Review: Sold-out crowd embrace Creed with arms wide open in Cleveland

 

Live Review Notes Written By Alexander Stevens 

Composed and Written By Neil Shumate

Some joked and some rejoiced when Creed initially announced their original lineup reunion last July; but let’s face it, the majority, and even many of those that snickered, were fans of Creed (and Nickelback) during their late ‘90s-early 2000’s hey day. After all, Creed is a multi-platinum, Grammy and American Music Award-winning band.

Proof of Creed’s welcoming return and ever present fanbase has been visible at sold-old arenas and amphitheaters across the U.S.; Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland was no different last night as part of the band’s latest “Are You Ready? Tour” leg of dates. 

There was an immediate spike in energy when Creed came out the door with songs including “Freedom Fighter,” “Are You Ready?” and “My Own Prison.” Fans sang along to familiar hit after hit from the band’s four album hitmaker catalogue. Other songs performed included: “Higher,” “My Sacrifice,” “One,” “What’s This Life For,” “With Arms Wide Open,” “What If.”

After Creed disbanded in June 2004, they went separate ways: Scott Stapp (vocals) went solo, Mark Tremonti (guitar) went solo, and Scott Phillips (drums), Brian Marshall (bass), Tremonti became Alter Bridge, fronted by Myles Kennedy. Needless to say, the guys have continued to tour and record material, never having a chance to become idle and rusty. 

Tremonti’s new album The End Will Show Us How releases in 2025, Stapp’s new album Higher Power was released earlier this year and Alter Bridge’s last album Pawns & Kings released in 2022.

The band’s showmanship, professionalism and rock star status was quite evident last night with their interactive, crowd engaging stage presence throughout the show. Stapp and Tremonti both had equal energy with plenty of front-and-center time through the entirety of the show. The production with active lighting, occasional pyro and smoke, giant screens, and superior arena sound assisted with making the overall show superb.

Stapp described the night as “a journey through living in the physical and spiritual realm.” He gave many sentimental speeches throughout the show, mentioning not allowing people to rob you of your childlike heart, and never allowing anyone to make you think you can’t make it through to better days. Tremonti gave away one of his guitars at the show.

Fellow rockers 3 Doors Down and Mammoth WVH (led by Wolfgang Van Halen, the son of late great guitarist Eddie Van Halen) opened the show. 

Mammoth WVH had amazing energy and vocals making them the perfect opener to set the energy level high from the start.

3 Doors Down had high energy right out of the gate with hit songs including “Not My Time” and “Here Without You.” The band also performed new song “Never Look Down.” Before performing “Away From The Sun,” lead vocalist Brad Arnold gave a speech about being good enough and mentioned the song as being his favorite track they’ve ever written. Arnold also reflected back to when they started out and toured with Creed 25-years ago. 

Overall, there was sentimental high school and childhood nostalgia in the air for many; Creed took fans higher, bringing back memories and past experiences.

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Photo: Chuck Brueckmann