Once described as “The best progressive rock band you’ve never heard of.” With the 2026 release of their fourth album – We The Disconnected – and the critical acclaim of the last two studio albums, Rhetoric and Against Reason – Credo has certainly changed the ‘never heard of’ bit.

Now celebrating over 30 years of recording and performing, Credo has secured a reputation for producing powerful, melodic and lyrically-challenging rock music, and become one of the favourite live acts on the European progressive rock scene, performing with depth, power and humour.

Tim Birrell

ELECTRIC & ACOUSTIC GUITARS

Credo’s earliest roots can be traced back to the mid ‘70s when Tim Birrell (guitar) and Jim Murdoch (bass) took their first steps in the music business together in Scotland. Many years later, the pair now located in the South East of England decided to give it another go and recruited gifted lyricist and keyboard player, Mick Stovold, followed by Paul Clark on drums. Mark Colton eventually joined the, as yet un-named, band in 1992, having been spotted charismatically fronting cult legends Casual Affair.

The band played their first live show in Aldershot in April 1992 as Ad Hoc, temporarily changing their name to Chequered Past before ditching all-comers to settle on ‘Credo’ in 1993. The band as Chequered Past released a selection of early versions of songs on cassette in 1992. A very rare collectors’ item!

Credo released their debut album – Field of Vision – in 1994, to some success in the UK and Neo Prog strongholds across Europe. The whole album was recorded and mixed in four days. Despite its acknowledged shortcomings, the songs were lyrically and melodically strong and well-received live. The original intention was just to sell the album at gigs on cassette, but UK label Cyclops approached the band, signed them up and released the album on CD shortly after.

Extensive touring followed, when suddenly Mick Stovold decided to leave the band. His replacement, Mike Varty (Landmarq, Shadowland, Janison Edge, Mick Pointer’s Marillion / Script For A Jesters Tour), marked the emergence of the Credo we hear today.

The band immediately set to work on a second album in 1999, but following a horrific run of bad luck, ill health and assorted disasters, few people expected the new album to see the light of day; or even to see Credo on a stage again. However, improved circumstances, a new drummer in Martin Meads and a lot of hard work and determination eventually resulted in Credo releasing their second album Rhetoric in 2005 – exactly 11 years to the day after their debut! The album was engineered and produced by Mike Varty, mixed by Mike and Karl Groom at Thin Ice Studio and released on the F2 label.

Rhetoric was exceptionally well-received, gaining universal praise, and is rightly viewed as a giant leap forward for the band from their debut CD.

What became the almost never-ending “Rhetoric On The Road” tour kicked off with the band playing their first gig in 6 years, bottom of the bill at a long-forgotten three band show in Reading. Mark’s well-documented health issues in particular led to the band and their loyal following all being very nervous about the return to the stage. But the gigs really showcased the new maturity of the music, together with Credo’s traditionally blistering live presence.

The widespread acclaim and numerous plaudits for Rhetoric that followed led to a string of prestigious gigs, awards and unexpected opportunities. In particular, Credo brought the house down in the USA at ROSFEST 2008 and PROGFARM in Holland, with a short tour with Blind Ego to follow.

Finally, the Rhetoric Tour culminated in a fabulous show in Katowice, Poland that was released as a double live album and DVD – This is What We Do. With this release, Credo really consolidated their reputation as an exciting and powerful live act – a consistent favourite with audiences.

Credo’s third studio album – Against Reason – was released on 11 April 2011. Once again produced by Mike Varty and released on the F2 label, the album was launched with extensive live dates in the UK and abroad.

Against Reason demonstrated a more intricate feel, lyrical challenges, fuller soundscapes and powerful melodies. The lead track from the album – Staring at the Sun – caused a particular stir with extensive radio play and awards. Live dates that followed saw the band with a greater confidence and a cracking new live set.

In April 2012, drummer Martin Meads left the band and was replaced by Gerald (Mully) Mulligan.

In May 2014, Credo’s seminal album, Rhetoric, was remixed and re-released in digi-pak with bonus track.

For continued health and personal reasons,  Credo’s fourth studio album – We The Disconnected – is their first release in 15 years, breaking all records! Officially released on 23 October as a double album, it is considered to be well worth the wait, taking the band to a whole new level. Delivering an intimate portrait of a fractured world, this is Credo at their most compelling best, with soaring musicianship, unforgettable melodies and deeply personal reflections on our place in an ever-changing, and increasingly baffling, world.

An exclusive pre-launch Garden Party takes place on 30 August, and the album will also be previewed at the Nene Valley Rock Festival on 6 September. Credo continue to write this chapter, and look forward to further live dates in 2027 and beyond…