Creed storms New Orleans

The Lion’s Roar January 24 2002

On Jan. 24, the "Church of Creed" took their traveling show to the New Orleans Arena to entertain a sold out crowd.

The congregation was anxiously anticipating an uplifting and rockin' performance. They would not be disappointed.

Rock 'Gods' Creed took the stage and delivered a rock 'n roll sermon that not only ignited the crowd, but got across an uplifting message to a mass audience. For years the band - vocalist Scott Stapp, guitarist Mark Tremonti and drummer Scott Phillips - shied away from the Christian band image the media has placed on them. The band as a whole may not be pushing the Christian religion but Stapp's own spiritual journey has played a part in the song writing process. As Stapp belted out the chorus from "My Own Prison," the exuberant crowd sang along with the lyrics "should have been there on a Sunday morning." Stapp's Eddie Vedder' type voice was almost drowned out by the crowd during "With Arms Wide Open."

The band gave a nice sampling of music from all three of their albums with notable performances of "What If" and "Higher," both from their monstrously popular album Human Clay. The band opened the show with their next single "Bullets" from their current chart topper Weathered.

During the show Stapp thanked the audience for their support. He mentioned how "weathered" the band felt after their last tour. This inspired the title for their latest release. Stapp also expressed the message of staying together as one, a nice segue to the band's single "One."

The band's pulpit was a unique Roman Empire with columns that parted to reveal video screens. Explosions of fire illuminated the back of the stage. Overall Creed gave their congregation a high-energy show that showcased the talents of all band members. It is easy to see why they are the number one rock band on the charts today.

Creed was accompanied by their opening band Tantric, who ignited the crowd with their brand of rock. Most notably the band invite Three Doors Down lead singer Brad Arnold to join the band for a special rendition of "Breakdown."

.By Kathy Hanrahan