Scott Stapp Rocks Sabers

Published Oct. 14, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Jenifer H. Calhoun
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Scott Stapp packed the Skelton Memorial Fitness Center Oct. 10 performing hits from his former band Creed like "With Arms Wide Open" and "My Own Prison" as well as his solo hit "Broken."

"It was a really good time," said Tech. Sgt. James Bucholz, 52nd Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School instructor "I was really impressed with the energy for such a small venue it felt like something much bigger."

Having family members in the Navy, Army, and Air Force gives former Creed front man Scott Stapp plenty of reason to come and perform for members of the armed services.

"I've always wanted to do something more than just send care packages." said Mr. Stapp, who spoke about seeing family members in the armed services and being able to join the Armed Forces Entertainment tour. "As soon as this opportunity was suggested I jumped in on the project."

A new album is also due out at the end of the first quarter of next year.

"I've had a lot of positive inspiration for my new material," said Mr. Stapp.

Mr. Stapp is currently on tour with Armed Forces Entertainment until Oct. 18. Mr. Stapp has also performed for military personnel in Bahrain, Djibouti, Diego Garcia, Kuwait and Iraq where he spoke about crying with grown men and seeing a different side of the military.

"I got a chance to go into war torn countries and see that we aren't just there for war, but also humanitarian efforts. It's a view that most people don't get." said Stapp.

At the beginning of the concert, Mr. Stapp invited the audience toward the stage where they got an up close and personal chance to enjoy the concert.

"It was an awesome experience to be able to get up close to the stage like you would at any other rock concert," said Airman 1st Class Nicholas Wilson, 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs photographer.

Airmen and their families also got a chance to have autographs signed and meet Mr. Stapp along with the rest of the band.