Skillet’s John Cooper Defends Christian Rock Against ‘Demonic’ Criticism, Says Critics Misunderstand Gospel

John Cooper, frontman of the Christian rock band Skillet, has pushed back against believers who characterize hard rock as inherently demonic, arguing that such critics fundamentally misinterpret Christian doctrine. In comments to Fox News Digital, Cooper contended that the moral character of music depends on intent, lyrical content, and the performer’s spiritual stance rather than sound alone, insisting that those who hold such views are “getting the gospel wrong.”

Cooper emphasized that no musical genre inherently carries evil properties and that God bestowed creative expression as a gift to humanity. He rooted his argument in Christian theology, noting that believers understand humans as created in God’s image and therefore capable of producing beauty through artistic means, which he characterized as a “powerful gift of freedom” given to all people.

The musician revealed his personal familiarity with such opposition, having grown up in a household where his mother viewed loud guitars and drum beats as satanic influences. Cooper described his late mother, who died when he was 15, as “wonderful” despite her views, and said he approaches critics with understanding rather than hostility, recognizing they believe they are offering spiritual protection.

Skillet’s 2009 hit “Monster” recently became the first song by a Christian rock band to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify, a milestone that Cooper said surprised everyone. The track has accumulated over 4 billion global streams, part of the band’s broader success: Skillet has sold more than 23 million albums and maintains an average of 12 million monthly listeners on the platform.

Cooper attributed the song’s appeal to its relatability, suggesting that listeners—particularly teenagers experiencing anger and confusion during adolescence—connect with its themes of inner turmoil. He acknowledged that protesters sometimes appear outside his concerts labeling the band as “servants of the devil,” but he refrains from engaging with them, having concluded that dialogue would prove futile.