Scott Stapp has made headlines for different reasons over the years. When his band, the earnest, straightforward rocker Creed, broke out during the mid-1990s, the charismatic and often shirtless Stapp made news fronting the act, which has sold more than 50 million albums.
“It’s always good being noticed for making music,” Stapp said. “It was such an amazing feeling back then when we connected with fans for the first time.”
But during autumn of 2014, Stapp, 42, was becoming unhinged. His erratic and paranoid behavior forced his wife, Jaclyn, to kick him out of their Boca Raton home. He claimed that ISIS targeted his son’s school. Stapp became TMZ fodder after his claims leaked and also for being involuntarily institutionalized in a psychiatric facility.
“It all has to do with being bipolar,” Stapp said while calling from Miami. “It’s a condition that affects millions of Americans. It’s a condition that you suffer with in silence. People have no idea what’s going on inside of you. Being bipolar contributed to what I am, my successes and failures.”
That sounds eerily similar to how the late Scott Weiland was remembered by his former Stone Temple Pilot bandmates (“Part of that gift was part of your curse,” STP posted on Facebook after the band’s former singer passed away).
Like Weiland, who also was bipolar, Stapp has had drug and alcohol issues.
“But, fortunately, I’m still here,” Stapp said. “I’m doing my best to turn things around. I’ve changed my lifestyle, my diet. I’ve done everything I can to regain my life and normalcy.”
Stapp is on the 12-step program, is exercising regularly and is on a high protein, no-fat or sugar diet, he said. “I feel so good,” Stapp said. “I’m doing the right thing instead of self medicating. I feel like I did when I was a kid.”
The enigmatic songwriter was born and raised in Orlando, where he met future Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti. The tandem met once again in 1993 while attending Florida State University in Tallahassee, where they formed Creed.
“I look back on those days with great fondness,” Stapp said. “That’s where it all started. We accomplished something with Creed. Nobody can take that away from us.”
Stapp will deliver such Creed hits as “My Own Prison,” “With Arms Wide Open” and “Higher,” as well as solo material when he performs Saturday at the Webster Theatre.
“You’ll hear a cross-section of songs from me,” Stapp said. “You’ll hear snapshots from each record. I’m going to take the fans on a musical journey.”
A solo album is in the works, too. “I’m doing a lot of writing,” he said.
Creed splintered in 2004 but reunited in 2009. The band has been on hiatus since 2012. Stapp believes Creed probably will work together again.
“That’s always a possibility,” Stapp said. “When the time is right, I can see us getting back, but we’re all working on different things right now.”
The most important part of Stapp’s life, though, is his mental and physical well being. “I can’t do anything without being healthy,” he said. “I’m getting there. I’m at a really good point in my life and the great thing is that it can be even better.”
SCOTT STAPP appears Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Webster Theatre, 31 Webster St., Hartford. Rocket Queen, Soldiers of Solace, Fiction, Mental Pause, Mount Pocono, The 30th of February and Sirius Fades will open. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 day of show. Show time is 4 p.m. For more information, 860-525-5553, webstertheater.com
