Scott's AIM Interview...
 

PeteInMusic: hey scott! you there?
ScottStapp73: how you doing?
ScottStapp73: let's do this
PeteInMusic: i'm good - so your new album just came out over the Thanksgiving holiday
PeteInMusic: did you have to spend the holiday promoting the album?
PeteInMusic: or did you get to hang with your family?
ScottStapp73: No, I spent it with my son and my family - but I'm back to promoting now
PeteInMusic: cool - i read that you sung the national anthem at the Nascar Miami Ford 400 a week ago - what was that like?
ScottStapp73: Well, I was a little nervous that I'd forget the words
ScottStapp73: but I didn't! It was pretty cool when the jets flew overhead
PeteInMusic: nice
PeteInMusic: that must of been a career highlight
ScottStapp73: most definitely!
PeteInMusic: Being a solo artist is a first for you. As your album has just hit stores, and you enter a new chapter in your life, what feelings are going through you right now?
ScottStapp73: I'm excited about the future...
ScottStapp73: and i'm just relieved the album's finally out - my solo career has begun!
ScottStapp73: whoops, just spilled a soda
ScottStapp73: no major damage
PeteInMusic: ha! that would of sucked - congrats on the album - it's a big accomplishment - what was the hardest part of making the transistion from being in a band to a solo artist?
ScottStapp73: there really wasn't a big transition
PeteInMusic: no?
ScottStapp73: i didn't change the way i created - just the players are different
ScottStapp73: in my opinion all equally talented
PeteInMusic: where did your new band come from?
ScottStapp73: old friends - they toured with us and we stayed in touch
PeteInMusic: they were in another band before?
ScottStapp73: yeah, Goneblind
PeteInMusic: i heard that jamie foxx was going to make a guest appearance on the new album?
ScottStapp73: we had run into each other at a Miami Heat game - we had talked about him dropping by the studio to hang out
ScottStapp73: and rumors turned that into him being on the record...
ScottStapp73: it didn't actually happen but it definitely woulda been fun if we had been able to work it out
PeteInMusic: for sure - is there anyone you would like to collaborate with one day - who's at the top of the list?
ScottStapp73: oh definitely -
ScottStapp73: u2 ... jimmy page ... sting ... and can't forget dave grohl!
PeteInMusic: that's a great list - ever meet any of them?
ScottStapp73: all of them at one point or another
PeteInMusic: ahhh...the benefit of being a rockstar =)
ScottStapp73: yeah you don't even know...
PeteInMusic: have you ever been star-struck meeting someone else?
ScottStapp73: dave grohl
ScottStapp73:
PeteInMusic: no kidding - i heard he's a really laid back guy
ScottStapp73: yeah me too
PeteInMusic: anyway - the new single, "the great divide" is a great song - it definitely doesn't seem to stray at all from the Creed sound - was that done on purpose?
ScottStapp73: the creed sound is my sound
ScottStapp73: so it was only natural that i'd bring it to my solo career as well
PeteInMusic: makes total sense
PeteInMusic: the whole creed break-up was pretty rocky - the rest of the band + the press wasn't very nice at times
PeteInMusic: what was it like on a personal level to go through all of that?
ScottStapp73: it hurt very much - but without that experience in my life, i would not be where i am today
ScottStapp73: and been able to create The Great Divide
PeteInMusic: so, in a way, you see it all as a positive thing?
ScottStapp73: very
ScottStapp73: and i'm all about the future now
PeteInMusic: I know you've gone through your share of health problems in the past too - at what point did it really get bad, and what did you do to get past it?
ScottStapp73: it was bad for a couple of years
ScottStapp73: and with the involvement of the best medical care and exercise i was able to overcome my illness -
ScottStapp73: and i'm just trying to live one day at a time ...
PeteInMusic: is there any more advice you want to give to fans that might have gone through the same things you were going through?
PeteInMusic: i know part of what you were going through had to deal with a medication called Prednison..
ScottStapp73: get help when you need it
PeteInMusic: was it hard to ask for help when you were wrapped into the peak of Creed's success?
PeteInMusic: there must of been so many outside pressures...
ScottStapp73: no, it wasn't hard -
ScottStapp73: i did ask my friends for help, and they were more concerned about money than my health
ScottStapp73: but that's the past, everyone makes mistakes, i know i've made plenty
PeteInMusic: so looking into the future - what are your tour plans?
ScottStapp73: the tour will begin in late feb / early march next year
ScottStapp73: we'll be doing a handful of surprise shows all over the country
ScottStapp73: in smaller venues - we'll be doing songs i wrote in the past, as well as the new album
PeteInMusic: how much of your live show will be composed of creed songs?
ScottStapp73: i'll mix it up - the entire new album, and then we'll probably do between 6-8 of my creed songs depending on the night
PeteInMusic: that's great to hear - i wasn't so sure if you were going to play the old stuff
ScottStapp73: i can't think of any reason not to play the songs that i've written
ScottStapp73: that i enjoy playing and that i still want to perform for the fans
PeteInMusic: the only reason i said that because -
PeteInMusic: your former bandmate, mark tremonti was quoted as saying that the 2 of you had an agreement - if the band wasn't together anymore, it would be unfair to Creed fans to still perform Creed songs.
ScottStapp73: the agreement was just, if one of us died
ScottStapp73: there was also an agreement, we'd never announce a breakup - but I guess Mark interpreted that in a way that would benefit him (like he did with that issue you mentioned)
PeteInMusic: why didn't you want to announce a break-up?
ScottStapp73: let's talk about the present - but to answer your question - we were four young college kids who made a pact that we were going to stay together forever
ScottStapp73: and never announce a breakup, to preserve our legacy...
PeteInMusic: there are still people that label your music as Christian Rock - do you see that as a negative genre of music to be put into - or are you ok if people perceive you this way
ScottStapp73: i can't effect people's perceptions - i can just be who i am
ScottStapp73: and i don't care how they label me
PeteInMusic: well, for the record, i really dig the new album - track 10 is my favorite - "broken" - it sounds like your next big rock ballad!
ScottStapp73: thank you very much -
PeteInMusic: do you get influenced by other music you listen to when writing?
ScottStapp73: i don't listen to music
PeteInMusic: really? none at all?
ScottStapp73: i spend so much time writing , creating and rehearsing my own
ScottStapp73: that when i'm alone - i prefer silence
PeteInMusic: what about movies, do you make time for watching a movie now and then?
ScottStapp73: i love watching movies! the last movie i saw was The Score -
ScottStapp73: DeNiro, Ed Norton, and Brando
ScottStapp73: shot by Scorsese - brilliant!
PeteInMusic: how about your favortie movie of all time?
ScottStapp73: The Godfather Trilogy -
ScottStapp73: and Scarface...
PeteInMusic: into the mob movies eh?
ScottStapp73: yeah
ScottStapp73: they're so insightful
PeteInMusic: so looking into the future, what goals do you want to accomplish in your life - even beyond this solo release?
ScottStapp73: i want to coach my kid's high school football team
ScottStapp73: and win some state championships!
ScottStapp73: and of course next year's tour!
PeteInMusic: ok - one final question that i have to ask - would you like to see Creed get back together one day?
ScottStapp73: right now it's just something i can't really give an answer to
ScottStapp73: i'm just focused on the new album
ScottStapp73: peace everybody - thanks!
PeteInMusic: thanks Scott - take care
ScottStapp73: thanks to all the fans out there - you rock!

PeteInMusic works in our radio department and has never won a state football championship.

What did you think about this AIM Interview? Send us your feedback.


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my only bitch about that interview:

The Score was most certainly NOT directed by Martin Scorsese...(sigh)...it was directed by Frank "The Voice Of Yoda And Miss Piggy" Oz...

LOL, thanks for posting that, Stappishot.

Why all of a sudden he wants to collaborate with Grohl after saying all that shit about him having a little dick on NATIONAL, TV!

If Stapp wants to collaborate with Grohl, he's gonna have to try hard.

Ur Welcome.

Just to note, if anyone asks, yes this interview is real. It can be found on AOL's Music site:

http://music.aol.com/artists/aim_cel...ew/scott_stapp

so if i add him to my buddy list, i can chat w/ him whenever? lol

:eek: Those songs arent 'his Creed' songs...they are Creed songs!!!!!

First of all, thanks for posting the interview. :)

He's always maintained that he will perform Creed songs on tour. Perhaps my view on this is selfish, but I never saw Creed live so I have no objections to that - I'd love to hear them.

I found it interesting that he made a statement about the break-up. Stapp's always said that the guys announced the split without his consent.

I think Mark and Flip announced it from Mark's home.
Perhaps this is Stapp's way of 'getting one back' at them.

As for the remark about Grohl - tongue-in-cheek.

Take Care

Pretty good interview overall, although I have to say that I wasn't happy with a couple of parts. I'm getting tired of him acting like "the Creed songs are his and his alone". As far as we know, he only wrote the lyrics for the Creed songs and the vocal melodies, but Mark wrote the actual MUSIC. Therefore, imo, the songs belong to both Mark and him. About this agreement...Scott claims that it would only come into play if one of them died, but Mark obviously tells it differently. There's no telling who to believe, but I'm leaning toward Mark. Lastly, as I've said since the issue of Scott playing Creed songs on tour came up, I am completely against it. I did not have the opportunity to ever see Creed live, and that is something I regret. However, I think it is disrespectful to Mark, Flip and Brian, as well as some Creed fans(including myself), for Scott to play these songs on the tour, particularly 6-8 of them. Don't get me wrong, I'll still go to a Stapp concert when he comes to my area, but I will not be cheering when he plays a Creed song. Matter of fact, if he even touches a song like MOP or One.....I'll walk out. The only people who should be playing those songs, imo, is the original Creed. And considering they will probably never get back together, those songs should never be played live again. Not by Stapp, not by AB. Only by Creed.

Love your words! ;)

What if he starts the gig with a Creed song.......will you walk out and come back in when he finishes, or leave completely?

Well...MOP is maybe (together with WAWO) the most Scott Stapp-song than any of the other Creed songs!!! It's almost his early-years-bio written as a song...

well, in all fairness, he did write the lyrics and, if i'm not mistaken, all the tracks were published by Stapp/Tremonti (or Tremonti/Stapp... check your liner notes), so he does have every legal right to perform them, and every legal right to say they're his.

Well...he has legal rights about his those songs, and also Tremonti, but its not my point, I think now he has his own songs to perform on tour, AB also performs their own songs, not Creed or MF4 songs.

ahhh.... well.... you know

I'll only walk out if he plays a classic like MOP or One. If he plays another Creed song...I won't walk out, but I will boo. I would hope, though, that he saves the Creed stuff for "encores" and doesn't start off with that stuff.


It's not a matter of legalities, as far as I'm concerned. It is rather a matter of respect. To me, it is disrespectful to Creed's legacy to go and perform those songs without 3/4 of the original band. That's just my opinion, though.


I wouldn't have a problem with WAWO or even Lullaby....but MOP would really piss me off. That is my favorite Creed song and I can't stand the thought of him playing that song without Mark on guitar, or Scott on drums or Brian on bass. Especially with Goneblind, a band that can't even play "Higher" right.

Stapp has said 6-8 Creed songs on tour. I think he'll definitely play WAWO and Higher - the rest I'm not sure about. I also have a feeling that he'll perform Signs (I read in an interview that's his favourite song live)

I expect that a majority of the remainder would consist of Weathered tracks.

I should stop reading Stapp interviews... I like him less everytime... and that is saying something.

You are not alone... ;)

Stapp has every legal right to perform Creed songs. Like I've said in the past... Chris Cornell has performed Rage Against the Machine songs... as well as Soundgarden songs. Jerry Cantrell has also performed some Alice in Chains songs. If Kurt Cobain was still arond and Nirvana was no longer together... I would have no problem hearing him perform some old songs. It doesn't hurt me. If Stapp choses to play Creed songs... it's not going to make things even worse between him and Tremonti. I found it disrepectful for Mark and Flip to allow Stapp to continue touring despite the fact that his health was at stake. That's like leaving a starting pitcher in a game for 13 innings. A band is a team effort... and they should look out for each other. They were all selfish in one way or another. Whether you guys are willing to admit it or not. I love Alter Bridge and Scott Stapp's music equally... but I don't see why it's okay for guys like Scott Weiland and Chris Cornell to perform songs from their old bands... yet when Stapp wants to do it... he's being disrespectful to the entire world. I don't see the logic behind that double standard.

why is he going to perform Creed songs? Is this a more easy way to come back to hit parade? I mean geting success? He has a cd , so he has to promote this, he needs to look in another direction, showing his talent...
Go ahead Stapp...Creed is over...

Why is Cornell performing Rage Against the Machine songs? Why is Weiland performing Stone Temple Pilots songs? They feel like it... a lot of people enjoyed those songs. They have the right to perform those songs. What is Stapp going to do? Headline a concert and play 10 songs in like 45 minutes?

You see AB playing Creed songs?

Why is Cornell allowed to play Rage Against the Machine songs? Is that fair to Zach de la Rocha fans? Is Weiland being fair to STP fans?

I cant see you answering my question.... :rolleyes:

Nor can I see you answering mine. No Alter Bridge hasn't played any Creed songs... but then again... they've also put more songs on One Day Remains. You answer my question. Is it fair to Rage Against the Machine fans that Cornell performs "Killing in the Name Of?"

Lol...I was waiting for that...lol :D Well, you know that the guys made an agreement that was for avoid playing Creed songs...and seems Stapp forgot that...but okay I can understand if he plays WAWO and Lullaby...

Im not sure about RATM and Cornell but seems they didnt do an agreement or something... :confused:

According to Stapp, the agreement was to NOT play Creed songs if Tremonti or Stapp died. I don't know if that's true or not. There's no legal, written agreement here. Shaking hands on something is completely different that a signed, written contract. You're making it sound like Stapp and Tremonti are bound by their blood or something. It's the same for Cornell and Weiland. Do YOU, Ana... find it appropriate for Chris Cornell to perform songs from Rage Against the Machine?

Well..Ill .go in parts :D

First...No I dont think its cool that Cornell performs RATM songs

Second...okay they didnt do an legal agreement..its true...but so are u saying to me that is right to give one's word and after that forgot this? Just because it wasnt written in a contract? Its disappointing, Chase...

Yes... it's disappointing to a degree... but it's also legal for him to do. Stapp has 10 songs on "The Great Divide." He has to compensate the lack of solo material for him for perform a full set of songs live. It's either he performs 6 cover songs... or some Creed songs... or a mix of songs. Either way... he's got a limited amount of solo material. We will see what happens once he starts going on tour.

So he and WU must do it in a different way...maybe writing 12 or 14 songs in his cd...or maybe performing another songs...like ..humm...Doors songs (as he used to do in Creed days) and not its not the same of performing Creed songs...

With respect to Cornell and Weiland they did wait until release of VR and AS second albums before they started to cover songs from their previous bands.

Although you do have a point, if he wishes to play them on tour then so be it. Dissapointing that its not Creed playing them, but if he wants to play them he can. Interesting to see if it will be well recieved by concert goers.

Scott has said several times that he is gonna do Creed songs, so enough complaining already please

it was to long i did,nt read it all i quit reading at. That When Im Alone I prefer silence

Not to mention that it's been YEARS since their respective break-ups. For a lot of fans, the Creed break-up remains too fresh. Plus, I was under the impression that they had a gentleman's agreed not to play the songs if they did indeed go their separate ways. If that was the case, then I don't think it's right for Stapp to perform them, legal or otherwise.

I won't like it, that's for sure. If I'm there, I'm not sure how I would react. I know I wouldn't be happy hearing Torn or One without the rest of Creed.

Word. And as far as a gentleman's agreement, I think that went out the window when Stapp appeared on CC in the condition he did. That was no gentleman, that IMO was a man out of control.

For real!

Yeah like I said will be interesting, I presume majority of people that would go to a Stapp concert would be previous Creed fans so the reactions are going to be interesting.


Agree, although I did find it quite funny ;)

Yes, there were a few parts that were humorous. :D