After splitting up five years ago, Scott Stapp and the boys of Creed have decided to get back together. Stapp told RollingStone.com that in addition to reuniting, the band will also release a new album and begin a tour later this summer.

"I wouldn't call it a reunion," the lead singer said. "It's a renewing and a rebirth. I missed my boys and wanted to create music with them again. We're all thrilled to have a second chance to make a first impression."

The band initially made steps toward getting back together after Stapp reached out to guitarist Mark Tremonti in December. "I was nervous but also excited, because I knew Mark would bring nothing but positivity," Stapp said. "We exchanged family pictures and within 20 minutes, we were jamming on acoustic guitars and talking about new songs."

Soon after, the duo met up with drummer Scott Phillips and bassist Brian Marshall, who left the band in 2000. "At that meeting we were collectively saying, 'Hey, man, I'm sorry if I hurt you or my choices did anything to cause you any pain. I have nothing but love and forgiveness for you, and I hope you can forgive me,' " Stapp explained. "It's all part of the process of reflection and not looking back at the six months out of 10 years that were trying."

Creed will begin their reunion tour in August in Pittsburgh and the trek will continue through October. Stapp said that he and Tremonti have several demos ready to go for the new album but are looking for the right producer to make it work. The band would ideally like to release the album shortly after their tour.

"We want to put ourselves around the best and have them bring out the best in us and challenge us as artists," he said. "This band is my first love and a first love that's stood the test of time."  - MTV.com

TEXAS CREED DATES:

» September 22 - Dallas, TX
» September 24 - San Antonio, TX
» September 25 - Houston, TX

**Tickets for CREED go on sale Saturday May 9th at 10am at all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 1800-745-3000  Ticketmaster.com