Music

Creed singer Scott Stapp has Bipolar Disorder

by Richard Howard

Well, Scott Stapp’s really, really strange past six months has been explained: it turns out the Creed frontman is suffering from bipolar disorder and is thankfully getting treatment.

To say the singer has seemed troubled in the past decade or so would be a bit of an understatement. His heavy drinking came to light towards the end of Creed’s heyday and would eventually result in an intoxication arrest. Prescription pills also entered the equation, likely contributing to the escalation of unfortunate incidents into territory such as domestic violence.

While nobody thought he was doing well, when Stapp posted a rambling video to Facebook in which he said he was homeless, penniless and “under some kind of pretty vicious attack,” it was pretty clear that, mentally, things had gotten to another level.

Now, in an interview with People, Stapp has revealed he has since been diagnosed with bipolar disorder while attending an intensive program in a dual diagnostic facility. Apparently, things got pretty heavy around the time of the infamous video:

“I had a psychotic break that was brought on by alcohol and drug abuse. I was hallucinating. I drove around the United States for a month, following an angel that I saw on the hood of my car. In my delusional thinking, I thought my family was involved in ISIS, and that millions of dollars had been taken from me to support terrorism. All of it was nonsense. I was out of my mind.”

Now, Stapp is treating both of his illnesses: he’s on medication for bipolar disorder and is working through a 12-step program. As much as we may enjoy making fun of Creed, it’s pretty heartwarming to see someone who’s slipping into the abyss be caught and pulled back to safety . One thing – should Stapp decide returning to the rock star life isn’t for him, may we suggest a different role – Ben Affleck’s replacement as Batman. That gravelly voice and intense stare are uncanny. Get well, Scott!