Creed.com – The Official Website of Creed

November 12, 2001

Juliefromjersey: Just wanted to know who is goin to be playing bass when you perform on SNL? Was wondering if Brett was going to be joining you.

Mark Tremonti: I'd be happy to! Wassup to Bryan and friends in Cookeville TN!

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Mike: out of all the albums which song do u like to play live?

MT: Faceless Man is my favorite to play live.

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Mike: Which song on Weathered was hard for you to play?

MT: One Last Breath, because of the fingerpicking. It's harder for a guitar player to play with a clean tone and have it sound perfect every time than playing with a dirty tone.

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WTLF: Now that the album is finished...what would you say is the thing about the album you are most proud of? I mean, you guys put so much into each album, how do you feel about getting to give that final product to all us fans to enjoy? Peace

MT: I'm most proud of the diversity and dynamics of the record.

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Merlin: what 5 things could u NOT do without on a desert island.... NOT including your guitar or amp

MT: A cool video game, pictures of my loved ones, I'd have to make a musical instrument out of a tree, a pinball machine, and a TV.

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Leslie: What is your favorite pinball machine in your collection? You Rock!Thanks

MT: Star Trek: The Next Generation, because its a real players machine!

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Gail: Mark, First off, thank you for your beautiful music. I can't tell you what your music has meant to me. My husband just bought his first PRS this weekend. He's very excited about it. He has a Gibson Les Paul (Custom, I think?! It's a Silver Burst, and that color isn't seen much) that he has had for over 20 years, this guitar is his first 'baby.' His other guitars aren't as special to him. What guitar did you use when you first started playing. Do you still have this guitar, and is it extra special to you because it was your 'first?' Thanks

MT: My first guitar was a Gibson Les Paul Standard with a Studio neck, and I had it since I was 12 years old. It got stolen when we were playing a show in Boston and never recovered.

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floyd424: Who do you think are the baddest guitarists in music today?

MT: Zakk Wylde, Eric Johnson, John Petrucci from Dream Theatre, Steve Vai, Al Dimeola...but my favorite of all time is Stevie Ray Vaughan.

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sandersg18: Mark, will you have any guitar solos on this album? The "Pity for a Dime" solo was great and we wanna hear more. thanks.

MT: Yes, there are a couple. One on track 7, one on track 10. Look for the B-side "Nothing" which has the longest solo that I did on this record, but the song didn't make the album.

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CreedAngelUCF: Hey Mark...Are we going to get another "Marks Lunch" video??? That video cracks me up!!!

MT: If our Internet guy caught me on camera, then you'll see it....

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wound-up: What is your favorite beer?

MT: LaBatt's Blue

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Heather: What is the one thing excluding guitars and the like, that you MUST have at all times when touring?

MT: Ping Pong table with lots of chumps to beat!

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Zak: Hey Mark, What guitar tuning do you use for my sacrifice?Also I heard you used alternate tunings on other tracks on weathered.Which songs and what tunings? Thanks!!!

MT: My Sacrifice is in "Open D" tuning...and I like being a "Mysterious Axe Man" myself so the other will remain a mystery for you to uncover . But seriously, there will be tabs so you'll find out soon.

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Mikey: Favorite Movies Currently? Of all time?

MT: Favorite of all time is Excalibur. Favorite in the last couple of years has been the 13th Warrior.

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Weatheredgurl: You guys have so much great material,but what would be your top 5 favorites to play live?

MT: Faceless Man, Say I, Beautiful...I love playing them all and they each have a night where they really stand out as the best song of the night. I think Who's Got My Back is going to be THE song to play live!

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The Noise: What bands are you currently listening to?

MT: Metallica "Master of Puppets"

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Mikey: What was your first concert???

MT: Iron Maiden on the Seventh Son of a Seventh Son tour with Frehley's Comet opening. It made me want to do it myself--one of many turning points!

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The Noise: Mark, what gauge strings do you use? On the Human Clay album it sounds like they are fairly heavy.

MT: Human Clay had .10 and Weathered had .11

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steve dubuque: Hey Mark, I was listening to the title song of the CD weathered, and I was amazed at such an amazing riff. I was amazed at my amazement. Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

MT: A combination of all the music I listened to as a kid, and the rest just happens by accident. When you stumble upon something good, you just know it.

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Suzylovesmark: I do have a question, but first I wanted to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You and the rest of the guys have done so much for me through your music. I have gotten through some tough times in the past 2 years and I don't know how I would have done it without your music. (You've also inspired me to pick up the guitar!!) Keep on doing what you do and thanks for sharing it with all of us! You guys are the best. I can't wait to see you all on tour and hopefully get the chance to thank you in person. Alright - here's my question - How do you like to celebrate your birthday??

MT: Well first, thank YOU! You've all helped me through some tough times too. I used to go out and party with friends for my birthday, but now I prefer a quiet dinner at Benihanna with close friends and just chill.

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indy: What do you do to get ready for each show?

MT: I have a room that has a guitar/amp setup so I can be alone and warmup. Then I walk back and forth between watching the opening band and warming up for awhile. Finally, I play a few rounds of Ping Pong to get me going.

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The Noise: Mark, I read somewhere that one of your influences is Stevie Ray Vaughan. Do you plan to incorporate that style into any of your future compositions?

MT: He certainly has influenced my playing lately. but music really happens for me by accident and you never know what the outcome is going to be.

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desi: In light of the recent Terrorist threats, do you feel confident touring in the near future?

MT: I think our security team will handle that just fine

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D'Ann: Mark, I heard that you REALLY hate needles If that's true....how did you get not just one, but both of you ears pierced???!!! This has definitely been a "burning question" for me for a long time. BTW...thanks so much for doing this for us.

MT: Piercing always seemed a little different, as its done so quickly and it doens't hurt. But yes, I *HATE* needles.

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Heather: Have you ever had the pleasure of sitting for Jagger? I bet he's a sweet child. Be sure to teach him how to play guitar.

MT: I bought Jagger his first guitar, and I'm trying to teach him. He is the GREATEST kid!

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John Frusciante: . . . which guitarist would you like to jam with onstage? How about have as a guest on a future Creed or perhaps solo CD?

MT: Hmmmmm....probably Jimmy Page if I had to narrow it down to one guitarist. If I could choose a few, I'd like to play with all the bands I loved as a kid, like Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.

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gburt_lagnaf: did you ever consider playing just by yourself for a few minutes on stage to show off your skills during a regular creed show?

MT: I've done it a couple of times, but a loooong time ago. As the show evolves, who knows?

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sweetLTLrocker: what do u like to watch on tv? do u watch sitcoms or wwf or nascar? just been wondering that...and do u play video games? what's ur favorite?...and i'll challenge you at any basketball or baseball game!!!..u wouldn't want to lose to a girl would ya? also..thank you for doing this...and being a huge part of the most wonderful band in the world...that is a HUGE part of my life...THANK YOU!

MT: First of all, I'll take you out in Double Dribble and day of the week! For TV, I like Farscape, South Park, Seinfeld and the News.

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LindaOdee: What did you buy that was the one thing you thought you'd never own? Something everyone dreams about...when pennies turn into mega dollars.

MT: A pinball machine. Then I bought 16 more

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FIRESIGN: What do you play on your guitar when your alone?????? Do you play heavy and hard or soft and low?

MT: Lots of scales. If I'm not writing, I just solo all my favorite old 80s stuff.

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Wound-up: Where are you watching the Premier at tonight? You don't have to be real specific. Thanks for everything. You are #1.Thanks

MT: At my parent's house actually!

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girlygirl: Talk to me about how you feel about Fan Fest? I don't know anything about it but wonder if it is something you personally enjoy? Thanks and you are so cool...

MT: I hope it comes together soon...we were really disappointed that we had to push the date. But we hope everyone understands the difficulty in trying to deal with flights for so many fans after the 9/11 tragedy. Look for more info after the 1st of the year!

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Erin: If you could cover any five songs What would you choose to cover?

MT: Kansas "Carry On Wayward Son", Gerry Rafferty "Baker Street", Bad Company "Bad Company", Led Zeppelin "Ten Years Gone", and Led Zeppelin "When the Levee Breaks".

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Markilust: If you could have any female artist sing with the band who would it be and why? Thanks! Miki

MT: We tried to have Faith Hill sing on the record, but it didn't work out so we got Scott's sister to sing. It worked out great!

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r.j.: What's up Mark? So how come we never see you on the BB, or do you post in disguise??

MT: I'm not too computer savvy...I was having a hard time signing on, so I thought this would be a good way to get going and see how it all works. I do go on from time to time and read what everybody is saying.

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LilDarlin (Dee): What would be your... ultimate vacation?

MT: Key West is the place I like to go to relax. It's the most laid back place on the planet.

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Crystal VA: Mark, I want to tell you that you're the reason I EVER picket up a guitar. I did it a little over a year ago & my question is.......what did yuo do when you got "stuck"? I'm learning the chord charts right now & its overwhelming I know they always say practice, but do you have anything els to add as my mentor? Thank you & CREED ROCKS! (I'm excited about getting the new tab book for "Weathered"!!)

MT: Learn a song that you love to put some fun into it. Always remember to keep it fun so it stays interesting because the fundamentals get boring!

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wound-up: What is your favorite car?

MT: '57 Chevy

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lindaodee: Being in the business, what biggest lesson have you learned? The one thing that you have to keep reminding yourself not to do.

MT: Don't ever settle for anything. Always try and achieve that next goal.

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Tortured Spirit: To Mark Tremonti, How would you best describe the Mark Tremonti of Today, as compared to a few years ago? What are some of the best things you like about being a musician, and how would you most like to be remembered in your career?

MT: I'm the same guy as from a couple years ago, just at a different stage in my life. Doing what you love for your career is the best thing about being a musician. I'd like to be remembered as a nice guy who truly loved what he did.

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Butterfly: Who is the One (or two) person(s) that you admire the most? and why?

MT: My mother and father who showed me the right way.

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Candace: Hi Mark, being from South Carolina, I was just curious as to what made you decide to go to Clemson University and also, what made you want to leave? Keep on rockin'!

MT: My best friends from High School were going there, and a friend of mine from Detroit owned a bar there so I had a job in the bag. I left because it was too expensive.

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Myrage: Can you give us any hints on all the hidden stuff on the cover?

MT: It's hidden for a future....here's a hint. You might want to invest in a magnifying glass....

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Creed Fan: What has been your most embarrasing moment? Playing live on stage?

MT: A couple of times the mood has been set for the song to begin and when I hit the first couple of chords, the guitar tech had handed me the wrong guitar with the wrong tuning which is always embarrasing.

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~WTLF~: You and Scott are an amazing song-writing team. And music is such a powerful connection. What's it like writing songs and being able to touch people with the music that you and Scott are able to write together? Thanks a lot for the great music. And thanks if you get around to answering my question.

MT: You really can't describe the feeling. Imagine you biggest goal in life and achieving it, and that's what its like to create music with Scott and Scott.