Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Creed rocker on way to tour SA
Scott Stapp overcame mental illness and homelessness to make a comeback, writes SAMEER NAIK
JUST last year US rocker Scott Stapp made the startling revelation he was penniless, hungry, and homeless. But theformer lead vocalist of rock band Creed is back on his feet and heading to South Africa.
Now a solo artist, Stapp will perform in the country for the first time next month. He kicks off his tour in two weeks in Pretoria before heading to Joburg and Cape Town.
Stapp, 42, who co-founded and fronted Creed, achieved great success in the late 1990s with singles such as With Arms Wide Open, My Sacrifice, One Last Breath and Higher.
The band released three consecutive multi-platinum albums, of which Human Clay has been certified diamond, collectively selling over 53 million albums worldwide and becoming the ninth best-selling artist of the 2000s.
In 2001 With Arms Wide Open also won Creed a Grammy Award for best rock song.
Stapp chatted about his upcoming tour to South Africa.
“I am so excited to make my first trip to South Africa and meet all of my fans. I have heard that the music scene is thriving and I am happy that I get to be a part of it.”
Aside from his three shows he said he looked forward to exploring the cities. “And I definitely want to go on a safari.”
He said he had enjoyed touring and the opportunity to meet his fans from around the world. “This is long overdue. I have always wanted to visit South Africa and when I got the call that the fans wanted to see me I was thrilled and ready.”
After Creed went on a break he pursued a solo career in 2004. “My solo career has been really rewarding as I have been able to share my personal journey with my fans. It has been amazing to see their response and hear their personal stories, how they can relate to my music, and how it has helped them overcome their own struggles and demons.”
Stapp said working successfully with Creed and having a good solo career were both rewarding. “I loved being part of a group with guys that I am still very close to, and I have also enjoyed having a solo career where I was able to connect more with the fans.”
He described the past year as one of the most challenging in his life. “I had made a public mess and I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. While it was a huge struggle and I had to work through all of my demons, I have been lucky enough to have my wife, Jaclyn, stand by my side and help me through it.”
He said there was a possibility of doing a tour with the band when the time was right. “I really want us to come together from a pure place where everyone feels comfortable and we get back to the roots of how we started. I have so much respect for them, we have all grown artistically and I feel there is room for everything these days.”
He described working with Carlos Santana on his album Guitar Heaven as a unique experience.
“I was in my studio in Florida and Carlos all the way out in LA with the producer Howard Benson. We had to communicate a lot through Howard and the music. We were able to inspire each other with every piece of music we created. I feel honoured and humbled that I was able to record with one of the greatest artists.”
He said music had been key to handling his disorder.
“It has given me an outlet to express myself and it helps take away my pain. I have been able to put my struggle into lyrics and melodies which is not only therapeutic but also allows me to make a difference in my fan’s lives.”