"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.