View Single Post
Old 05-16-2010, 08:31 PM   #215
Dark_Knight
Dark_Knight's Avatar
USER INFO »
Status: Wound Up
Posts: 1,081
Joined: Mar 2004
Currently: Offline
Contact:  Send a message via MSN to Dark_Knight
Re: The Official Creed Press/TV Thread

"Scott Stapp Rocks Creed with New Heart Attitude"

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...rt.html?cat=33

Quote: Ten years ago, you could not tune in a radio station anywhere in the country without hearing Creed. Their anthems were on playlists from their grunge metal heritage to AM pop stations, and despite critical lambasting,
their music and its message connected with fans, and gave them a diehard following with a loyalty factor that Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga would love to dream of. Like so many others in the annals of rock-and-roll, though, their great rise led to a bitter fall, and sadly, a very public one for Scott Stapp as his personal struggles became vicious fodder for haters and former bandmates alike. His demons were not unlike those that entice and trap so many others in the industry, but he was different, and that made his battle all the harder.

Back in the day, when Mick and Keith were trading bottles, joints, and syringes, the cops might have been at the door, but TMZ was not there to film every stumble from a car, and YouTube did not exist to ensure that every slurred word was recorded for all to hear. Scott Stapp was not allowed any quiet mistakes—from his honeymoon to Casino cinema, to onstage, his legal substance-fueled "poor choices" were most definitely cries for help, but also on full public view. Many people in the music and faith community lost all hope in him, and he almost lost himself and his family through the stumbles and falls to accountability and recovery. Almost is the operative word, though. The powerful lyricist and singer has come to learn some priceless lessons on how a person of faith can face and win over addiction, and he has reconnected with God, family, fans and his band on a deeper level than ever.

"God has done amazing things in my life, with my children and my family," Stapp declared to Scott Steele, DJ at 94.5 ROCK in Spokane, Washington, during a recent interview. Stapp was graciously facing the music again, as Steele took him to the mat over a smashed 2002 performance, that so offended fans that Creed music was banned from the station. Stapp related that he did not blame fans in their response, and that he would be forever sorry that "they had to be part of that nonsense". At moments, the interview almost became a badgering, but Stapp stood firm and kept owning up, saying he only wanted to stand "before the band I respect so much and the fans I respect to give the best show ever" in the future. "I know I've had 20 chances, and I just thank God that He is so full of grace, and sees our hearts". Healing was a process, but took hold in band relationships, too. Stapp displayed his newfound redemption for audiences throughout last year's tour, and on the album, Full Circle, laying vocals more infused with power and conviction than a decade ago. The band was still tweaking the album for release while on the road last year, so new songs will be more prominent in the 20-10 Tour. "It's nothing of my own power," Stapp reiterates, "It's only the grace of Jesus Christ, and him becoming involved in my life, and being my Savior, and my family," that has led to redemption. Stapp and his wife, Jaclyn, have two children, and another son due in early July, just before Creed's tour launches full force. "How wonderful it is to live a life of substance, one that puts success in perspective, having peace of mind and trying to make a difference in this world....I've got a story to tell, and I'd like to share that heart attitude through Creed's music," he elaborates.

Stapp put action behind his words in January, when he joined with family and church members to bring medical relief to Haiti as part of the www.planetohaiti.org initiative. He and others coordinated logistics and travel of needed supplies, while his sister-in-law, Arkansas physician Dr. Janette Newsheiwat, treated patients.

While Creed music is assuredly polarizing for some, and not embraced by everyone, it definitely fills a very real void. The dilemma of defined Christian music is that those who need its message most may never come near it, so that however it edifies the faithful, it is essentially, truly "preaching to the choir". Creed's music more than touches on the conflicts and tough stuff within the life of faith. Look over the lyrics to "What If" or "What's This Life For" or the newer "Time" as a refresher. There won't be Bibles distributed after shows, but packed between Mark Tremonti's shredding solos and the words, heaping doses of hope, truth, redemption, and purpose are offered for all, no questions asked.

The band wants to give fans a bang for their buck, too, with the first 2, 010 seats at venues seats selling for $ 20. Information is available at www.creedworld.com. Following two May event dates in St. Augustine, FL and Concord, NC at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, the 20-10 Tour goes full force July 28- Sept 4 with 26 dates.
__________________

One Nation. Indivisible.
Reply With Quote