Transforming Today's World Magazine - JAN 2014 Special Edition Vol 5 Issue 3 | Page 54

“Well I just heard the news today - its seems my life is going to’ change. I close my eyesbegin to pray… then tears of joy stream down my face. With Arms Wide open… under
the sunlight… welcome this place; I’ll show you everything…..With Arms Wide Open.”

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istening to “With Arms Wide Open” by Creed is an
emotional and uplifting experience. The music is
electrifying and the lyrics touch the deepest level of
a person’s true feelings. It is virtually impossible not
to be affected by this classic rock band’s music, as its
message crosses over all genres of music creating a
timeless message all can hear. It is fascinating that Creed has a “God”
message, but they have never been categorized as a Christian band
per-se’. One of the most prolific and classic rock bands in American
history, Creed endured a devastating break-up in 2002, only to return
triumphant with countless platinum records and successful tours. TTW
is proud to tell the story of one of the greatest rock bands that has ever
graced our ears and uplifted our hearts and souls. In a world riddled with
mediocrity, false drama and a lack of integrity, one would have to pause
and consider why this great group has survived the milieu of minefields
in the industry and the public eye. One must ask themselves how and
why could this happen: From a divine perspective, it might possibly
just be the message itself! But to truly understand the dynamics we
need to look at some amazing history of a band aptly named: CREED.
The American rock band Creed was formed in 1993 in Tallahassee,
Florida by lead vocalist Scott Stapp, guitarist and vocalist Mark
Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips. Creed

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released two studio albums, “My Own Prison” and “Human Clay” in
1999 before Marshall left the band in 2000 to be replaced by touring
bassist Brett Hestla. The band went on to make a third record in 2001
entitled, “Weathered,” which seemed to manifest a self-fulfilling
prophecy of “weathered” relationships; eventually leading to the band
breaking up in 2004. But nothing could keep this type of talent quiet
or stop their message from continuing. In 2009 the mega band Creed
reunited for a tour and the creation of their new album “Full Circle.”
Stapp commented on the album’s theme: “It really defines and
articulates melody- wise and lyrically, what’s happened with us. We’ve
come full circle and it’s a great place to be!” In 2009 Creed performed
a live concert in Houston, Texas. It was recorded and then released as
a live internet stream broadcast on Dec. 8, 2010 as the concert, “Creed
Live,” which was the band’s first live recording. The performance
also featured the first usage of the “big freeze” technology, which
was popularized by “The Matrix,” then utilized by Creed in a concert
environment! The performance broke four world records including
the use of the most CAMERAS- a title previously held by Justin
Timberlake. In 2012 the legendary band continued to reconnect to start
a major tour and begin their fifth album. The history and evolution
of the band Creed creates fascinating reading and a study in history.
Creed became enormously popular in the late 1990’s and early
2000’s, releasing three consecutive platinum albums. Their second
album “Human Clay” was released in 1999 by Wind-Up Records
and went on to be certified “Diamond” by The RIAA, ranking 54
on the top 100 selling albums of all time in the US! “Full Circle”
was the band’s first number 1 hit, staying on top for two weeks as
it took its rightlful place in history as the 8th best-selling album
in the US in the last 20 years! As of May 2012, “Full Circle” has
sold 11,579,000 copies in the US alone. (According to Soundscan
numbers) It has also been certified Platinum six times in Canada, 5
times in Australia, 7 times in New Zealand and 4 times in Switzerland,
selling an estimated 20 million copies world-wide! “Human Clay”
was ran ked #5 on Billboard’s 200 albums of the decade, for 2009.
According to Mike Tremonti, the album cover represents a crossroad
where every man finds himself: “Our actions- what we are… is up to
us- we lead our own path and make our own destiny.” The title in the
album comes from a lyric in “Say I” (The dust has finally settled on
the field of human clay) from a song that carries the same message.
Their fourth single, “With Arms Wide Open,” won a Grammy for Best
Rock Song. The album had three released videos:” Higher;” “What