Demon-free, Scott Stapp returns to concert trail

May 12, 2016 at 9:38a.m.

Scott Stapp’s tortured tribulations as a rock singer are well documented.

It was more than 20 years ago when his post-grunge band Creed rose to top the rock charts. During the band’s reign, Stapp’s erratic behavior was chalked up to normal rock star antics, but the truth of the matter was the singer suffered from depression.

Later he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which explained his self-medication and addictive behaviors. Today, Stapp is sober and hoping to put back together what’s left of his music career.

“Being sober is definitely going to make me a better artist all around,” said Stapp, calling from Alabama. “I’m a rock artist at my core. So I’ll continue to write rock records. I just think I do it with more clarity and better sounds. Everything I thought I did well prior to sobriety, I do better sober.”

Next up for Stapp is a new solo album, the follow-up to his 2013 effort, “Proof of Life,” which included the highly personal and No. 1 Christian hit “Slow Suicide.” The project found Stapp exploring new textures and layers, including acoustic tones, string tracks and keyboards.

The singer said he’s going to write his next album later this year with a 2017 release date. In the meantime, news broke that Stapp would be taking the place of the recently deceased Scott Weiland in supergroup (in the loosest sense of the word supergroup) Art of Anarchy.

The band includes Stapp, Disturbed bassist John Moyer, former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and brothers Jon and Vince Votta on guitar and drums, respectively.

“I’m excited to be working with some new artists and musicians,” Stapp said. “I loved meeting the guys and thought we could make some great music together. Working with completely different musicians who come from completely different backgrounds is going to create its own unique sound. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The notion of Stapp replacing Weiland is eerie considering both ’90s singers were popular death pool choices for the better part of the past decade. Stapp said he didn’t have any reservations about filling in for Weiland.

“No, man, not at all,” Stapp said. “There was no nervousness whatsoever. I’m just excited to be a part of this band.”

Currently, Stapp is on the road touring his solo songs and playing popular Creed tunes such as “My Own Prison,” “Higher,” “With Arms Wide Open” and “My Sacrifice.” He will be in the Mahoning Valley on Tuesday for a show at Austintown’s Rodeo Music Hall.

At this point, the singer admits his image is in tatters. What’s important though is he doesn’t run away from his role in the mess. You can call it making amends with the past.

“I take ownership and responsibility for the things that I’ve done,” Stapp said. “Some of that just comes with the territory and comes with success, so I don’t give it too much credence. I just focus on the people who like the music and support me.”