20] Also in 2010, Ardent released The Early Years, a collection of their songs from 1996 to 2001. On November 12, Skillet released an iTunes sessions EP consisting of songs from Comatose and Awake.[21] "Monster" was certified gold a day later.[22]

On February 14, 2011, Skillet officially announced that longtime lead guitarist Ben Kasica would be leaving the band. Kasica was with the band for 10 years, contributing to the albums Alien Youth, Collide, Comatose, and Awake as well as the live album Comatose Comes Alive. He played what was planned to be his last concert with the band on March 20.[23] The band announced that they had chosen solo artist Jonathan Salas as their new guitarist, but Salas confirmed he had left the band on April 9 via Twitter.[citation needed] Kasica returned and continued touring until a new guitarist was trained.[24] On April 16, Seth Morrison replaced Kasica as the lead guitarist, and now tours full-time with Skillet.[25][unreliable source?]

Skillet announced the release of Awake and Remixed EP in early March 2011. The remixes were mainly done by Korey Cooper and Ben Kasica. On March 2, 2011, Skillet unveiled the album artwork for the album. John Cooper says the idea was conceived when Korey Cooper and Ben Kasica remixed the song Monster for their popular podcast. The four-song EP was released on March 22.[26]

"Awake" was nominated for and won the "Top Christian Album" Award at the Billboard Music Awards 2011, and the song "Awake and Alive" was announced to be on the Transformers: Dark of the Moon Soundtrack in May 2011.[27]

Rise (2011–15)

On June 21, 2011 John posted to his Twitter account that the band rehearsed new music for the first time and that they are getting ready for a new album.[28] At a question and answer session before a concert, John Cooper said that they would be recording a new record in January/February 2012. However, the band was then scheduled to headline the WinterJam Tour. In January 2012, Skillet announced that they would not be touring for most of the summer so that they could record the new album.[citation needed] They planned to enter the studio at the conclusion of the Winter Jam eastern tour, approximately in May, for a release in late 2012.[29]

During a July 18, 2012 interview with RadioU, John Cooper stated the band currently had 61 songs written and would be heading into the studio in October to record the album with Howard Benson for an early 2013 release.[citation needed]

In an interview with CCM Magazine, John Cooper described the new album as "a roller coaster ride". He states: "We have aggressive tracks, artsy and musical tracks, which is new territory for Skillet. A couple songs are classic American heartland anthems, and a couple songs are signature symphonic-classical rock Skillet. Guitars are dirty and edgier, with absolute shredding solos by Seth." One of the songs mentioned in the interview was titled "Salvation".[30]

In an Interview on January 26, 2013 in Beaumont TX, John Cooper announced that the new album, Rise, would be coming out in May 2013,[31][32] but was later scheduled for a June 25, 2013 release.[33][34] In an interview with NoiseCreep, John Cooper stated the first single and music video is scheduled to be released by late April.[35] The first single from the album, "Sick of It", will be released to US Rock radio on April 23, 2013.[36] It was later confirmed that the first single, "Sick of It", would be released on April 9, 2013.[37] The album debuted at No.4 on the Billboard 200 and No.1 on the Top Rock Chart and Christian Album charts selling 60,000 copies in US alone during the first week of the release.[38] On July 12, 2016, Rise was certified Gold by the RIAA.[39]

The band performed the title track off Rise on the July 11, 2013 airing of Conan.[40]

Skillet was nominated and won a Dove Award for Rock Song of the Year for their song "Sick of It".[41]

Vital Signs, a compilation album released exclusively in Europe, was released October 13, 2014.[42][43]

Unleashed (2015–present)

On February 16, 2015 Skillet announced they were writing material for a new album with recording to begin in June with a potential release in the late half of 2015 or early 2016.[44] On April 8, Skillet released a preview of a new song, later revealed to be called "Out of Hell", on their social media pages.[45] On May 20, 2016 the album's title, Unleashed, was announced and later was released on August 5, 2016 on Atlantic Records.[46] A lyric video, "Feel Invincible", was also made available.[47] On May 26, the lyric video and digital single "Stars" was released, along with a preview for another song titled "Back From the Dead".[48] WWE announced on July 7 that it had chosen "Feel Invincible" as an official theme for WWE Battleground.[49] On July 8, the full version of "Back From the Dead" was made available for purchase online.[50]

Musical style

The band's style has been described as Christian rock,[51][52][53] Christian metal,[54][55] alternative rock,[51][52] hard rock,[52][53] nu metal,[54] and symphonic metal.[54] The band's eponymous debut album characterized by its grunge influences, while their follow-up album, Hey You, I Love Your Soul was noted for "its electronic elements and industrial feel."[56] The musical style is also described as an aspiration; according to Cooper's idea for a perfect music is to 'unite' individuals spiritually and socially.[57] Allmusic reviewer James Christopher Monger described the band's musical style as a fusion of "alt-metal, hard rock, post-grunge, and soaring alternative rock," in his review for the band's 2013 album, Rise.[58]

Touring

Skillet performing live on April 12, 2008 at Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana.

In the middle of 2006, Korey Cooper took a break from performing, due to her pregnancy with their second child. Her rhythm guitar and keyboard roles were temporarily filled by two people: Andrea Winchell (who would later become the Coopers' nanny) on keys and Chris Marvin (lead singer/guitar of The Spark) on guitar.

Skillet toured with Ron Luce and Teen Mania Ministries on their Acquire The Fire Tour across the United States and Canada in 2007. When they returned, Skillet had plans to co-headline the Justice & Mercy Tour with Flyleaf, but the tour was postponed and ultimately canceled after a number of shows due to Flyleaf lead vocalist Lacey Mosley's vocal problems. They then toured with Luce's Global Expeditions program on a summer missions trip with teenagers to Mexico. In 2008 they joined Teen Mania Ministries and toured with Acquire the Fire.

Skillet joined Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, and Seether on the first half of their tour in fall 2007.[59] Then Skillet headlined their own Comatose Tour alongside Thousand Foot Krutch and traveled to approximately 30 cities. The tour started on March 28 and ran through May 11, 2008.[60] Skillet toured again from April 2009 through June 2009 with Decyfer Down and Disciple. This tour was called Comatose Tour 2009 (essentially a second branch of the 2008 Comatose Tour). In fall of 2009, Skillet began touring with Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down, and The Letter Black to promote Skillet's album Awake. The Awake & Alive Tour encompassed 52 cities from October through January.

Skillet performing live on July 1, 2010 at Cornerstone Festival (Illinois).

Skillet appeared at the 2009 Night of Joy Christian Rock festival at Disney Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.[61] This marked the band's first absence from Universal Studios Orlando's Rock the Universe in five years due to conflicting schedules. However, they were able to perform the following year, in 2010. On September 26, 2009, Skillet appeared at Awakening Music Festival in Leesburg, Virginia, alongside Jeremy Camp, Kutless, Hawk Nelson, Disciple, Decyfer Down, and others. Skillet also played at the Super Dome in New Orleans for the ELCA National Youth Gathering in 2009.

Skillet headlined two separate Rock the River tours, run by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and hosted by Franklin Graham. Those tours were Rock the River: Midwest in the summer of 2009 and Rock the River: West in the summer of 2010.

In January 2010 they toured with Puddle of Mudd and Shinedown through the East Coast of the United States.[62][63] They also announced on their live chat with fans on December 5, 2009 that they would be touring with TobyMac in March and April 2010. This was later expanded upon as the "Awake Tonight Tour" named after both artists' new albums.[64] House of Heroes joined them on the tour as the opening act.

In April and May the band continued on a second branch of their Awake and Alive tour with The Letter Black and Red.[65][66] In April it was also announced that the band would be touring with Creed and Theft in August and September 2010.[67] In October the band will be co-headlining the "Monsters of Annihilation Tour" with Papa Roach. Trapt and My Darkest Days will be supporting acts.[68] They toured again with TobyMac in November and December as the 2010 version of the Winter Wonder Slam tour.[69] On July 4, Skillet played at Creation Festival East and John Cooper called it the best show of Skillet's career.[70]

In January 2011, Skillet confirmed that they would be touring with Stone Sour and Theory of a Deadman on the Avalanche Tour. The tour began at the end of March 2011 and concluded on May 8 in Jacksonville, FL. Other supporting acts include Halestorm and Art of Dying.[citation needed] The band had a small international tour in January and February 2011 visiting Australia,[71] New Zealand's Parachute Music Festival,[72] and Japan.[citation needed] In October 2011, the band continued their Awake and Alive tour with Disciple, We as Human, and Manafest.[citation needed]

Skillet headlined the Winter Jam Tour 2012 for the central and eastern parts of the United States.[73][74]

Skillet performing in the Komplex457 in Zurich in October 20, 2014

Starting on August 13, 2013 Skillet toured with Shinedown, Papa Roach and In This Moment on the Carnival of Madness tour.[75] In October and November the band arrives Europe supporting Nickelback's tour in twenty one shows.[76] The band closed the year headlining their own tour in Russia and a show in Ukraine.[77]

Skillet started 2014 coheadlining the Roadshow 2014 with Third Day during January and February.[78] Upon completion, the band continued coheadlining alongside Third Day in a Spring tour.[79] Later in May, toured with TobyMac and Lecrae in the Summer Shed Tour.[80] Starting in the end of May, the band traveled to be part of European festivals during six weeks.[81] In August and September they joined Godsmack, Seether, and Buckcherry in the Rockstar Uproar Festival in twenty one American cities.[82] In October and November the band had its own tour in Europe and Russia, offering twenty-two shows.[83]

Starting January 2, 2015, they will co-headline the Winter Jam Tour 2015 in the central and eastern part of the United States alongside Jeremy Camp.[84] They will also be part of the Winter Jam Tour 2015 West Coast.

On May 11, 2016, Skillet announced a European tour from May 28 through July 3 including Rock am Ring.[85]

In July 2016, it was announced that Skillet would be going on a headlining Unleashed Tour with Sick Puppies, Thousand Foot Krutch and Devour the Day, playing at club-sized venues in 18 cities primarily located along the East Coast of the United States to take place during September and October 2016.[86] In December 2016, a 27-city, second leg of the tour was announced.[87] Opening for Skillet on this second leg were Sick Puppies and Devour the Day.

Band members

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Awards and recognition

Skillet was recognized on February 1, 2016 as having recorded the biggest digital single in the history of Christian Music since their song "Monster" has garnered over 2.6 million sales. It was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA, was the number one streaming Christian song of 2015, and was the number eight streaming rock song of 2015.[88]

Year Award Nominee Category Result Source
2002 GMA Dove Awards "Alien Youth" Rock Song of the Year Nominated
Alien Youth Modern Rock Recorded Song of the Year Nominated
2003 "Vapor" Hard Music Recorded Song of the Year Nominated
2004 "Savior" Modern Rock Recorded Song of the Year Nominated
2005 Grammy Award Collide Best Rock Gospel Album Nominated
2007 Comatose Nominated
GMA Dove Awards Rock Album of the Year Nominated
"Rebirthing" Rock Song of the Year Nominated
Skillet Artist of the Year Nominated
2008 "Comatose" Rock Song of the Year Won
Skillet Artist of the Year Nominated
2009 Group of the Year Nominated
Comatose Comes Alive Rock Album of the Year Nominated
Long Form Music Video of the Year Nominated
2010 Skillet Artist of the Year Nominated
Group of the Year Nominated
"Hero" Rock Song of the Year Nominated
Short Form Music Video of the Year Nominated
"Monster" Nominated
Awake Rock Album of the Year Nominated
2011 Billboard Music Award Christian Album Won
2011 GMA Dove Awards "One Day Too Late" Rock Song of the Year Nominated
"Lucy" Rock Song of the Year Nominated
2012 Drummies! Award Jen Ledger Rising Star Won
Independent Drummer Nominated
2013 GMA Dove Awards "Sick of It" Rock Song of the Year Won
We Love Awards Song of the Year Won
Skillet Rawkfist Award (Best Rock Group) Won
Group of the Year Nominated
John Cooper Best Lead Singer Nominated
Rise Album of the Year Won
Loudwire Music Awards Rock Album of 2013 Won [89]
HM Awards Best Album Won [90]
Skillet Best Band Won [90]
Best HM Cover Won [90]
2014 Billboard Music Award Christian Artist Nominated
Rise Christian Album Nominated
Dove Awards Rock Album of the Year Won
"Not Gonna Die" Rock Song of the Year Won
2015 "Good to Be Alive" Won

References

  1. ^ CCMMagazine.com: Skillet Closes Out 2007 With Grammy Nomination. Retrieved March 13, 2008.
  2. ^ "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". Retrieved July 15, 2016.
  3. ^ "Music News, May 2011: Skillet Scores First Billboard Music Award for "Top Christian Album" with Gold – Certified AWAKE". Jesusfreakhideout.com. May 24, 2011. Retrieved March 23, 2013.
  4. ^ "Skillet – "Alien Youth" Album EPK". YouTube. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  5. ^ a b Shari Lloyd. "Skillet – a Review of The Phantom Tollbooth". Tollbooth.org. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  6. ^ Interview at MusicFaith Archived December 1, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ a b "Skillet - Chart history". Billboard. September 12, 2009. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  8. ^ "New Drummer: Drummer Lori Peters leaves skillet, Replaced by Jen Ledger – Jan 23, 2008". crossrhythms.co.uk. January 2008.
  9. ^ a b Skillet News Archived November 7, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ Skillet News Archived August 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". Retrieved September 30, 2016.
  12. ^ "Awake and Alive with Skillet". May 6, 2010.
  13. ^ "CCM – April 2009". Nxtbook.com. April 2009. pp. 4–5. Retrieved July 29, 2009.
  14. ^ "The Band Skillet "AWAKE" on ABC News Radio". YouTube. February 3, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  15. ^ "Rockband – April 2010 [12]". Rockband.com. April 2010. Retrieved April 2, 2010.
  16. ^ "Awake – Skillet". Billboard. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  17. ^ "41st Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees announced | The Tennessean". Blogs.tennessean.com. February 18, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  18. ^ "Part 520". Ardent Records. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  19. ^ "Skillet | All Access Rock Music Magazine". Allaccessmagazine.com. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  20. ^ "The One with a New Member – Skillet Podcast". YouTube. August 15, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  21. ^ "Skillet, "iTunes Session" Review". Jesusfreakhideout.com. November 12, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  22. ^ "Music News, November 2010: SKILLET'S MASSIVE HIT "MONSTER" GOES GOLD AS BAND RACKS UP ANOTHER No. 1 SINGLE". Jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  23. ^ "Important Message from Skillet". February 14, 2011. Retrieved February 14, 2011.
  24. ^ "Ben Kasica (BenKasica) on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved July 6, 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ "Skillet's New Guitarist Is... – Discussion Detail". skillet.com. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  26. ^ John Cooper (March 2, 2011). "Skillet "Awake And Remixed" EP Album Art!". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved March 2, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ "Skillet Scores First Billboard Music Award And Lands Coveted Spot on Transformers 3 Soundtrack! – Blog Detail". skillet.com. May 26, 2011. Archived from the original on August 9, 2011. Retrieved July 6, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ John Cooper. "We r rehearsing new music". Twitter. Retrieved June 22, 2011.
  29. ^ "Skillet's John Cooper talks about WinterJam event at BOK". Tulsa World. February 23, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2012.
  30. ^ "Get the inside scoup with CCM Magazine's "In the Studio" feature on Skillet! - Skillet Official Blog". Skillet.com. February 13, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  31. ^ "Skillet- Backstage Interview Live from Ford Arena Beaumont, Texas". YouTube. Retrieved January 28, 2013.[dead link]
  32. ^ "Skillet New Album "Rise" May 2013 Release". March 15, 2013.
  33. ^ "Upcoming Christian Music New Releases". NewReleaseTuesday.com. March 19, 2013. Retrieved March 23, 2013.
  34. ^ "New Album RISE coming June 25!". Skillet.com. March 27, 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  35. ^ "Skillet Frontman John Cooper on Their Next Album: 'We've All Been Listening to More Edgier, Indie, Alt Bands'". February 6, 2013.
  36. ^ "Rock Future Releases | Rock Music Radio Songs' Release Dates". AllAccess.com. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  37. ^ ""Sick of It" Teaser and Photo Submissions". Skillet. March 7, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  38. ^ Caulfield, Keith. "Wale Scores First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard.com. Retrieved July 5, 2013.
  39. ^ "Gold & Platinum Search Results for Skillet". riaa.com. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  40. ^ "Skillet Rocks Late Night Audiences with their Performance of "Rise" on CONAN". July 12, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
  41. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 16, 2013. Retrieved 2013-10-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  42. ^ "Vital Signs". Last.fm. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  43. ^ "Skillet Announces European Album "Vital Signs" and European Tour Details". Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  44. ^ Chad Childers (February 16, 2015). "Skillet 'Halfway There' in Writing Next Studio Album".
  45. ^ "Skillet Music". Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  46. ^ "Amazon.com: Unleashed: Skillet: MP3 Downloads". Retrieved May 21, 2016.
  47. ^ "Skillet Releases New Single, New Album Available For Pre-Order". Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  48. ^ "Skillet Premieres New Single "Stars"". Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  49. ^ "Skillet Music". Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  50. ^ "Skillet Music". Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  51. ^ a b Ankeny, Jason. "Skillet – Artist Biography". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  52. ^ a b c Vitoulis, Alex (July 9, 2013). "Skillet Performs, Talks Crossover Success in Chart Beat Meet & Greet (Video)". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  53. ^ a b Newman, Melinda (June 24, 2013). "Skillet's 'Rise' burns with intensity: Album review". HitFix. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  54. ^ a b c Kupiszewski, Ben (September 11, 2009). "Skillet's back and pissed off". MOVE Magazine. The Maneater. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
  55. ^ Schoof, Dustin (January 11, 2010). "Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd and Skillet to rock Stabler Arena". lehighvalleylive.com. PennLive. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
  56. ^ DiBiase, John (January 3, 1998). "Skillet Hey You, I Love Your Soul Review". jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved March 1, 2011.
  57. ^ "Skillet Artist Profile | Biography And Discography". NewReleaseToday. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  58. ^ Christopher Monger, James. "Skillet - Rise". Allmusic. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  59. ^ "IGN: Breaking Benjamin Fall Tour Schedule". Music.ign.com. July 13, 2007. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  60. ^ CCMMagazine.com, Skillet Announces Spring Comatose Tour Archived January 19, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  61. ^ "Awake & Alive Tour". skillet.com. Retrieved August 9, 2009.
  62. ^ "Skillet Announce New Tour With Shinedown And Puddle of Mudd". TuneLab. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  63. ^ "SHINEDOWN, PUDDLE OF MUDD, SKILLET TEAMING FOR 2010 TREK | 93.3 WMMR: Everything That Rocks". Wmmr.com. November 17, 2009. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  64. ^ [1] Archived January 14, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  65. ^ "Awake and Alive Tour". Itickets.com. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  66. ^ "Skillet 2011 Tour Dates – Christian Rockers Skillet on Tour". Christianmusic.about.com. May 11, 2011. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  67. ^ "Creed | Gratis muziek, tourneedata, foto's, video's". Myspace.com. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  68. ^ "Papa Roach and Skillet Announce Co-Headlining US Monsters of Annihilation Tour". Marketwire.com. August 24, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  69. ^ "Winter Wonder Slam 2011". Winterwonderslam.com. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  70. ^ Cooper, John. "John Cooper Quote". Retrieved July 8, 2011.
  71. ^ "Past Tours & Events – Skillet". Red Ant Touring. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
  72. ^ "Parachute 2011 -Artists". Parachutemusic.com. February 3, 2011. Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved July 6, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  73. ^ "Skillet To Headline Winter Jam 2012". Pollstar. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  74. ^ "A Night at WinterJam 2012 | AN EXCLUSIVE NRT TOUR REPORT". NewReleaseTuesday.com. January 26, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  75. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on July 8, 2013. Retrieved 2013-06-23. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  76. ^ "Skillet announces upcoming performance on Conan July 11 and plans to tour with Nickelback overseas this fall! - Skillet Official Blog". Skillet.com. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  77. ^ "Russia tour". Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  78. ^ "The Roadshow 2014 Lineup to Feature Skillet, Third Day, Andy Mineo, Jamie Grace and More - Skillet Official Blog". Skillet Official Website. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  79. ^ "Spring tour with Third Day". Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  80. ^ "Summer shed tour". Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  81. ^ "international summer tour". Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  82. ^ "Skillet To Play 2014 Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival - Skillet Official Blog". Skillet.com. June 17, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  83. ^ "European fall tour". Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  84. ^ "Winter Jam 2015 Lineup Announced: Skillet Headlines Tour as Event Celebrates 20th Year". Christian Music, Christian Music News, BREATHEcast. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  85. ^ "GRAMMY® Nominated Skillet Embarks On International Summer Festival Tour Hitting UK's Download, Germany's Rock Am Ring & Rock Im Park And More". Skillet Official Website. Retrieved May 16, 2016.
  86. ^ "Skillet Announce 2016 U.S. Tour Dates". Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  87. ^ "Skillet Book 2017 Tour With Sick Puppies + Devour the Day". Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  88. ^ "Skillet's "Monster" Recognized As Biggest Digital Single In Christian Music History". Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  89. ^ "Skillet Win Best Rock Album in the Loudwire Music Awards". Loudwire. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  90. ^ a b c "Best Band, Best Album, Best HM Cover - Skillet - The HM Awards". YouTube. Retrieved October 29, 2014.