Back With Arms Wide Open

Jan. 22, 2016

The Return of Scott Stapp

The alternately feted and maligned ‘90s rock band, the weight of mental illness, the public breakdown, the estranged bandmates, the reality show — singer Scott Stapp’s been through it all, but the confessional nature of his music and the support of his family have revived his career.

DOWNWARD SPIRAL

If Stapp’s life to date sounds dramatic, that’s because it has been. His band, the postgrunge Florida-based outfit Creed, released two albums: 1997’s My Own Prison, which went platinum six times over, and 1999’s Human Clay, which doubled those numbers.

By 2000, probably due, in part, to conflicting reviews of their music (it’s both been critically acclaimed by publications like Slate and dismissed as “Christian aggression”), the band began to splinter. This set Stapp on a downward spiral of troubled times, during which he disappeared, driving across the country and making a plethora of questionable choices in his personal life, which led his wife to file for divorce.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2015, Stapp is now back on a better road and also back with his wife, whom he’s quick to credit for helping him manage his difficulties.

“Jaclyn has been my rock and guided me through an extremely difficult time,” Stapp said. “Having her stick by my side reminded me why I needed to fight and get through to the other side.”

So many people suffer from mental illness, as Stapp does; he emphasized that it’s better to address the problem sooner than later.

“Always know you’re not alone,” he said, “and don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.”

ROCK RESTORATION

Managing his bipolar illness with a combination of carefully-overseen prescription medication, diet, exercise and a 12-step program for sobriety, he’s rediscovered his purpose. His current Proof of Life Tour, he feels, is a testament to working through problems instead of giving up.

“My restored state has definitely affected my songwriting and I am excited to share the journey I have gone through with my fans. I hope to inspire them,” Stapp said.

Now a solo artist with one eye on a possible Creed reunion for the band’s 20th anniversary in 2017, Stapp’s presence on stage is as commanding as ever — all long strides, broad gestures and theatrical vocals.

Recording and touring as a solo act is “definitely different,” he said, but being more centered in his life offers a new focus.

“When I was on the road with the guys, I didn’t have other responsibilities,” he explained. “Now, while I love being on the road and seeing the fans, I am always excited to head home to see my family. I have always written songs, though, whether it was for Creed or for my solo albums, so that hasn’t changed.”

ENDURING SOUND

His sound hasn’t changed much, either, which is good news for fans who grew up with Creed and have extended their fandom to Stapp’s solo work.

“Only One” is his latest single and, unlike the metaphors that are scattered throughout many of his other tunes, this one is more direct, professing undying love. On tour, he performs that song as part of a balanced list drawing from both Creed’s albums and his own pair of solo records; fans are as likely to hear “Higher” or “My Sacrifice” as they are “Proof of Life” or “Hit Me More.”

For Stapp, the biggest thing may just be the fact that he’s once again standing on stage.

“The best and most rewarding part about being back on the road is sharing with my fans,” Stapp said. “I know many people have struggled with depression and addiction so I want them to see that they too can free themselves and overcome these feelings.”

“For the Traverse City date, fans can expect a rock show that takes you through my career from Creed to my solo albums, and my journey through life.”

Scott Stapp will be in concert at Streeters Center/Ground Zero in Traverse City on Friday, Feb. 5. For tickets and more information, visit groundzeroonline.com or call (231) 932-1300.