How did I not know about this?

I’m usually able to stay up to date with all the music news out there that concerns me.  But for some reason, I wasn’t looking in the right place at the right time to hear this one.  One of the most popular rock bands from this decade, almost over, is coming back with a new album and a nationwide large city tour….Creed.

Creed became a nationwide hit in 1997 when they released their first album My Own Prison, that eventually got picked up by a record label after its release.  They released their second album, Human Clay, in 2000, which was highlighted by Stapp’s “With Arms Wide Open.” Original bassist Brian Marshall played with Creed on their first two albums, but then left the band because of personal issues with Stapp after the release of Human Clay.  Which eventually created some tension from within the band.  After selling 35 million records worldwide over their three album career, Creed split in 2004.  Scott Stapp went on to record a solo album which never sold very well, while guitarist Mark Tremonti and drummer Scott Phillips reunited with original bassist Brian Marshall to form Alter Bridge in late 2004.  Alter Bridge is fronted by vocalist Myles Kennedy, who I’ve talked about in an earlier post called Myles Kennedy, Hallelujah.

Last week while I was casually searching the web for music news and I saw the name Creed.  My initial reaction before even reading the headline was that there was some kind of spoof going around or something like that.  But then I read “Creed Releases Tour Dates” in the headline.  My reaction to this was sort of a shock, but not for the reason that I was happy they were back together.  I was a fan of their first album My Own Prison and some songs off of Human Clay.  However, I am a big fan of Alter Bridge, so that should hint to you which band members I’m a fan of and which “one” I’m not.

Courtesy blabbermouth.net

I decided to indulge in this a little bit more, finding some more articles and video of the band talking about the album.  Apparently, Stapp is all pumped about the release of Creed’s fourth album and their summer tour. (Watch him talk about the album in their video interview)  However, I couldn’t help but notice that he was really the only one very excited in the project.  Most articles noted that Creed is coming back to prove to themselves and their fans that they can still make music apart from their differences.  I honestly think Stapp misses the limelight and stardom he had while being in Creed and wants it back, but none of the articles listed that as a reason.

The other, more frightening, side of this story is the future of Alter Bridge.  With every band member of Alter Bridge, besides singer Myles Kennedy, making a new album and touring with Creed, it may seem that Alter Bridge ditched Kennedy to pick up ties with Stapp and Creed.  I would be very shocked if any band decided to part ways with Kennedy, because he is an exceptional singer.  Although, that wasn’t my first reaction when contemplating the fate of Alter Bridge.  I actually thought that Alter Bridge was taking some time off so Myles Kennedy could tour with Led Zeppelin’s reunion tour.  I’ve talked about this rumor in earlier posts too, but basically Robert Plant would rather see Zeppelin tour with a new singer than to set foot on stage with his old bandmates.  Myles Kennedy was talked about as the replacement for Robert Plant on this yet to come tour.  The truth is, Kennedy has always planned on releasing a solo album and this is a perfect time for him to concentrate 100% on that.  Alter Bridge also stated that they plan on going back into the studio after the Creed tour is completed to record their third album.  Their second album, Blackbird, is listed in my top 5 of best albums ever, so I have high expectations, but I’m confident it will be great.

So all in all, Scott Stapp is back in music thanks to the amazing talents of Alter Bridge members.  I know a lot of the fans who will be attending their concerts this summer will be there to see “With Arms Wide Open” and whatever Scott Stapp sings, but I’m sure the new album will have all the tastes of guitarist Mark Tremonti.  I expect it to be powerful and very good instrumentally, but I’ll pass on this reunion tour and look forward to the next release of Alter Bridge.

Here are some of the shows Creed will be playing around us…
8/30/2009 - Chicago, IL @ the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater
9/1/2009 - Milwaukee, WI @ the Bradley Center
10/6/2009 - Minneapolis, MN @ the Target Center
Click here for all their tour dates

Rock, BC