Skillet's Wedding Ring Tattoos: Today's Culture Doesn't Value Commitment

#JohnCooper and #KoreyCooper of #Skillet tell the stories behind some of their #tattoos.
This video was shot on location at the 2019 #Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio.
For info on the 2020 Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival, visit here: www.inkcarceration.com​
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[@xxkornmetalxx]

He gets to rock out with his wife on stage every night. What a blessing.

[@donniebrookins6215]

And Jen Ledger too

[@chrismobiliophotography5743]

Skillet is a Christian band to be honest

[@stevelam7355]

chrismobiliophotography and?

[@chrismobiliophotography5743]

@@stevelam7355 No they acutely are a Christian band. :)

[@macias7125]

Bruh that’s the best blessing a man with a good wife could have

[@QueYoshiyuki]

He talks like a youth pastor. like his general tone of voice. Which is funny cause the first time I heard skillet was in youth group.

[@eladiocofresi5202]

I had the chance to meet them for Comic Con, and what I love is how down to earth and approachable they are.

[@hyenahammock451]

I got like 69

[@madisonsalter4527]

I kind of have the same story! One of our youth workers asked me to go and talk to this new kid (who is now my best friend/boyfriend), and as we were talking he saw the Night of Joy poster on our wall and walked over and started talking about what setlist they would have and that kind of stuff. Of course, since I was a little freaked out at the time (because as an introvert it was hard to find someone I genuinely enjoyed talking to), I pretended to know Skillet. I don't remember much else from around that time, but we always joke that we met because of them (really it was that youth worker but we wouldn't have become friends at all if it weren't for the band)

[@nicolelylewis]

Same! Rebirthing :)

[@wreality4712]

I love these two as a married couple and as the bold Christian band that they are.

[@Talix.]

John is such a genuine guy. You can tell how deeply religious he is but he doesn't push it on anyone else. I'm not religious so I really appreciate that. I've seen Skillet live three times now and am going to see them again in 2020!

[@spikeyjacketgod]

Talix WoW how is performing in a Christian rock band that tours the world not pushing religion on people. The only difference between him and a missionary is he pretends to be a rockstar. The second half of this video is him grandstanding about marriage. If you don’t see how that’s pushy, you’re blind homie.

[@gman2015z]

@@spikeyjacketgod he's got 17 likes and counting. I know someone has to always play the killjoy but come on man, the commenter didn't mean anything wrong by it. You're confusing Skillet with something else. Stop coming to videos to spread hate cuz thats all you're doing.

[@spikeyjacketgod]

SCP-049 not an atheist, but ok

[@MementoMori1775]

@@spikeyjacketgod So by your logic, secular/atheist bands are doing the exact same thing lmfao.

[@spikeyjacketgod]

TheOldBreed travel the world playing music with Christian themes like Skillet? No they don’t. Blow me.

[@alieellersmith]

"It's permanent, just like I feel about you" AAAAAAWWWWWWW

[@devonpearson3321]

Commitment is extremely rare now days every time I've fallen for someone they always seem to leave

[@devonpearson3321]

What is life without anyone to love in your heart

[@gittyupalice96]

@@devonpearson3321 You get what you give. That's my problem, I struggle to give the world what I should.

[@devonpearson3321]

@@gittyupalice96 the thing is I've always tried not expecting anything in return

[@devonpearson3321]

After the last one something broke metaphorically speaking

[@tchristian04]

“We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst” -C.S. Lewis

[@SnoWman7171]

what do you mean? is it quote from the video or do you mean this couple?

[@tchristian04]

@@SnoWman7171 the quote I referenced is from C.S. Lewis' book called "The Abolition of Man." I referenced it because of the title of this video and what they say in it which is that our culture no longer values commitment to an ideal. In the book written almost a hundred years ago, Lewis explains that modern education was indoctrinating people to believe that all value judgments are subjective, which basically means that there are no such thing as real values. He said this would create "men without chests," or in other words heartless people who see no real difference between right/wrong, or good/evil. He then argued that after removing people's hearts, the education system would recondition people to have a completely different set of values, which in the end will destroy society and bring about the Abolition of Man. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qomYlmmbiNCUg8U

[@SnoWman7171]

@@tchristian04 alright, thanks for taking your time to explain:D

[@SnoWman7171]

@@tchristian04 i just wasn´t sure if you were referring to this couple as "traitors" because you know many christians get really pissed with earrings and tattoos and stuff. anyway i hope you have a nice day!

[@tchristian04]

Henri Aarnila earrings and tattoos don’t bother me

[@mikestanislaus1107]

I sincerely hope that these two hold on to their faith, for faith will keep them together. 22 years together is awesome!

[@penzotoko6619]

Know what else keeps people together? Honesty and communication. Don't need a bible for that.

[@idunbeezasmart1]

@@penzotoko6619 Nope, it's faith. Honesty and communication are meaningless if two people do not serve something greater than themselves.

[@Lea-ep1bi]

idunbeezasmart1 Both of my parents aren't religious and they have been together for 28 years. Studies have also shown that Atheist marriages often last longer and are more stable. www.salon.com/test/2013/11/01/atheist_marriages_may_last_longer_than_christian_ones_partner/ Now, I won't stop anyone from marrying someone and I won't stop my partner from believing in any kind of god, but let's actually stay factual when we talk about this.

[@Antonychief7]

@@idunbeezasmart1 well said

[@wilsonazuelo442]

@@Lea-ep1bi //Studies have shown that atheists marriages often last longer and more stable// For sure it's a bias drop link.

[@chimakalu41]

4:20 22 years married wow. God-bless you both.

[@deanarupe73]

I love their commitment. My husband I a drummer and I'm a guitarist. We met when I played in my death metal band and his band rehearsed across from us. He eventually joined band and then we formed our own. We've been together for 15 yes and have a 13 yr old daughter who sings and plays guitar. He considers my 23 yr old son his son and my son says that's the only dad he's known. Music definitely kept us together. That's how we bond. John is absolutely right about the lack of commitment today. I love Skillet. I'm 46 and my husband is 50. Your always be metal. It's universal.

[@crankysports]

Marriage should be a lifetime commitment. Bravo! You guys are probably my favorite band, can't believe you're still rocking it after all these years, and still putting out better album after better album! I haven't seen you live since Seether and Shinedown back in like 2007 in Lowell Mass i think, but sometime I'll get to another show!

[@InkAndPoet]

It's true. Once you get a tattoo, you'll probably be thinking about what you want to get next. I can speak from experience. It was painful, but I loved it.

[@thomasmoriarty04]

After hearing your story, I wanna get a tattoo knowing about your experience

[@Backyardmech1]

I got my first and only 10 years ago and I still think about getting another one. I just haven’t had the disposable cash, or best idea yet. Just so you know I got something that was about 6x6 with a lot of shading on one of my pecs. Probably a lot for a first timer under the needle gun, but it wasn’t that bad IMO.

[@Cammmmmm653]

Avenue Teal that’s how it is. i got my first and planned on that being my only one for a while, but as soon as i was done i was planning on what i wanted to do next 😂 i’m now about to start #6 on the year. it’s addicting

[@benji45645]

There's actually an entertaining term for it in Russian, translated to "blue disease" or "blue addiction".

[@InkAndPoet]

@@benji45645 hmmm. Interesting.

[@stretchopotomus2385]

Loudwire, thank you for not being scared of awesome Christian metal!

[@breakthrough1001]

You know the denounced they're faith.

[@bloodjunkie1919]

@@breakthrough1001 source? Couldn't find a single source saying they renounced their faith anywhere. The only thing I found was when John Cooper talked about the brave mfs who were leaving Christianity.

[@crypticjim]

Now there is an oxymoron

[@FISHYFILMPRODUCTIONS]

@@breakthrough1001 if you are talking this www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/entertainment/2019/august/we-need-to-value-truth-over-feeling-skillets-john-cooper-reacts-to-christian-leaders-renouncing-faith That wasn't him denouncing his faith.

[@mayelinesantana]

Weren't they Christian rock?

[@patrickcuddy4065]

I love their devotion to loyalty. As someone who’s been cheated on in ever relationship of mine this far it’s nice to see people who still value monogamy.

[@dizzysic2587]

Every relationship, huh? Either you're exaggerating or you really need to stop and take a look at what's going on..

[@patrickcuddy4065]

Dizzy Sic Looks like we’ve got a cheater here ladies and gentlemen.

[@dizzysic2587]

@@patrickcuddy4065 What? 😂😂 What gives you that impression? Cheating is low and I've had it happen to me.. in no way do I advocate cheating.. and I'd have to attempt to get a relationship before i could attempt to cheat.. not that I would.. you need to look at yourself and your partner(s) and attempt to adapt.

[@justthunderbolt40]

Monogamy has nothing to do with loyalty. The worst part of cheating isn't the sex, but the betrayal of trust: mono or poly, loyalty is crucial in a relationship.

[@barbaravance6774]

@@justthunderbolt40 But the sex part is a betrayal. Sex is the most intimate thing you can do with a person.

[@evildoesnotsleep-x2b]

this rockstar pair is awesome

[@michallukac4668]

As a religious person, I really enjoy seeing Christians in metal!

[@toyotaecw]

If it wasn’t for Christianity, there would be no black metal🤘

[@ndhickson3599]

Ben doverman ooooh we got an edge lord over here

[@glozzomtu]

Skillet isn't exactly metal

[@Krrrimmi]

BLACK SABBATH are Christian. That's why they have BIG crosses on their necks. (According to Tony Iommi, those actually were amulets.) 😈😇😊

[@brendanzio]

@@glozzomtu John and Seth started a metal side project called Fight the Fury. I recommend checking it out.

[@gotoscentgirl]

My husband and I got tattoo weeding rings for our 17 anniversary. He kept losing his ring and I'm a lifeguard so I didnt wear mine...it made me sad so he surprised me for our anniversary ❤ and now I wear it everywhere 😁

[@perceivedpal3888]

What you did is not biblical.

[@JSkeleton]

Skillet is awesome. Great group of genuine, big hearted people. Killer music.

[@Merdicano]

Definitely, even if there's people that aren't fans of them because of their two albums, I have no regrets in loving then because it has uplifted me in the best way possible, and because how great of people they are

[@CineMasterDamian]

1:42 DID SHE JUST SAY HALESTORM?! The fact that two of my all-time favorite bands toured together at some point in the past is just F*CKING AWESOME!!!

[@Merdicano]

Same!, I just came back to Halestorm after so long, and I'm I did

[@MrRomulon]

just came to this moment, I dreamed for them to play together (so I could watch it, most preferably having a show together in my country heh) and to find out they did!? That's amazing!

[@eXdXgXe4life]

As a person of an unwanted divorce, I highly respect the mentality.

[@eXdXgXe4life]

@Andy Salter you're right. It takes one person to cheat, and another to fill out the divorce papers.

[@tituscara9878]

@@eXdXgXe4life sorry you got cheated on, that crap can haunt you... it's been over a year and I still cant shake it.. either way hope you finding healing!:)

[@JoybuzzerX]

@Andy Salter Except when one goes into it lying and/or planning for divorce. One can do everything, while the other doesn't care. It really only takes one to do a divorce.

[@daveharrington1393]

My divorce is a blessing. God can remove harmful people out of your life and sometimes it's the one you thought itd never be.

[@daveharrington1393]

Andy you do realize that Skillet is a Christian group. I'm not even a die hard believer myself but it would be a safe assumption to think that someone who...you know what? Naw I'm done explaining. It wasnt aimed at you so screw it.

[@silverveganbrown964]

My husband and I both have our rings tattooed also 30 years and counting!

[@TheSerpent21]

Respect for John and Korey doing what they love with each other and still together. Still in love. Somewhat rare nowadays.

[@Creighster]

It's true that I've outgrown skillet. They where my favorite band growing up but I've moved on to heavier, more mature music and their last two albums I found really boring musically and corny lyrically. After giving their last album a spin and hearing how cheesy it was and how much it sounded like Imagine Dragons, I was embarrassed to say that I ever even liked the band. That said, watching these interviews, I still think they are great people. Perfect example of what a Christians SHOULD BE! They stay true to their convictions, don't hesitate to tell people about their faith when asked, but at the same time they are not judgmental or trying to force anybody to believe anything or do anything. It's kinda an unpopular idea in rock/metal and today's culture but I couldn't agree more with their stance on marriage! Seeing them live out their commitment and be proud of it is really encouraging! But at the same time, you do you its your life live it how you want to! So they are not my favorite band anymore but I still feel lucky to have grown up with John and Korey as roll models and I am supper thankful to have had the band Skillet in my life growing up! No shame in saying that I was a panhead for almost 10 years!

[@jeffsabados8075]

Cray Outdoors if you like heavier rock, I recommend John Cooper’s side project, Fight The Fury. They released an album a year or so ago, called Still Breathing.

[@Merdicano]

Its quite alright, I guess I became a fan in the worse time possible because I really enjoyed their last albums, but I understand where are you coming from because you've listened to them for such a long time more than me; I definitely agree how great John and Korey are as people, even though there's subtle themes on their songs, they've never forced anyone on their religion, and that's the way it is

[@Merdicano]

@Elijah Taylor I wouldn't say that I outgrow any band or artist because I do, just as yourself, love the music of the bands I follow, but its okay to understand where some fans that have outgrow some bands and artists come from because they've listened to them for such a long time, its all about how you see the music you like, although I do disagree as well on sounding like Imagine Dragons, never once I thought they sounded like them, and I'm a fan of ID (again, just my tastes)

[@Merdicano]

@Elijah Taylor Exactly, its all a matter of what our music tastes are like, specially because we can't like everything

[@CAM-je7kw]

I seen them twice in Ohio at the alive music Festival when I was a Christian. Even talked to John. I've outgrown both now apparently. Their lyrics have become repeaty and predictable. I still like the old obviously and click when new comes out but wasn't impressed with the new. I moved onto Avatar which unfortunately their new song sucked. Just like the other bands LOL today's music is sucky IMO.

[@southernbelle1780]

Love Skillet. My husband and I married when I was 17, he was 19. We both initially had cheap gold bands, but later pawned them in a terrible economy. I kept my little diamond he got me, but he tattooed his wedding band on his ring finger (first letter of my name) and I would have also, but just never liked the idea of tattoos on my hands or fingers. Love that man tho and we're 20 years strong. Glad to see other's enjoying the married life also!

[@TheSonsOfSimon]

That’s literally the first time I have heard John’s wife speak! They are so cool and down to earth.

[@brandongrazioso]

Who else is seeing skillet live in 2020?

[@dragonriderxx7yt268]

I want too

[@hannahthejesusgirl23]

Brandon Grazioso I DID!! It was amazing

[@brandongrazioso]

Hannah Safrit nice! Which show did you see

[@dantai21]

Wow they have been married for 22 yers that’s a good commitment

[@125jesusfreak]

literally the most wholesome interview ever haha

[@theblackcanary7840]

You guys are awesome John and Kori . Can't wait to see you in Portland ,Maine on the 11th 🎶😁😁

[@jessy_leoxaunee3417]

I've been a fan of skillet since i was 1 year old

[@lilyvee923]

Seeing them this saturday! Cant wait

[@AmericanStret]

What a inspiration!! You guys are amazing personally and musically!!

[@angelangel-ru5nx]

I love you guys. Especially you John because you know the right words to say

[@tattoolover5753]

I love skillet so much and I love these guys, they are so lucky to do what they do and do that together it's so sweet

[@MattStunts18]

I can’t tell if theirs a green screen or not

[@barbaravance6774]

It is the venue for the concert. But, it does look very green screenish.

[@emilycaskie5300]

It's a real abandoned prison, I don't know which one bit I'd have to guess it's Eastern State Penitentiary

[@Bearded_big_man1987]

Love this!!

[@shanesimon1676]

Got to meet them at the airport..took a pic as well. Nice peeps!

[@Edman459]

That’s so wholesome I love it!

[@PiperMcPhersonTheWren]

See them live, they put on a good show. I remember their music from way back in the day.

[@freakshow1694]

I love this band so much!!!!

[@ffionlowri8569]

Has anyone noticed that Seth their guitar player has hit wedding ring tattooed. And it’s his only tattoo.

[@davidogundipe808]

It's ok for them to have wedding ring tattoos as it is eases the burden on your finger and it's easy to remember you are married.

[@OlinKreutzRules]

David Ogundipe You need a “reminder”???

[@ForceOfVader]

Met John a couple weeks ago in Myrtle Beach at a show and he's an ultra nice guy, Skillet killed it that night too!

[@txfireeyes]

Awesome! I love her Cure shirt!!

[@hillsbillies21]

Their faces on the thumbnail 😂😂😂

[@ramblingrimkus7204]

Yes,, I totally agree..my husband and I think that way too, the Marine corps just changed where we can have a tattooed wedding band..we just have to decide what style! Love this video 💕 To God be the Glory!

[@cellogirl11rw55]

I would really love to meet these guys. They are a huge inspiration to me. 😍

[@thebodgingbigfoot4014]

YEAH!!!!!!!! CONGRATS YALL! couldn't agree more.

[@jamesthefisherman1060]

They haven’t aged too bad over the last 20 years

[@rexwillson8775]

So true I got my first one over the summer and I’m already planning on three more😂

[@FlyingV555]

Rex Willson just careful to not tattoo anything that looks like shit

[@arbitool]

Much love for this band.

[@jessicagill1299]

John when did you get married you're so beautiful and sweet kind and brave you have the best kids ever i heart skillet lol 😀❤

[@purdylicous6473]

One of my favourite bands for years. Wish they would make another album like comatose though, their best album in my opinion.

[@justinwilder3514]

That’s so cool, I have my wedding date tattooed as my ring, I didn’t know they did it too!

[@justinmorgan4568]

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting these two on the San Antonio river walk by complete chance right after graduating Air Force BMT. Not gonna lie I was star struck haha. Been listening to Skillet since I was a kid. It's unfortunate that I didn't get a picture....

[@rogerjones6033]

My wife Ursula and I will celebrate our 21st on 102821...but without the tattoos...I'll be 62 100621 and I get to rock (I'm a singing drummer like Jen is) on church stage with her every Sunday morning as our church worship leaders. I'm putting out a "Lions" drum cover sometime soon with me singing John's part, not Jen's!

[@JeffMcCormack777]

Skillet is the bomb! Love the band, the music, the people - this just solidifies how great they are as humans.

[@ervaozturk6261]

They are so cute together😍❤️

[@STRThermal]

Amen, love Skillet.

[@angelangel-ru5nx]

You guys constantly remind me of to walk by faith

[@isaacmoody1187]

Thank you very much for all your inspirational hope and your words. God has blessed you use your voice for what it was intended for to do his will. Praise God

[@trinchezito1383]

Whispers in the Dark

[@madisonsalter4527]

My dad had a guy in his platoon who got tattoos of his wedding ring with his wife. She cheated on him, they separated, and then HE CUT THE PIECE OF SKIN WITH THE TATTOO OFF AND MAILED IT TO HER

[@rebajean94lala]

That's so metal 😂

[@freerunning2Him]

That is so hard core. Much respect.

[@bigboss7681]

That’s pretty sick, bro

[@ItsPumaPuma]

Helll yeah

[@jessy_leoxaunee3417]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!! OMG!! i love skillet!

[@jorgeloya6420]

I would get the same tattoo as Jhon but he already got it.. Skillet rocks... Great people great artists..💯

[@chickfinnegan8969]

In a world of Cardi B's, be a Skillet.

Those guys are awesome

[@mikezeke7041]

Love the Coopers

[@johnjumper7066]

A wonderful guy named Ken Steort started that band it would be neat to have an interview with him. He has the Visible School in Memphis where he teaches young adults about music and ministry.

[@melissameeks37]

Luv this

[@El098]

I love this couple.

[@michaeltrotter329]

I've always wanted to do this.

[@maryruthharrill9910]

Y'all are awesome

[@samanthaz.5923]

I have that same Cure t-shirt. 😁

[@jeremiahyoung138]

So true

[@danielhuff6979]

I love Skillet

[@jamesallen6726]

Im a huge skillet fan, ive been to three concerts

[@grimeyhonkyracing3938]

Not a skillet fan but i like this dude

[@mattreese2]

Probably one of the most true things I’ve ever seen in a title.

[@robinbell2073]

My friend put your hot tub in your yard. Loved seeing you guys at Studio East 🤘

[@jolielgamez8076]

John and Korey look so much better now than what they looked back in the day

[@DJcyberslash]

Still waiting for them to go on tour with Slipknot, SOAD, and Korn.

[@madie6887]

I saw them in concert!

[@Sk8rboyonwh33lz_69]

4:26 a tiny part of me thought I was about to see John do something that I thought he’d bever do on camera but I was mistaken.😆

[@micaelaferreyro7594]

I love this couple

[@MansterBear]

The first tattoo was a huge one below the elbow. Nice. I did a big cross on my back. Glad I didn't go small "since it was my first", but I also know I didn't (and maybe still don't) have the balls to go below elbow... yet.

[@rayyannawwab1399]

why does every artist that looks so depressed and serious but so fun and funny irl

[@boston1111111]

I'm a mechanic/fabricator . I had to get my ring tattooed on my finger because of the countless times I almost had my finger yanked off.

[@anthonyfranco3854]

I’ve got a hero living in me 💪

[@johnathensapien1071]

My favorite band when I was a kid and pod my mom threw out all my other music haha Christian Life 😂

[@tylerclark1801]

She’s a cure fan❤️

[@GrimBeakington]

People wonder why I love hardcore metal and that I’m an atheist, yet I also really like this band. I used to listen to their music all the time, and although I don’t as much anymore, I still really respect these guys as musicians. All the band members seem so genuine and down to Earth

[@sinister9936]

well they are christians and in todays society and havuing faith in something greater than yourself is what keeps you in line ive beem in that path not believing in christianity and religions and my eyes are opened

[@garyfee2867]

That's like the coolest thing ever in all kinds of way bro.

[@nothingtoseehere177]

"doesn't value commitment".. aren't you guys on your sixth guitarist!? haha

[@FlyingV555]

dahippness counting their current guy they have had 4 guitarists

[@falloutboyfan555]

That was the not point but ok..

[@Creighster]

Considering they have been around since the 90's I think only having 4-6 guitarists is actually a pretty good track record for a 25 year period. It's a very demanding job that requires being on the road constantly, the vast majority of people want to settle down as they get older. As far as I know all of their guitarists have left on their own accord because they wanted to settle down and spend time with family, pursue other interests, ect. In fact Skillet's most recent guitarist Ben still works with the band, his company has produced most of their music videos in recent years and Skillet has helped use their platform to vouch for his company. Their certainly staying loyal to him even though he doesn't play guitar for them anymore.

[@IndividualMe]

No clue who skillet is but i have to AGREE WITH THE TITLE 100%. Thank you.

[@snisbet721]

Now at skillet concerts you can definitely raise your horns. You don't have to worry about people saying "ooooh that's a devil sign" and all that stuff

[@XInfamousBullet]

Love skillet

[@dianadorilace3030]

They are too cute😍🔥

[@bubbafang4510]

Met you at Jesus Fest years ago and time sure does fly FAST. God Bless and many more wonderful years together!

[@ursulakammermann2149]

Koreyyy

[@kenneyd1622]

I've got a ring tattoo as well. It gets very hot where I live and your hands swell from the heat making it unbearable to wear a ring. After 4 years of wearing them we just stopped wearing them one summer and then my wife suggested wedding ring tattoos for valentines day.so we got them.

[@user-gx4wi4cv2m]

That’s so cool!