Skillet Hits #1 at Mainstream Active Rock Radio

By Ariel R. Rey, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Skillet recently bolted its way to #1 at Mainstream Active Rock Radio outlets nationwide.

The Christian rock band sold more than 1.5 million digital sales of their hit song, "Hero," which received the RIAA Gold certification in just 10 months. The band also won the # 5 slot for the 20 Hardest Working Bands of 2010 for its 166 tour dates and 72,000 miles traveled. Lady Gaga stands at number seven with 159 concerts and 89,000 miles traveled.

The Grammy nominated band's Awake album debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Top 200, sold over 67,000 units and peaked at No.1 on iTunes Top Albums charts and Top Rock chart.

The band's reaction to having a #1 single on a mainstream radio is one of surprise.

Lead vocalist and bassist John Cooper commented, "You know, the ride we've been on with this album has just been beyond incredible, and to have this song in particular hit #1 makes it even more so since it's about living what you believe. For it to have become such a hit, well, it's just beyond anything I could have imagined."

Their song "Hero" has won television space, including during the NFL's Sunday Night Football, NFL Weekend Kickoff promos, and on ESPN and was recently featured on FOX Sports's "The Daytona 500: The American Dream."

While one of the band members, Ben Kasica, left last month to pursue other projects, Skillet will continue their Avalanche Tour. Their next stop will be in Temple, Ariz., with the last show being on May 8 in Jacksonville, Fla.