Creed: With new tunes, band’s no blast from past

With arms wide open is how the members of Creed — Scott Stapp (vocals), Mark Tremonti (guitar), Scott Phillips (drums) and Brian Marshall (bass) — are viewing their reunion tour, which rolls through Northeast Ohio for an Aug. 26 show at Blossom Music Center.

“In reflection, we realized we had an amazing experience together as friends and as artists,” said Stapp, calling from Nashville, Tenn. “[At the time of our break-up] we were tired and it was tough times. There were a lot of other variables, and now we’re ready to rock ’n’ roll. It just took some time. We all look back with a great sense of respect, humility and with clear clarity.

“We feel individually — I know I feel this way — to get a second chance to make a first impression is rare in life. And to have that opportunity professionally as an artist is just a gift. And we really feel like we have a lot to give to the fans who stuck by us. There’s a lot of music that’s been percolating inside of us while we were apart.”

In truth, Creed isn’t getting a second chance at a first impression as much as the amazingly successful band — its three multiplatinum albums (1999’s “My Own Prison,” 1999’s “Human Clay” and 2001’s “Weathered”) have sold more than 35 million records worldwide — is trying to rekindle a spark with its fan base. To accomplish this goal, Creed plans on releasing its new studio effort, the aptly titled “Full Circle,” this fall.

So why was it important for Creed, which is known for radio-friendly songs such as “What’s This Life For,” “Torn,” “What If,” “My Sacrifice” and “Are You Ready,” to release a new album instead of just touring its hits?

“I think that making albums is what we do, and it’s part of what brings us together,” Stapp said. “As we began to talk further about the possibilities, we feel like it’s a new day for this band. This is a new Creed. We’re all in a place where we’ve grown mentally, lyrically and spiritually. We have a fresh perspective and had time away to reflect and appreciate and come back in the right place that just led to us saying, ‘Let’s make a new record for our fans and for us as part of the reconnection.’

“We just wanted to make a record to give to our fans and show them that we’re not a blast from the past. We’re still alive and relevant today. It’s just a natural progression. It’s nothing we had to try to think about. The music is just what came out.”

The music also never stopped for Creed members after its 2004 breakup. Stapp pursued a short-lived solo career while Tremonti, Scott Phillips and Marshall formed rock act Alter Bridge. Naturally, Alter Bridge is now on hiatus with the focus on Creed’s reunion tour. So let the bombast begin on Creed’s custom-built stage with a massive lighting and pyrotechnics display.

“It’s going to be the biggest rock show they’ve ever seen,” Stapp said. “And if anyone has ever seen a Creed show in the past, just multiply that times 10. We feel we’re in better shape and better performers, and we’re more comfortable with ourselves, which allows us to be more free as artists. So the whole thing — the journey and the experience — will be the songs that everybody knows off the three records and the songs that we know that those audiences want to sing that weren’t on the radio, as well as Creed today.”

He added, “We’ve just come full circle. So we’re ready to get out there and rock, man.”