Tim Gaines
He laid down the thunderous, melodic bass lines that powered the glam-metal ministry of Stryper for over three decades.
Born 1962 (age 64)·Musical artist·Birthday: December 15·Baby Boomers
Biography
Tim Gaines emerged from the vibrant Los Angeles metal scene of the early 1980s, trading the typical rock and roll excess for a different kind of statement. As a founding member of Stryper, he wasn't just providing a rhythmic foundation; he was part of a visual and sonic spectacle that paired yellow-and-black spandex with overt Christian messaging, a combination that baffled mainstream critics but built a fervent global following. His bass work, often overlooked in the flash of the band's twin-guitar attack and vocal harmonies, was a crucial anchor, giving weight to their anthemic songs. His tenure with the band spanned their initial rise, a lengthy hiatus, and a successful reunion, making his departure in 2017 a significant moment for fans who had grown up with his steady presence on stage and in the studio.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Tim was born in 1962, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1962
#1 Movie
Lawrence of Arabia
Best Picture
Lawrence of Arabia
#1 TV Show
Beverly Hillbillies
Tim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1962Born
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1967Started school
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1975Became a teenager
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1978Could drive
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1980Could vote
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1983Turned 21
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1992Turned 30
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 40
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 50
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 60
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 64 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Served as the bassist for Stryper from its formation in 1983 until 2017, appearing on all their major studio albums.
- Performed on the band's 1986 album 'To Hell with the Devil,' which achieved platinum status and became a landmark in Christian rock.
- Contributed to Stryper's successful comeback in the 2000s following their reunion after a decade-long hiatus.
Did You Know?
He was originally a guitarist before switching to bass to join Stryper.
Gaines is a skilled pilot and has flown the band to concerts on tour.
He left Stryper in 2017 but rejoined briefly in 2018 before departing again.
“We threw Bibles into the crowd, but the music had to stand on its own.”
