Scott Stapp talks about the return of Creed ahead of Jones Beach concert

Scott Stapp is back in the saddle.

The 51-year-old singer has returned behind the mic fronting one of the biggest rock acts from the past three decades, Creed. Reunited with his brothers Mark Tremonti (guitar), Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips (drums), the band has picked up where it left off since parting in 2012. Over the past 13 years, Creed’s music has been rediscovered by a new generation. Songs like “One Last Breath,” “Higher” and “With Arms Wide Open” have become classic anthems.

Newsday’s David J. Criblez spoke with Stapp, prior to Creed’s July 15 gig at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, about the band’s massive comeback, his focus on deep lyrical writing and reaching a younger fanbase.

How does it feel to be back fronting Creed? Is it different or similar than before?

It’s incredible now that we’re all in different places in our lives. We know what it’s like to have this level of success and we know what it’s like not to. But to have it back with maturity and growth as human beings and to really understand and appreciate it, puts everything in a much more centered context for living in the moment and enjoying it in a way that I don’t think we ever could have during our big run from 1997 to 2003. We are enjoying every moment.

Do you feel Creed’s music and legacy is being more appreciated and respected now?

We have a new generation of fans which proves that the music has stood the test of time. Our music was appreciated when we first came out for our first three albums, but to see this resurgence of popularity happen is new for us. We have young fans that are seeing us for the first time and connecting with the music like we are a new band, which is just mind-blowing. It’s all coming full circle.

Did you ever think it would happen?

I don’t think there’s any way you could believe that it would happen like this. My expectations were that the band would get back together and do something. This is all out of the realm of which any of us could’ve imagined.

What caused the reunion?

There were talks between Mark and I. There were people telling us in 2021 that we should rush into a tour and do something quickly. But I didn’t think that was wise. I felt it was bad management and I said no. I wanted to wait and do it right. In meantime, this massive title wave of viral Creed stuff continued to grow over the course of three years on the internet. It made our 2024 tour off the hook and insane. We sold out 60 shows, over 800,000 tickets. It paid off in the end.

Is there any talk of recording any new material with Creed?

We are all into the idea, but there’s nothing on the table. Currently, we’re not writing together. It’s important for us that it’s real. There needs to be a sense of urgency to create with Mark and the band. That’s how it was in the beginning and that’s how we make our best music. It’s not there yet. But when it comes, we will make a record.

The tour is called the “Summer of '99.” What are your reflections on that period of time?

That was a great year for Creed. “Human Clay,” our highest-selling album, came out that year. It set the tone for going back in time because that’s how it felt. It all came together with those bits and pieces falling into place.

How would you describe the energy that gets conjured up between you and your fans during the live shows?

That has been there since day one. It’s my energy’s response to the fans. That is how I perform. It’s what the audience pulls out of me and it’s what the music pulls out of me. As long as my body is capable of performing at that level, I’m going to continue to try to bring it every night.

Your lyrics are more thought-provoking than most rock bands. Was this lyrical approach a major priority when you started the band?

That was always my primary focus. Whenever I wrote lyrics, I wrote with the mindset that I wanted them to be able to stand as a body of work, even if they weren’t over music, as if they were put into a book. That was a driving force for me and I worked relentlessly writing and rewriting lyrics to get them to the place where they could stand on their own.

In terms of the content, I think a lot of that came from what I’m inspired by in life and the world around me. My life experiences, what I’ve been through, what I’m searching for, what I’m going through, what I believe in, what I question. It’s just my nature and the lyrics reflect the way that I think and who I am as a human being.

How would you describe the chemistry between you and Mark?

When we wrote our first three records, we were each other’s biggest fans. I love what he did and he loved what I did. When you are writing with someone who is your biggest fan, there’s a natural chemistry that stems from that. It makes things easy because you are not overthinking, you are in the moment. It was a love fest mixed with mutual respect and trust. With that kind of energy, I think you can produce music that endures.

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.