After nearly a decade of turning out hits and multiplatinum albums, the members of Creed [ tickets ] have pulled the plug on the group.

"Creed was one of the most amazing journeys through music and friendship I am blessed to say I was a part of," frontman Scott Stapp said in a statement. "I made memories I can never replace! I just want to thank the fans who supported us and became a part of the Creed experience. We could not have accomplished anything without you."

Stapp spent the past several months in the studio, writing and recording material for his debut solo album, according to Wind-up Records. No release date is set.

The singer's first post-Creed song will turn up on an Aug. 31 compilation album that features various artists performing songs inspired by the Mel Gibson film "The Passion of the Christ."

Meanwhile, guitarist Mark Tremonti and drummer Scott Phillips have joined forces with original Creed bassist Brian Marshall--who split with the group in 2000--and former Mayfield Four singer Myles Kennedy to form a new group dubbed Alter Bridge [ tickets ]. The quartet plans to issue its debut album on Aug. 10.

"It's kind of sad to end a chapter of your life, but it's also exciting to be starting a new one," Tremonti said in a statement. "We'll always be proud of the music we made with Creed, but Alter Bridge gives me the opportunity to start over with a different perspective and a more evolved direction. This band begins and ends with the love of the music."

Alter Bridge will mount an acoustic tour of radio stations this summer, followed by a world tour that will kick off in late August or early October, according to a spokesperson.

Formed in Florida in 1995, Creed released three albums: 1997's "My Own Prison," 1999's "Human Clay" and 2001's "Weathered." Collectively, those releases have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, according to Wind-up.

Later this year, Wind-up will issue a Creed greatest-hits compilation, according to the label. No release date is set.