Creed was a band that started out strong, and over time began to receive a lot of controversy, which divided music lovers. However, Creed remains one of the most popular touring bands and for long time Creed lovers there may be some positive news in the near future!

Creed formed in 1995 in Florida, and it didn’t take long for them to reach the top. In the late 1990s, the band had multi-platinum albums, with 28 million records sold in the United States alone. They are the 9th best selling artist in the 2000s period. Public opinion is a fickle thing, however, as by the year 2004 a reader’s poll in Guitar World had ranked them second worst band. How is that possible?

The years 1997 and 1998 were the best for Creed. Their debut album My Own Prison was released and the fan count began rising. The title song along with three other hits all reached #1 on the Billboard charts. The year 1998 saw the band awarded Rock Artist of the Year by Billboard Music Awards. Things didn’t slow down with their second album’s release Human Clay. Hits included “Higher”, “With Arms Wide Open” and more, with concerts selling out. With seven hit singles under their belt, they won a Grammy Award in 2001 for “With Arms Wide Open”.

When you are feeling on top of the world, your ego can get a little inflated as it did for the band’s bassist Brian Marshall who, in a radio interview, criticized the much beloved Pearl Jam. Fans were not happy, and Marshall soon left the band on so-called “friendly terms”. Around the same time, Limp Bizkit lead singer Fred Durst insulted the band, which led to Scott Stapp proposing a boxing match (which nothing ever came of). Many people began labeling Creed as a Christian rock band due to its spiritual lyrics, which turned away some fans.

The next albums did not sell as well, and tour delays angered many. The lead singer’s personal “demons” began taking their toll leading to some rather bizarre incidents on stage. By 2004, the band had disbanded.

However, now at the end of 2011 and embarking upon a new year, there is hope on the horizon. The year 2012 is going to be a great year for a newly reunited Creed with Scott Stapp, who is back on board. A fifth album and new tour are scheduled. Scott Stapp is looking well, and the band is hopeful. Get your Creed tickets and be there to see them perform live in your hometown!