Mark Tremonti has spent decades proving that staying power in music isn’t just about talent—it’s about intention.
Known as the guitarist for Creed and Alter Bridge, he’s also carved out his own lane as a frontman with his solo project, Tremonti. Beyond the stage, he’s built a reputation as a sharp entrepreneur and committed philanthropist. He’s launched signature gear, started creative ventures, and championed the Down syndrome community, inspired by his daughter, Stella.
In conversation with SWAGGER, Mark Tremonti reflects on balancing multiple bands, mastering the business side of music, and why purpose now drives everything he does.
SWAGGER: You’ve built a remarkable career not just as a guitarist and songwriter, but as a true entrepreneur. From Creed and Alter Bridge to your solo band, Tremonti, how has your mindset as a musician influenced your approach to building and sustaining these different ventures?
Tremonti: “I approach everything like a musician, like a songwriter. You start by running it all down, chasing every possibility, and figuring out what works best in front of you.”
SWAGGER: You are the lead guitar player for both Creed and Alter Bridge, but with Tremonti you are the lead singer as well. How do you approach your writing and performing in that band differently?
Tremonti: “I’m a songwriter first, and I always follow what’s best for the idea. I let the music guide me, and once a song feels right, it usually becomes clear where it belongs.”
SWAGGER: Creed has had a major resurgence with the recent reunion tour. The response really shows how timeless the band’s music is. How does that feel?
Tremonti: “It’s been amazing to see the demand. We knew we wanted to come back and play the songs again, but we never imagined it would be like this. It’s bigger than ever!”
SWAGGER: Launching the Tremonti brand, recording the Sinatra album, and partnering with NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society) all point to a deeper sense of purpose beyond music. What drives you to keep exploring new creative and philanthropic avenues?
Tremonti: “Finding out our baby girl, Stella, was going to have Down syndrome gave me a new purpose in life. I had always loved Sinatra and all of the philanthropic work he did, but now all I want to do is use my talents to give back. Our family really loves the Down syndrome community.”
SWAGGER: You’ve partnered with PRS Guitars for more than 20 years and have signature guitars and amps with the company. How deep is your involvement in designing those products?
Tremonti: “Working with Paul and the incredible team at PRS has been a dream. When we come up with an idea, we push it hard, sometimes for years, before ever releasing anything. Both the PRS name and mine are on these products, so they have to withstand the test of time.
I’ve always admired Paul’s approach. He’d send me an amp, I’d play it, call him, and say, ‘We need to tweak the gain stage here and there.’ And he’d just say, ‘You’re right. Let’s give it a shot.’ It becomes a mission for all of us to create the best gear possible, something we truly love. And if we love it, we know other guitarists will too.”
SWAGGER: Your annual Mark Tremonti Sings Sinatra tour has become a standout project, and some of your backing musicians actually played with Frank Sinatra himself. How did that come together?
Tremonti: “During the pandemic, I really started singing Frank’s charts. When we found out Stella was coming, I called my manager, Tim Tournier, and said, ‘Let’s get a band together, record a few Sinatra songs, and donate it to charity.’
Tim said, ‘Why use just any band? My guitar teacher was Frank’s guitar player. I bet I can get the real guys.’ And he did. We spoke with the Sinatra family, and they helped us put the whole thing together.”
SWAGGER: The “Take a Chance for Charity” initiative and your work with NDSS have made a real impact. When did you realize your platform could be used in such a meaningful way?
Tremonti: “It’s all about passion. If you’re passionate about something and you have a platform, I’ve always believed you should use it to spread that message. The fans have been incredibly supportive. I didn’t know what it would turn into, but I’m very thankful for the response and the outcome.”
SWAGGER: You recently helped open a hospital clinic for children with Down syndrome. What inspired that step?
Tremonti: “We partnered locally with AdventHealth to open the Smile with Stella lifespan Down syndrome program. The mission is to help people who otherwise wouldn’t receive the care they need. Programs like this, along with our work with NDSS, help fuel everyone on my team. The more we’re able to do, the more we’re able to give.”
SWAGGER: “String Thing” is another extension of your business instincts. How did that idea come about?
Tremonti: “My brother Dan and I started Fret12 about a decade ago. Growing up, I collected guitar instructional videos, and we saw a hole in the market for really well-done instructional content, along with documentaries that told a guitarist’s story.
Dan always had the idea for String Thing as a mascot for Fret12. We’d save strings from important shows and recording sessions over the years and never knew how to display them. That’s how String Thing was born.”
SWAGGER: Many artists struggle with the business side of music, but you’ve embraced it. What advice would you give to musicians looking to expand beyond performance into entrepreneurship?
Tremonti: “Pay attention to how your company works—the ins and outs. As a band, it’s your company. This is your team and your career, and you should understand how it all functions. Early in my career, we just went with the flow. But over time, managers, business managers, and record labels change, and you realize the buck stops with you. Music is the most fun part of the business, but the choices you make around releasing it are what determine whether you have a real career. The music business is always changing, and there’s always something new to learn.”
Mark Tremonti’s career isn’t just a collection of successful projects—it’s a purpose-driven journey. Through his music, gear, and philanthropy, he’s creating a legacy that hits harder than any riff.
Keep up with Tremonti on Instagram @marktremonti and at marktremonti.com for new music, tour dates, and charitable work.
Photo Credits: Chuck Breuckmann
