Role Play for Creed frontman

The Sunday Telegraph - Express Entertainment November 21, 2004

After seven years strutting the world stage as frontman of the US rock band Creed, Scott Stapp decided he needed a new challenge.

In a move that shocked the music industry, Stapp switched from a master rock artist to an apprentice actor. It seems the only person not surprised by this sea-change was Stapp himself.

After huge success-including a chart-topping single, With Arms Wide Open, many awards and album sales more than 20 million, Creed disbanded in June.

" It was time for a change" Stapp says, "Ever since I was a young boy, I've always had a desire to act. I wanted something that challenged me.

"I wanted to change my appearance and be recognised as an actor, not the singer from Creed".

But fans of Creed needn't despair at Stapp's career change, although the band has split, Stapp says it's a case of never saying "never" again.

"We may have broken up, but that doesn't mean it's over forever" he states.

"We'll see how things go and take it from there".

Although Creed is kaput, the music hasn't died. Stapp has already released his first solo single, Relearn Love, and plans to release an album in the middle of next year.

The other Creed members-Mark Tremonti, Scott Phillips and Brian Marshall-have teamed up with new singer Myles Kennedy, formed the band AlterBridge and recorded the album One Day Remains.

Between his solo recording, Stapp is reading film scripts and weighing up acting offers.

"I don't want to do any cameo roles" he says. "That's why, even though I am single and it would be a great way to meet women, I turned down the offer to be the man on (reality tv show) The Bachelor.

"I grew up involved in drama at school, performed in musicals and stage productions, and it's this experience I want to draw on to take third or fourth lead roles in credible movies."

"I am looking at a script for a movie with Ethan Hawke".

.David Nankvervis .Typed by HopiSpirit