 On
my journeys in the Rock n World, in search of the right groove, the new
buzz and the next great thing to bring to all of you I have uncovered a
multitude of bands whos dark and ominous music and lyrics were a channel
to aid the listener in purging demons, rage at injustices and lash back
at anger and pain. But I wouldnt be able to claim my title as a certified
rock doctor if I left your musical souls naked and bleeding without bringing
you the salve to sooth you. Im not talking about a dab of goop that
sits on your head and annoys you, Im talking about a  sound,
a feeling that energizes you and makes you want to take up your battles
anew. Im talking about the crushing, inspiring, uplifting sounds
of CREED!
Perhaps youve heard of these guys?
Oh yeah, they have been in the news lately with the recent departure of
original bassist Brian Marshall, and there was the much publicized exchange
of words between frontman Scott Stapp and Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit where
Stapp challenged Durst to a boxing match on pay-per-view for charity.
I for one, am sorry that didnt happen, because I was ready to do a full
on festival at my house with big screen TVs,  kegs
and rented tables and chairs to watch that. As fun as that all sounds,
heres what the headlines dont say: Creed Rocks. End
of Story.
But thats not the end of my story!
Heres the deal. In the old days, people thought they had to listen
to the Carpenters to make them feel good. The music was slow and
soft and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz . . . oh, excuse me, I must have dozed
off. . . Creed came on the scene in 1997 with their debut
CD "My Own Prison" and proved that aggressive, adrenaline pumping, tuned
down and cranked up music could make you feel GOOD ba-bee,  yeah!
If you dont get what I mean, or you are currently inhabiting a space under
a rock, take this test
(WARNING: You may want to try this
alone at first):
1. Buy the "My Own Prison"
CD, or, if you have to, borrow it from someone.
2. Think about anything or anyone
that pisses you off.
3. Insert CD into player, tune to
"Ode," push PLAY.
4. Have your air guitar at the ready.
During opening riffs of the song, assume the stance. Look from side
to side as if you are Doc Holiday, arriving at the OK Corrall.
5. As guitarist Mark Tremonti winds
into his methodical succession of riffage, begin head banging phase.
This works best if you have a little hair to fling around, as it adds to
effect and totally works you into the rock star part.
6. If you are able, sing along with
Scott Stapps haunting baritone voice and create your own expressive hand
gestures until you are totally involved and at one with the moment.
7. End the song with a deep, cleansing
breath and return to stance in step 4.
8. Now, what were you pissed off
at again?
9. May want to buy "Human Clay"
now too . . .
 This
may seem a bit extreme, but I think you get my point. "My Own
Prison" is now multi-platinum (over 7 million albums) and Creed
was the first band in history to have four #1 rock radio singles from a
debut album. Creeds sophomore release, "Human Clay"
shows no signs of letting up on this trend and is well on its way to multi-platinum
status as well. And with this appealing formula of hard rock riffage
and dynamic vocals, it still comes as a bit of a suprise to the band.
"With My Own Prison I knew we had the talent to get a record  deal
and I knew we had songs good enough to get played on the radio, but I never
had any expectation of reaching this many people," says Creeds
frontman, Scott Stapp.
In order to Cinch their foothold in the
hard rock genre and solidify their pedigree as rock stars, one has only
to see a live performance. It is there that you see that the CDs
are no fluke and all the action comes to life because it is not a product
of studio wizardry. With a big show and a big sound Creed
take the stage with fire (literally) and spend the evening taking you through
a range of emotions. Stapp is a lithe jungle cat, stalking the runway
style stage as he savagely demands "What If?" to those who would
judge people unfairly. At once he turns on his heel and challenges
"Are You Ready?" to an audience that is rapt with the soaring instrumentation
and powerful cadence. Other songs from the "Human Clay"  album
explore fears of growing up and letting go ("Never Die"), conscience
("Faceless Man") and betrayal ("Beautiful").
The set concludes with the soaring vocals and majestic wall of riffs that
surround the hit single "Higher," which seemed to have a euphoric
effect on the sold out crowd of concert goers. In fact, it was just
what the (rock) doctor ordered. And what does the band think of the
effect it has on their fans? "We were out on tour for a long time,
and wherever we went, there were people telling me how much  certain
songs meant to them and how they felt so close to them," says Stapp.
"That means more to me than any other kind of attention. Its important
to feel as if youre doing something worthwhile, and in this band, I feel
like I am."
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photographs Copyright© 2000 Groove
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