Four concertgoers say Scott Stapp was unable to finish a single song at December 29 concert.
Music critics have always held bands accountable for bad performances, but now fans are getting in on the act. Four Creed fans are suing the band, saying they were cheated out of a real concert when they attended a Chicago-area performance in December.
In a suit filed Monday in Cook County Circuit Court, the four concertgoers — Philip and Linda Berenz and Wendy and Chad Costino — claim that lead singer Scott Stapp was so "intoxicated and/or medicated that he was unable to sing the lyrics of a single Creed song" during a December 29 concert at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. "Instead ... Stapp left the stage on several occasions during songs for long periods of time, rolled around on the floor of the stage in apparent pain or distress and appeared to pass out while onstage during the performance."
The suit alleges that the rocker's condition was the result of a drinking or drug binge known to the other members of Creed as well as management and concert promoters, who are also named in the suit.
Collectively, the concertgoers are seeking to recoup $227, or $56.75 each, the amount they spent on tickets, service charges and parking fees. They're also asking the judge to certify the suit as a class action, so other fans at the show can get refunds. If all of the 15,000 who attended were to join the suit, the total could be in excess of $2 million.
Creed have already apologized to concertgoers for any disappointment but offered no refund. "We apologize if you don't feel that the show was up to the very high standards set by our previous shows in Chicago," an e-mail to fans read. "We also understand and appreciate the fact that there has been much concern about Scott's health. ... [He] is taking a much needed break at home in Orlando. ... For now, we hope that you can take some solace in the fact that you definitely experienced the most unique of all Creed shows."
Creed's spokesperson did not respond to calls for comment by press time.