By Bryan F. Ahearn
Where one “flying saucer” idea took an acclaimed rock musician, this is the story of a dream, a gift, and a legacy, that has gone on to touch lives around the world.
For Grammy award-winning songwriter Mark Tremonti, when an idea takes off, the adage is literal.
Tremonti assigns an emoji to certain ideas he makes note of—“a flying saucer (emoji)…if I think a certain idea is out of this world,” he quipped, modestly, during one of his songwriting clinics that he often offers fans before his concerts.
And Tremonti, as guitarist of 90s alt-rock band juggernaut Creed, and more currently rock group Alter Bridge, has had no shortage of “out of this world” ideas in almost 30 years as professional musician.
From the Grammy award-winning “With Arms Wide Open,” by Creed, to countless award mentions for the best rock guitar solo of all time in “Blackbird” by Alter Bridge, to the highly sought-after “A Dying Machine” novel (yes, a novel), co-authored with John Shirley (The Crow, Robocop)— Mark Tremonti certainly has his name attached to some pretty remarkable artistry.
Yet, arguably his most important (and, transformative) project came from an idea that actually took flight a few years ago during the pandemic, and after the Down syndrome diagnosis of his daughter, Stella.
A Rock-Solid Foundation.
From his work with Creed, to his current work with the in-demand hard rock mainstay Alter Bridge, Tremonti has made a legacy out of innovation. During the COVID pandemic, Tremonti spent hours at sports practices for his sons —like many other parents—socially distanced.
An Unexpected Connection.
Yet, Tremonti used this social distance to draw closer to a bygone era that one would hardly expect from a hard rock musician.
While socially distanced in his car at sports practices for his sons, no doubt with the air conditioning blasting full throttle in the sweltering Florida heat, Tremonti was hard at work, studying YouTube videos of Frank Sinatra. And, learning how to sing like him. And quite superbly, at that.
One Giant Leap, For Kindness.
The result of rock legend Mark Tremonti’s unexpected Frank Sinatra obsession? Two Sinatra-inspired albums (Mark Tremonti Sings Sinatra and Mark Tremonti – Merry Christmas: Classics New & Old), and the creation of a charity—the Take A Chance For Charity foundation. #takeachanceforcharity
A Grand Beginning
Take A Chance For Charity, a new charity “focused on giving folks the ability to get out of their comfort zone, having people use their social platforms to raise funds / awareness for the National Down Syndrome Society,” was born out of inspiration for his daughter, Stella.
Because when Tremonti’s daughter was diagnosed with Down syndrome, his obsession with Frank Sinatra, suddenly, “had its reason,” Tremonti said via his charity’s website, “and the stars aligned.”
Tremonti donates proceeds from his “Mark Tremonti Sings…” albums to the charity, also providing a chance for fans to do the same via ticket sales, along with album and merchandise offerings found on the Take A Chance For Charity page.
Though for all his innovation and re-invention, and the tens of thousands of miles toured around the world (playing some of the best rock and roll this side of the galaxy), Tremonti truly discovered something more far-reaching, right at home: His cause.
Fast forward to October 2023, when Mark Tremonti and his family’s efforts led to the establishment of the SMILE with Stella Tremonti Down Syndrome Clinic—the first lifespan Down syndrome program in the Southeastern United States.
This program fills a crucial gap for some of the estimated 200,000 people in the U.S. with Down syndrome and will allow more children, adults and families to access comprehensive, world-class medical care.
—via NDSS.org
What’s Next?
All this, before Tremonti resumes an already best-selling 2024 summer reunion with Creed, as he continues compiling ideas for his next solo and Alter Bridge albums, and surely, filling more lists (and hearts) with “flying saucer” ideas in the process.
But first, Tremonti will give fans a ride on his flying saucer of an idea personally, setting out on a handful of Sinatra inspired concert dates in December and January (backed by members of Sinatra’s original band).
Fittingly, fans are expected to be simply over the moon about it.
And, with good cause.
Ways to get involved:
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