Former Creed lead’s Naples base concert shows Sailors hard rock that hits the soul

October 7 2008

American rocker Scott Stapp’s debut solo album is called “The Great Divide.” Stapp filled that divide with more than 250 Naples-area fans at the Capodichino Ciao Hall Tuesday.

Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) teamed up with Naples Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) to bring the free show to servicemembers stationed in the Naples area. Tuesday night’s 7:30 p.m. show was the sixth stop on Stapp’s tour of military bases and Navy ships throughout the world.

According to a Fleet and Family Readiness Marketing press release, Stapp has helmed three multi-platinum records with the rock band Creed, including one diamond record, sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, generated nine consecutive number one hits and won a Grammy for Best Rock Song in 2000. Stapp launched his solo career in 2005.

“Tonight my band and I are going to give 110 percent — like each and everyone of you [servicemembers] give everyday,” said Stapp during a backstage interview minutes before the show. “On this tour I’ve found a new appreciation for the sacrifice the young men and women of the Armed Forces make.”

The show was opened with MUSN Alena Dashiell, who is stationed in Naples, singing the Italian National Anthem, followed by 16-year-old Naples High School student Leila Matahen’s rendition of the American National Anthem. Misty Romero introduced Scott Stapp — an honor she collected by winning the door prize ticket drawn by NSA Naples Commanding Officer Capt. Rob Rabuse.

Stapp and his tour band played well into the night. The show –lasting more than two hours — was full of familiar hit singles as well as new material from Stapp’s upcoming album, which has yet to be titled. At one point the band played an acoustic set while Stapp explained the meaning behind some of his greatest hits as the front man for Creed.

“I thought the show was amazing and that MWR deserves a pat-on-the-back for bringing this type of entertainment to Capodichino,” said ABHAN Steve Lilly, a “geo-bachelor” living in the enlisted quarters at Capo. “The show had the perfect mix of entertainment and production, and the Ciao Hall is a great venue for this kind of event.”

After the show Stapp and his band signed autographs and each fan got a free music CD.

Traveling to the different bases has changed his life, Stapp said, and he can now recognize how difficult it must be to be away from family while on deployment.

“I met some service members that were away from their family for over a year,” Stapp said. “I can’t even imagine how tough that must be. At most I am only away a few months while on tour.”