How is Scott Stapp preparing for Creed's reunion tour? Sleep, exercise and honey
In a new series USA TODAY’s The Essentials, celebrities share what fuels their lives whether it's at home, on the set or on the road.
It might seem like Scott Stapp is having a renaissance because of the massive success of Creed's summer tour.
But the frontman with the distinctive, thundering voice has been adequately busy this decade supporting his solo work – his fourth album, "Higher Power," arrived in March – while also prepping for Creed's The Summer of '99 Tour, which kicked off July 17 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Add to the agenda the 25th-anniversary edition of the band's 11 million copies-selling "Human Clay" album, the one that includes rock radio staples "Higher" and the Grammy-winning "With Arms Wide Open," arriving on Aug. 16.
The rerelease includes bonus tracks, alternate versions of hits and a previously unheard Creed concert from San Antonio in 1999.
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"This is really going to show how we sounded in our prime," Stapp says. "And we feel like we're right back there now. Like our fourth album says, everything is coming 'Full Circle.'"
As Creed readied its 60-date tour – sold-out amphitheaters this summer, arenas in the fall – Stapp, 50, shared how he's balancing work and home life, as well as some of his essentials while on the road.
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How Scott Stapp juggles his job as a rock star and the 'Von Stapp' family
Stapp decided in 2016 to "make sure I was home more than I was gone" so he could be involved in his kids' daily lives, coach them in baseball and basketball and, when his youngest son, Anthony, was born in 2017, immerse himself in fatherhood.
Along with Anthony, Stapp is dad to Daniel, 14, Milan, 17 and Jagger, 25, who welcomed his own son earlier this year, Cash, which means Stapp is a grandfather as well.
The "Von Stapp" family, as Stapp calls his brood, will likely visit him on tour and "maybe there will be some surprises," he teases, shortly after mentioning the musical acumen of Milan.
"It's awesome. (My family) is the most important thing I've done in my life," Stapp says.
But there have been some adjustments given the double load of responsibilities promoting his solo work and being back with Creed.
"I've gotten a few, 'Dad, why are you gone all the time?' questions. It's a lot of work to tour and work a solo record and all that goes with it, and then rehearsals with Creed and partnerships and photo shoots," he says. "So dad's been pretty busy."
Exercise and rest aid Scott Stapp with sobriety
In the mid-2010s, Stapp publicly grappled with substance abuse problems and mental health struggles. His mixing of prescription drugs and alcohol eventually led to a psychotic break at the end of 2014 and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Given the unconventional lifestyle that accompanies road life, Stapp knows he has to be diligent to maintain his mental health and sobriety.
While he cites sleep as "the most important thing for a singer," he also delves into exercise, modifying his usual cardio work – which he'll get plenty of on stage – with more strength training.
"When I'm exercising, I get into a prayerful, meditative state. I don't listen to any music, I just like to clear my mind," he says.
He also eats healthy, "loads up" on vitamins and tries to rest his voice and not talk except for meet and greets with fans before a show.
"It's like an athlete during their season," he says. "I'm getting ready to enter my season."
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Scott Stapp's Creed preshow rituals
Stapp has always shared the importance of faith in his life, and with his solo band, he leads the group in prayer a few minutes before showtime.
Before that, it's "quiet time" in his dressing room. He'll steam up the shower and do vocal warm-ups in the makeshift steam room.
He also stretches and paces, not out of nerves, but as a way of adrenalizing his body.
"It gets my blood flowing," he says.
What Scott Stapp needs on the road
The quest to eat healthily is evidenced in some of his food requests, whether before a performance or on the tour bus.
Coconut water, drinks with electrolytes, bananas and peanut butter are staples, as well as protein shakes, collagen peptides, turmeric and his "miracle cure" for an ailing voice – honey, sometimes stirred into hot water.
He also touts his exercise footwear, Nike Free running shoes, which he loves because of their lightness.
"I'd like to get in touch with Nike," he says with a laugh. "I have an idea for a stage boot."
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
If you suspect you or someone you know needs help with alcohol abuse, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit https://findtreatment.gov.
