Creed' Scott Stapp coming to Reno

October 3 2010 Sacramento Bee

Creed lead singer Scott Stapp is "planting new roots" as he embarks on 12-date acoustic tour. The roots he's planted so far in his career are healthy – he just finished another sell-out tour with Creed.

"I'm going to include Creed songs, of course, but they'll be different. Doing 'Are You Ready?' and 'What If' acoustically creates a completely different vibe," Stapp said. "I can break down those early songs and show how they were written, and at the same time I'll be in that creative space where I can write songs live."

Stapp especially likes the casino atmosphere for this effort. The Creed tour took him to many casinos and they "work great. The fans come and take over. This tour will also allow me to get to know my fans, show them where I was in my life when these songs were written, and share my stories.

"And then, like I say, I'll create the exact formula to bring out my creative side. I'm looking to record any night," he said.

As Stapp spoke from his home, he was in another full-time mode – daddy. His new son is Daniel. Stapp and his wife pick their children's names with care. His 11-year-old son is Jagger Michael, but "I swear I had no idea of Mick Jagger when we named him. His name means 'sent by God' and Jagger has the English background of 'message carrier.' My wife is Jordanian and I am tied to half of their culture. Daniel means 'God is my judge.' My children are my blessing in life."

Stapp's tour is of the style of "VH1 Storytellers." He's a passionate songwriter, inspired by his own life. "With Arms Wide Open," the monster Creed hit, was written for Jagger Michael.

"I'm stripping down all the Creed hits, as well as my solo material, in a manner that fans have never heard before but have long been screaming for."

Stapp plays the Silver Legacy next Sunday night at 8 p.m. ($35, $55; 800-687-8733 or silverlegacy.com).