Creed is back, and they are hotter than ever, making waves in the music scene with their first tour in 12 years. The Florida-based rock band, known for their powerful anthems and emotional lyrics, has seen a remarkable resurgence since their hiatus in 2012. This revival can be attributed to a series of unexpected events that have reignited interest in their music.
Last season, the Texas Rangers adopted Creed’s iconic hit “Higher” as their anthem during their World Series run, bringing the song back into the spotlight. The momentum continued when Paramount+ featured “Higher” in a Super Bowl LVIII advertisement, which quickly became a viral sensation, spawning countless memes and TikTok videos. This exposure has introduced Creed to a new generation of fans, eager to experience the band’s music live.
As a result of this renewed interest, Creed’s summer reunion tour has become one of the hottest tickets in rock music. The demand was so high that the band decided to add a series of arena dates in the fall, much to the delight of their fans. While it may not be 1999 all over again, the members of Creed are feeling the excitement of a comeback, reminiscent of their earlier days.
Mark Tremonti, the band’s guitarist, reflects on this unexpected resurgence. “All of a sudden, pop culture hits,” he notes, highlighting how Creed’s music has found its way back into the mainstream. “You have the Rangers playing Creed songs. You have the Vikings playing Creed songs. You have the Super Bowl commercial. Nothing you could have ever planned.” Tremonti emphasizes that the band’s return to prominence is a result of serendipitous luck rather than a calculated marketing strategy.
For many years, Creed faced criticism and became a target for detractors during their initial run from 1997 to 2004. Despite this, the band has found a warm reception upon their return. Tremonti believes that the audience has matured, stating, “I think people have just grown up, maybe.” He points out that their largest fan base now consists of individuals aged 25 to 35, many of whom did not grow up with the band and are simply enjoying the music without the baggage of past criticisms.
Creed burst onto the music scene in 1997 with their debut album “My Own Prison,” which achieved six-times platinum status and produced several hit singles. Their follow-up album, “Human Clay,” released in 1999, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured anthems like “Higher” and the Grammy Award-winning “With Arms Wide Open.” The band’s third album, “Weathered,” also topped the charts and solidified their place in rock history.
However, the band’s success was marred by personal struggles, leading to their breakup in 2004. Frontman Scott Stapp pursued a solo career, while Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips formed the band Alter Bridge. Although Creed reunited in 2009 and released the album “Full Circle,” they ultimately disbanded again in 2012, returning to their respective projects.
Despite the challenges, Tremonti emphasizes that the band never completely ruled out a return. Discussions about reuniting began before the pandemic, but plans were put on hold. Eventually, the idea of a “soft launch” through a cruise event emerged, allowing the band to reconnect in a more intimate setting. The success of the Summer of ’99 Cruise, which sold out quickly, prompted the decision to embark on a full tour.
Returning to Creed after working with Alter Bridge presented its own set of challenges for Tremonti. He noted the differences in guitar tones and styles between the bands, particularly the clean guitar parts that require intense focus during live performances. “There’s a lot of clean guitar tones in Creed that are different from the other bands,” he explained. “For me, the most nerve-wracking thing in the world is when you have 25,000 people staring at you and you’re playing a clean part that, if you miss one note, everybody’s gonna hear it.” Despite these challenges, the band has been delivering electrifying performances filled with their greatest hits, including “Are You Ready?,” “Weathered,” “One Last Breath,” and “My Sacrifice.”
As the tour progresses, Tremonti remains optimistic about the future of Creed. He hints at the possibility of new music, stating, “We’ve always said once we get on this tour I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of downtime to fool around with ideas.” He expresses excitement about the potential for collaboration during sound checks and the opportunity to explore new material. “I always will hear a song and be like, ‘Well, that sounds like a Creed song,’ and I’ll just kind of park it until the time is right,” he added.
Creed’s return to the stage has not only delighted long-time fans but has also attracted a new audience eager to experience the band’s powerful sound live. The combination of nostalgia and fresh interest has created a unique atmosphere at their shows, where fans of all ages come together to celebrate the music that has defined a generation.
As the tour continues, Creed is set to perform alongside 3 Doors Down and Mammoth WVH at various venues, including the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The excitement surrounding these performances is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the chance to witness the band’s iconic hits performed live once again.
In conclusion, Creed’s return after a 12-year hiatus has been nothing short of remarkable. The band’s resurgence is a testament to the enduring power of their music and the ability to connect with audiences across generations. As they embark on this new chapter, fans can only hope that this reunion will lead to more music and memorable performances in the future.
Source: The Oakland Press
