ALTER BRIDGE Singer Says Band 'Will Carry On'

Singer Myles Kennedy has shot down reports that the newly announced reunion of CREED will effectively put an end to ALTER BRIDGE, the band he formed with then-former CREED members, guitarist Mark Tremonti, drummer Scott Phillips and bassist Brian Marshall.

Kennedy says, "Many of you are wondering how this CREED reunion tour will affect the future of ALTER BRIDGE. No worries, it won't. I can assure you that as soon as they finish in October, we will move forward.

"Contrary to false statements that might lead you to believe otherwise, ALTER BRIDGE continues to be paramount to the four of us.

"The guys have my full support. It's a very complex situation to say the least. It had to be done.

"I appreciate the fact that so many of you are concerned about our future. With that said, everything is going to be all right.

"ALTER BRIDGE's third record is well on its way. The guys will embark on their reunion tour, I will make my record, and then we will carry on."

CREED officially announced its reunion yesterday (Monday, April 27) after months of speculation. The group, which broke up in 2004, will head out on the road for a summer tour beginning on August 6 in Pittsburgh and wrapping up on October 14 in Nashville. Six songs have already been written for the band's fourth studio album, which will likely be titled "Full Circle". Recording for the project, CREED's first set of new material since 2001's "Weathered", will begin shortly in Nashville. A single will probably arrive before the tour begins, with the full album to come during or immediately after the trek.

The reunion will feature vocalist Scott Stapp, Tremonti, Phillips and Marshall, who quit the band in 2000 and was replaced by Brett Hestla.

Tremonti, Phillips and Marshall have recorded two albums as ALTER BRIDGE, with Myles Kennedy. Stapp launched a solo career after CREED split that was derailed by drug and domestic problems.

Stapp told The Pulse of Radio shortly after CREED's break-up that it should never have happened in the first place. "The announcement never would have been made, because we didn't feel as a band that we needed to break up to go pursue some solo things," he said. "But when you are successful and the people around you start growing, and sometimes there's a communication breakdown. And that's something that I've definitely learned through this, is don't talk through anybody, you know. Call your friends when you've got something important to talk about."

In a statement about the reunion, Tremonti said, "We're all very excited to reconnect with our fans and each other after six long years," while Stapp added, "It's amazing how life can change and bring you full circle. Time gave us all a chance to reflect, grow and gain a deeper appreciation of our friendships, artistic chemistry, passion for music, and sincere love for our fans! It's rare in life to get a second chance to make a first impression and we embrace the opportunity."