The City of Delray Beach's holiday festivities had a surprising postgrunge potency Thursday evening as Creed lead singer took the stage to sing Irving Berlin's "White Christmas." Popularized by Bing Crosby, the 70-year-old song has been past through the hands of countless musicians since, including Elvis Presley, the Supremes, Bob Marley, the New Kids on the Block, and Lady Gaga.
"I wanted to come rock with you guys," Stapp, dressed in a jacket and cap, said in a brief introduction. Although the picture quality of the video isn't great, it's clear right away whom we're dealing with.
Backed only by an acoustic guitar, he put his own stamp on the holiday classic immediately. Whereas some of the artists in the past have chosen melisma-rich swoops on the "I'm" beginning each stanza, the singer sped up the tune a bit and delivered his notes with some punch closer to Bruce Springsteen's take on "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town."
Some people will probably still rake Stapp over the holiday coals for this -- like they would for pretty much everything else he does -- but this version won't scare away wolves. It's loads better than Michael Bolton's rendition, we promise.
Follow County Grind on Facebook and Twitter: @CountyGrind.
