The Madness

Album: The Madness (2016)
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Songfacts®:

  • Art of Anarchy is the brainchild of former Guns N' Roses guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thai and twin brothers Jon (guitar) and Vince Votta (drums). The trio have been friends since the mid-1990s dating back to their days on the New York music scene. The group also comprises Disturbed bassist John Moyer and, as of 2016, Creed vocalist Scott Stapp.
  • This is Art of Anarchy's first single release with Scott Stapp, who replaced the late Scott Weiland.
  • The song's music video was directed by Dan Catullo, who shot the 2009 DVD Creed Live. When filming that performance, Catullo broke the world record for the most amount of cameras (239) used at a live music event.

    "Dan puts 110 percent in his work," Stapp told Billboard magazine. "I thought he would be a great fit for our first video. He really understood the concept of the meaning of madness in a way that only someone who had experienced similar situations could understand. This video really gave the band its first taste of a live performance."
  • Scott Stapp had a very public meltdown in November 2014 that led to him being diagnosed as bipolar. This song finds him painting a picture of where his mind was during that low point in his life. He explained to Revolver magazine:

    "Because the madness was separating me and that applies to a couple different things in my life, that applies to the madness alcohol and addiction can bring to life, specifically my life, as well the madness caused by depression and my struggle with that over the years.

    I think what makes it so relatable outside of those specific issues is anything that separates us as human beings from love and peace and freedom and joy and happiness is madness in itself. I think It can also have a more general meaning but that specifically is where that song came from for me."

Comments: 1

  • Rob A from MassachusettsThis band is friggin Awesome. They have a chemistry like no other. Scott is brilliant. Can't think of a better word. If there is or ever was a lead singer that can write the songs that he did and sing with such emotion and power, I can't think of anyone.Dont get me wrong. Chris Cornell was right there with him but he chose a different path. One that I don't agree with but I,m not him. R I P.
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