Going from Creed to Alter Bridge By: Alexander Choman, The Citizens' Voice Music Critic 01/14/2005 How do you refocus after you've sold 30 million recordings, played in some of the world's biggest venues and have been a part of rock's upper echelon for a period of time? If the band has broke up, your celebrated lead singer is on his own and you're now playing venues that hold 1,500 people not 20 times that much, how do you start over? Well, for drummer Scott Philips he and his band mates Mark Tremonti (guitar), Brian Marshall (bass) and vocalist Myles Kennedy, they have been answering that question for some time now and believe it or not, they've found the answers in their new group Alter Bridge. Well, most of them anyway. Having been part of the rock band Creed, one of music's hottest selling acts both on CD and in concert, the transition seems like it went much smoother than it could have. In fact, the trio and their new lead singer, Myles Kennedy are doing quite well thank you. Their new band, Alter Bridge, has already had its album certified gold by the RIAA and they are on the road in support of their debut recording "One Day Remains". Their current tour will bring them to the Staircase Lounge, Pittston Twp., Feb. 16, in a concert with Silvertide and Submersed. In a recent interview from Alabama, Philips and the others certainly seemed like guys who were very much at ease with themselves and the band now. "All we really want to do is go out every night and do the very best that we can. We're very pleased with our debut album and Myles has fit in quite nicely as our new singer. Myles is not trying to be Scott (Stapp), and we're not trying to be Creed," Philips said. So far, the critics seem to agree. "One Day Remains" got some great reviews early on and "Open Your Eyes" helped vault the album into the top 10 rapidly. In many ways, the recording is far less moodier than Creed and Tremonti really blossoms as the singer/songwriter leader of this band. In addition to hearing Alter Bridge play most all of the tracks from "One Day Remains", fans at the Staircase will also be treated to a few cover songs which Phillips says changes from night to night. "One Day Remains" is wickedly powerful as guitarist Tremonti and drummer Phillips break out into new territory that must have been held in check in Creed. "We cover Led Zeppelin or Boston or even songs like "Highway Star" by Deep Purple", Phillips said. "We're open to most any suggestion from the audience." The only band they won't cover is Creed but once you hear Alter Bridge you'll realize that the band's playlist will suit you fine.