SCOTT STAPP

Creed singer on his latest solo offering

What film could your new set soundtrack?

George Orwell’s 1984 or the 40s movie, Gaslight. Interconnected themes – sci-fi and psychological thriller – that tie into events that were going on in my life.

With whom would you like to make a split 7”?

U2. They had a profound impact on me in my teens. Their music was very therapeutic in difficult times, and I’d love to create and write with them.

What’s the first vinyl record that you heard?

Neil Diamond, America, at my friend Robbie’s house, age seven. What was your first record?

I stole Def Leppard’s Pyromania cassette, age nine.

What records most influenced your style?

U2 The Joshua Tree, The Doors Greatest Hits.

What’s the oddest circumstance that inspired a song?

Late 1991, the first time that I experienced psychedelics, as a college freshman. I put on the Metallica ‘Black’ album, and I thought that I was a lion crawling around on the floor while listening to it. I listened to it for hours and eventually crawled onto my bed as the sun rose. Then I wrote the lyrics to the song that would eventually become Illusion.

What’s your most prized music item?

A Helios mixing console once owned by John Lennon and acquired from Lenny Kravitz. It needed a complete overhaul, and I spent two years refurbishing it with original components. I also made the colour sparkling Prince purple, in tribute to him.

Who’d you like to cover one of your songs?

With Arms Wide Open, with my daughter, Milan, on guitar, and my son, Daniel, on vocals.

Which of your songs is the most personally meaningful?

With Arms Wide Open, about fatherhood. All the expressions in it mean so much to me. I have daily reminders with three children, and a son married with a child. I feel personally connected every time I sing it, picturing my children and grandson.

What fact about you might surprise fans?

I was always considered by my peers a pretty good athlete, basketball and baseball player.

I still play basketball, and I’d love to get into one of Adam Sandler’s pickup games.

Which album, on first listen, is the most startling that you ever heard?

The Beatles Sgt Pepper.

Do you keep a diary?

Yes. I’m always documenting my life. Some of it becomes lyrics, other entries my personal daily monologue.

Did you ever have a life-changing Sliding Doors moment?

100 per cent. Literally! In high school, when I went to my first ever party as a senior, I was walking past some sliding glass doors and saw someone outside, alone, playing guitar. I opened the doors, and it was Mark Tremonti. “You play guitar?... I sing.” He goes, “Cool, man,” the doors shut, and I went back inside. Years later, we ran into each other when we were both looking to start a band. Had that moment not occurred, Creed may never have been born.

Scott Stapp Higher Power CD, LP, splatter LP are on Napalm.

“MEETING MARK TREMONTI WAS LITERALLY A SLIDING DOORS MOMENT!”