Creed Pick Tantric, Not Puddle Of Mudd, To Join Tour
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Fans restlessly anticipating Creed's announcement of opening acts for their upcoming tour can now put their minds at ease. Louisville, Kentucky, quartet Tantric has been tapped to prime the crowd for the first leg of the Weathered tour, according to Creed's publicist.

Tantric will help the arena rockers kick things off January 16 in Atlanta and will stay along for the ride until the first leg concludes February 17 in Kansas City, Missouri (see "Creed Line Up First Leg Of Weathered Tour"). The band, composed of former members of Days of the New and singer Hugo Ferreira, is touring behind its eponymous debut, which was released in February, and its latest single, "Mourning."

Another opener for the first 18 dates will be announced later, as will two supporting acts for the second leg of the Weathered tour, an itinerary for which has yet to be finalized.

In November, Creed had expressed interest in having Tantric aboard for the trek, and also mentioned as possible contenders Sevendust, Nickelback, Drowning Pool, Incubus, Days of the New and Puddle of Mudd, a surprising choice considering the band is mentored by Fred Durst, with whom Creed frontman Scott Stapp has had a public feud since last summer (see "Durst's Disses Won't Muddy Creed's Selection Of Tour Openers"). Last week, Creed's management company issued a statement saying Puddle of Mudd would not be part of the tour, contradicting earlier claims by both bands' booking agencies that the group had been confirmed.

Creed's third album, Weathered, has held the top slot on the Billboard 200 albums chart for three consecutive weeks since its release November 20 (see "Creed Continue To Beat Back The Competition On Albums Chart") and has thus far sold more than 1.7 million copies, according to SoundScan.