“That, I’m Sure, Was a Major Part”: Why Scott Stapp Blames Himself for Creed’s Breakup

Creed has dominated both the 20th and 21st century. However, it has not always been smooth sailing and their initial demise was outlined by self-sabotage and overindulgence. Before Creed made their recent commercial resurgence, the band had closed out their decorated ’90s career by breaking up in 2004. This came as a surprise, as the band ruled the ’90s grunge scene thanks to songs such as “Higher.”

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Following their 2004 break-up, lead singer, Scott Stapp, and the rest of the band got back together in 2023. Since then, the band has been on several tours and is currently on one. Although, it seems this reunion wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for Stapp’s vulnerability and introspection.

Scott Stapp Takes Responsibility

In an interview on Net Positive With Jon Crist, Scott Stapp was very transparent about the band’s initial split. That being so, he put himself in a vulnerable light in which he took the blame for the band’s demise. Stapp stated, “I don’t think there was panic; I think there was some frustration and anger” and “I think it was one of the handful of reasons that we ended up breaking up.”

Like any story of this nature, sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll always have a role in it. Stapp attested to that fact, as he shared, “I can own my part. I got mixed up in some things I shouldn’t have that I go to a program for today.” “That, I’m sure, was a major part, because had I not developed those issues” and, “I think we probably could have worked through everything else. So I’ll take the blame about that,” added Stapp.

Regarding his substance abuse and the role it played in the band’s break-up, Scott Stapp spoke with the Huffington Post in 2016 rather candidly. He told the publication, “I remember waking up one day and feeling, ‘Something’s wrong with me.’ Stapp continued, “Just a heaviness. I had no energy. I didn’t want to get out of bed… That’s when the drinking and the pills came into the equation,” and “[It] really led to the breakup of the band.”

Frankly, one wouldn’t be wrong to call Scott Stapp and Creed’s break-up story “Cliché.” However, what is not cliché about Stapp and Creed is that they were able to get back on the horse and persevere.

Creed in Concert at Madison Square Garden per Getty Images