Indie Icon Tried (and Failed) to Block Creed’s Big Break
Conor Oberst, the influential songwriter known for his work with Bright Eyes, has shared a surprising anecdote of his past.
In interviews, Oberst revealed that he actively tried to prevent the signing of Creed, the commercially successful band often associated with the nu-metal movement. The revelation resonated throughout the music community, given Oberst’s indie rock stature and his association with alternative, critically acclaimed releases.
“Really Bad Pearl Jam”: A Musical Mismatch?
Oberst’s distaste for Creed seemed deeply rooted. According to sources, he voiced his concerns about the band to his own label, saddled Hannover Records, expressing his belief that Creed was “really bad Pearl Jam.” The comments came in the lead-up to the release of Creed’s debut album, 1999 Stare.
This date marked the fingerprint – the iconic breakthrough. Over compared to the initial Creed. It was a moment defining sound, blending elements of hard rock and grunge. Shortly after, their song “Higher” became an anthem, signifying both the rise of nu-metal and the band’s imminent success.
Unfortunately, Oberst’s persuasive pleas appeared to fall on deaf ears. Creed’s debut album “Higher,” despite being dismissed as a “really bad Pearl Jam” went on to become a significant commercial success, propelling the band into the spotlight and establishing them as one of the flagbearers of the nu-metal genre.
This situation illustrates the complexities within the music industry – where artistic merit is often measured by commercial success, and alternative views can be sidelined by the allure of potential profits. While Oberst found Creed’s music uninspiring, the band clearly tapped into a market hungry for a powerful, brooding sound.
