Terri Dunbar-Curran
LIFE after stardom isn’t always smooth sailing, as many a musician can attest, but it’s how you handle the highs and lows that really moulds who you are and, beyond that, how your fans relate to you during and after difficult times.
That is something Creed co-founder and former frontman Scott Stapp has learnt. And he is looking forward to not only performing fan favourites, but also sharing part of his personal story, in Scott Stapp – The Voice of Creed at Kirstenbosch on December 15.
“After Creed, I went through a lot, from my highest highs to my lowest lows. I struggled with depression, addiction and bipolar disorder, but have been able to come out of it a stronger and better person,” he says.
“Now, I want to share my journey with all my fans, which they will see in my music.”
That journey has also seen a clear evolution in his music over the years.
“I started in the industry at 18 and now, being in my early 40’s, my perspective has changed and you can see the shift in my music. The music I have created is a reflection on where I have been in my life – I write about what I know.”
Stapp says that his solo career has been incredibly rewarding, owing a lot to the fact that he’s been able to share so much of his life story with fans.
“I would say the best part has been hearing people’s personal stories, how they can relate to my music, and how it has helped them overcome their own struggles and demons.”
Creed was known for hits like With Arms Wide Open, My Sacrifice, One Last Breath and Higher, releasing three consecutive multi-platinum albums. In 2004 the band took a break and Stapp decided to venture out on his own, releasing The Great Divide in 2005 and Proof of Life in 2013.
He says that the Kirstenbosch audience can expect a “great rock show” that will take them on a journey through his career and personal life.
“I have looked through my catalogue of songs and really picked the ones that explain different pieces of my life.”
With such a large repertoire of music to his name, there are bound to be a few songs that really resonate with him, Proof of Life is one such song. “It’s the song that perfectly relates to my life right now. It explores the freedom I now have after all the demons that had been holding me hostage for so long. It puts my struggle and journey into music,” he says.
He will be joined by a full band at Kirstenbosch. “Yiannis Papadopoulos, my lead guitar player is a multi-awarded session guitarist, composer, solo artist from Greece. This guy has come a long way and he is ready to rock!”
Also joining him on stage will be bass player Sam Hudson (Everclear), veteran Nashvill drummer Dango, and rhythm guitarist Ben Flanders.
Apart from this tour, Stapp is spending time focussing on his family, “creating great music and making a difference in people’s lives”. Through his two charities, With Arms Wide Open and Charm – Children Are Magical, he’s helping to better the lives of children and families around the world.
l Gates open at 6pm. Tickets: R395, www.webtickets.co.za