Creed stands out in a world dominated by hip-hop stars at awards ceremonies and overpriced filler albums selling millions. Recording for Wind-Up Records out of New York, Creed have never made their way into mainstream music circles.
But they have made quite an impression with their unique brand of guitar rock music. Songs like “Human Clay” and “Higher” recall classic bands like Journey and Led Zeppelin.
Creed’s rise
Creed became one of the greatest rock bands ever. Selling millions of albums, selling out stadiums worldwide and earning numerous awards was only part of their legacy. Formed in 1977 by vocalist Steve Ingle and guitarist Luther Maben under Asylum Records’ label contract in 1978; their debut album featured their hit single “Time And Time Again”, an electric Southern-style guitar workout similar to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Freebird”.
Early interviews revealed that band members denied being Christian rock musicians; however, their lyrics contained heavily religious-themed verses which caused some fans to question this denial of affiliation with Christian music. Yet regardless of this denial they managed to capitalize on its success by selling millions in Christian albums worldwide.
The band officially disbanded in 2004, though members briefly reunited for tours in 2009 and 2012. By 2024, the members will return for more performances at Summer of ’99 Cruise as headliners as well as to release new material.
Creed are back, so don’t miss your chance to experience their incredible music live – tickets are on sale now.
After the success of My Own Prison, Creed were approached by a label representative from Wind-Up Records wanting to sign the band. Diana Meltzer, President of Wind-Up Records listened to their record and decided to give them a shot – she flew down to Tallahassee to meet them personally and witness their performance live.
Full Circle was released, showcasing hits such as Human Clay and Higher; Higher was an instantaneous hit on Billboard Hot 100 charts for over 10 weeks, peaking at #25 on U.S. Adult Top 40 chart, and featuring vocal contributions by Scott Stapp’s sister Aimee Stapp.
This album was an enormous success for the band and allowed them to advance to the next stage of their career. Unfortunately, drug addiction plagued their group and eventually led to its dissolution by late 2002; Stapp had fallen prey to both alcohol and prescription drug addiction (Percocet and OxyContin). He began slurring his words while performing while lying down on stage; ultimately committing suicide by shooting himself with two guns at home in Florida.
Stapp’s rise
Creed was one of the premier rock radio bands during the early 2000s, but their meteoric rise to fame was marred by scandalous personal issues which ultimately caused their split. Since then, Scott Stapp has embarked on a path towards sobriety and psychological peace while still remaining involved in music; recently speaking with Loudwire Nights host Toni Gonzalez about his solo album release as well as rediscovering spirituality and possible reunion of original band Creed.
Creed never expressed direct Christian affiliation through their music; however, their lyrics often alluded to Biblical themes like an eye for an eye and the wicked fruit of the vine. This could have been in reaction to Stapp being brought up in a religious household that frowned on rock music; guitarist Mark Tremonti and bassist Brian Marshall shared Stapp’s passion for both religion and rock music and provided grunge power chords that supported Stapp’s lyrics.
Creed first came to national prominence in 1996 when Atlantic Records noticed their regional success in the Southeastern rock scene and invited them up to New York, but ultimately decided not to sign them. Diana Meltzer of Wind-up Records saw them perform and insisted upon signing them immediately after hearing them play live.
The four bandmates worked tirelessly to gain fans through energetic live shows and powerful, anthemic songs. Without using any gimmicks or trends as filler, they were hands-on in managing day-to-day business operations of their band and also used the Internet for communication and advertising purposes.
However, they were met with much animus from critics at first; Rolling Stone called them a “Pearl Jam ripoff,” while South Park featured them in an episode entitled “Christian Rock Hard.” Critics were particularly critical of their passionate spiritual songs and Vedder-lite vocal style – but regardless of this they quickly built an incredible fan base, selling over four million albums during their peak.
Stapp’s fall
Creed’s breakthrough into rock music during the early ’90s was nothing short of extraordinary. They sounded epic and anthemic; Scott Stapp was charismatic with an inimitable vocal delivery, perfectly complementing Mark Tremonti’s thunderous guitar riffs. Furthermore, Creed boasted an appealing commercial sound ready for commercialization; furthermore they managed to secure a major record label eager for them as artists to sign with them.
But the band’s meteoric rise ultimately proved its undoing. It was inevitable that its cracks would show in a group so dependent on self-promotion and manufactured image, and public disapproval of Christian rock as a genre and its preening rock stars only compounded their decline. Stapp was easy to mock; his arms outstretched over mountains in music videos reminded viewers both of preening hair metal bands in the 80s as well as Charlton Heston atop stone tablets of biblical epics – something his supporters found disapproval of.
By 2002, Stapp was leading a life of self-destruction. His marriage collapsed; drug and alcohol issues surfaced; he even considered suicide; taking a gun with him on stage during one concert only to be stopped by an audience member from firing it into his head – an incident which contributed to other public meltdowns leading to its breakup as well.
Reunited in 2015, Stapp and his band released a new album; but its impact remains uncertain. He reports still receiving calls and letters from fans thanking him for changing their lives, while family warns him it could all unravel again at any moment.
Stapp is no secret to his struggles with heroin addiction; he’s publicly admitted using it and been arrested multiple times for possessing drugs and weapons. Additionally, he’s spoken out against domestic violence, saying he wishes his own wife were here for support; nonetheless he remains hopeful about getting clean soon so he can be there for his children.
Stapp’s reunion
Creed was an unrivaled hit despite critical gatekeepers deriding them as derivative blowhards with a self-righteous Christian agenda. Resembling Pearl Jam yet outselling them in terms of record sales, their kitschy music videos were widely featured on MTV and they spawned imitators such as Limp Bizkit; Stapp was even often likened to Charlton Heston for their bold rock star persona and charisma.
At the height of their fame, Creed began experiencing difficulties. Bassist Brian Marshall became addicted to alcohol and various prescription drugs; when this happened, his bandmates attempted to encourage him into rehab but ultimately refused and left; the group went on as an instrumental trio with drummer Scott Phillips and guitarist Mark Tremonti remaining.
Since reuniting for 2009’s Full Circle album, members have since embarked on various other projects. Stapp and Tremonti each formed separate bands while bassist Mark Hall joined Alter Bridge as bassist in 2012.
Stapp was invited as a guest on KLOS radio show Whiplash hosted by Full Metal Jackie this year. There, he discussed his career, rediscovering spirituality, and potential Creed reunion as well as discussing his new solo album released last month called The Space Between the Shadows.
This album highlights Stapp’s signature vocal style from early in their band history and spans various genres such as country and R&B music. Although not as intense or heavy-hitting as their previous releases, it still delivers powerful results.
Stapp’s sudden return is an amazing sight for fans. His public breakdown in 2014 left many wondering about his wellbeing and whether or not he would recover fully, but since then he has worked hard at conquering his demons and is making strides toward full recovery – most recently discussing Creed in an interview with Loudwire Nights.