See also: Creed's Scott Stapp, One of the Most Hated Men in Rock
In this week's New Times music section, there's an interview with Creed singer Scott Stapp, or as the article describes him, one of the most hated men in rock. His band doesn't get much more respect. In fact, they are widely regarded by music critics and bloggers as one of the worst bands ever. If you Google the term "the worst band ever," you'll find a reference to Creed on the first page of results.
Like many people, I'm not a fan of Creed, but to call them the worst band ever isn't the most accurate of statements. "Worst band ever" is pretty tough to nail down, scientifically speaking, as what sucks and what doesn't is a matter of personal taste, but it's undeniable that Creed has a pretty bad rep. How many bands have been sued by their fans for sounding awful in concert?
So is Creed horrible? Yes, really horrible. Worst ever? No. Here are five reasons why.
5. They've Sold a Shit-ton of Records.
There are a lot of really shitty bands in this world, and you won't hear of many of them. It's tough to get on the radio, and that's one of the main problems with Creed. In the late '90s and early '00s, you couldn't turn on any alternative rock radio station without hearing one of their tunes. Everyone got sick of it, but it's important to remember: The reason "With Arms Wide Open" and "Higher" clogged the airwaves was because people really, really loved those songs.
4. Creed Is Interesting.
Foster the People is a very popular band. You know what's interesting about those guys? Nothing. Not so with our boys in Creed; they wasted no time becoming the kind of train wreck it's impossible to look away from. From their early success, the eventual backlash, the Scott Stapp and Kid Rock sex tape (not with each other), their breakup, and reformation, and class-action lawsuits filed by their own fans, it's almost become fun to watch how bad it can get for these guys. Talk about a VH1 Behind The Music episode that ran way too early in a band's career.
3. "One Last Breath" Is a Pretty Decent Song.
The early '00s were kind of a wasteland for popular music, but as time ticks on, it's impossible to not feel twinges of nostalgia for certain hits, even ones you know you shouldn't. "One Last Breath," off of the band's 2001 album, Weathered, is one of those songs. (And the video is pretty cool.)
2. Scott Stapp Is a Rock 'n' Roll Frontman.
Maybe Scott Stapp is a huge douche, and he's certainly one of the most lampooned guys in the history of rock (watch some Shreds for proof). But is it all that deserved? Is he kind of a train wreck who takes himself way too seriously? Sure, but what lead singer doesn't fit that description by his or her very nature? (Let's call it the Bono Syndrome.) You probably can't name any other members of Creed, so you blame Scott Stapp, but all the guy did is front his band, sing his songs, and make a whole bunch of money.
1. These Guys...
If there is any definitive proof that Creed isn't the worst band ever you, need look no further than the above video from brokeNCYDE.
The defense rests.
Creed is scheduled to perform Wednesday, May 9, at Comerica Theatre.
