Creed [ tickets ] has called off its previously announced plans to headline a Florida New Year's Eve gig in favor of joining Metallica [ tickets ], Kid Rock [ tickets ] and Sevendust [ tickets ] for a pair of Florida stadium shows. Metallica is about to embark on a mini-tour in support of the symphonic album "S&M," which is scheduled to be released on Tuesday (11/23).

The stadium shows are set for Dec. 28 at the Orange Bowl in Miami and on Dec. 29 at the Tropicana Dome in St. Petersburg. Tickets for the shows are scheduled to go on sale on Saturday (10/20).

According to Creed's official website, the New Year's Eve show that had been scheduled at the Lakeland Civic Center in Florida has been cancelled ''as a result of this collaboration and a scheduling conflict.'' Refunds for ticket-holders are available at the point of purchase.

Creed's tour has had a rocky road. According to MTV News, lead singer Scott Stapp left the stage after straining his vocal cords three songs into an Oct. 31 performance in Houston. Several other November shows were postponed after Stapp was admitted to the hospital with a fever and flu-like symptoms, according to the band's website. Since Creed is scheduled to spend the first half of December on a European tour, the band plans to reschedule the postponed shows for early 2000.

Meanwhile, Metallica and Elektra Records, through an alliance with more than 150 websites, has begun streaming ''S&M'' in its entirety in a week-long promotion. Metallica's official website features listening instructions. The promotion will end with a live webcast of Metallica's Nov. 23 performance with the Orchestra of St. Luke's at Madison Square Garden in New York.