When the Summer of ’99 collides with the summer of ’24, Creed’s reunion tour takes Raleigh higher, ready or not.
Until two British brothers decided to announce they were getting the band back together and tipped the music world on its head, hard rockers Creed dominated the reunion news when they announced their return to the stage. Selling over 53 million albums worldwide and dominating rock radio airplay for much of the 1990s – 2000s, Creed’s break-up announcement in 2004 happened far too soon for a band that was seemingly just starting their ascent into rock history. Twenty years later, and joined by two fellow 1990s popular hard rock bands, Creed’s return to the stage has produced sell-out amphitheaters across the country and reignited the fan base. This humid September evening at Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh, NC, was no exception.
Finger Eleven opened the Summer of ’99 Tour with “Above” from their debut album, Tip. Originating from Burlington, Ontario, Finger Eleven’s heavy guitar-based sound laced with rough yet melodic vocals and infectious grooves, sounded much the same as when these songs were first recorded. Energetic and full of fire, Finger Eleven powered through their seven-song set witi guitars flying and beards whipping through the air as they performed “Quicksand,” “Adrenaline,” their big hit “One Thing” before closing with a quick refrain from Genesis’ song “That’s All” and their biggest radio hit, “Paralyzer.”
Three Doors Down formed in 1996 and rose quickly to popularity with hits such as “Kryptonite” and “Here Without You.” Continuing to be a popular rock music draw today, Three Doors Down filled their support slot with a lengthy setlist filled with showmanship and an enormous amount of cool despite their best attempts to look like just ordinary guys. Vocalist Brad Arnold sang with rock star poses while the rest of the band grooved and bobbed through the songs like the veterans they are. Set up with staging, lights, and an attitude suitable for headliner-worthy talent, Three Doors Down primed everyone for the eagerly anticipated headliner. Raleigh was put on alert that Creed was back and back with a vengeance from the very start of “Bullets” which opened their set. Band members Scott Stapp, Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall, Eric Friedman, and Scott Phillips appeared unified and triumphantly connected as they performed mega-hit after mega-hit to massive applause.Scott Stapp’s clean-cut look is a dramatic change from his rock star past, but his signature voice cuts through the night air with an intoxicating, graceful power. Mark Tremonti could not help but compete with Scott for the limelight. His lightning-quick guitar skills and echoing stadium rock power chords demanded attention and respect throughout the set.
The setlist included songs from all three of their studio albums but emphasized songs from Human Clay, their debut album that launched their careers into the stratosphere. Including “My Own Prison,” “Are You Ready?,” “One,” and radio smashes “With Arms Wide Open” and “Higher,” the setlist felt like a greatest hit mix until the realization hits that Creed doesn’t really have any “bad” songs. Their magic touch with song composition and musical chemistry that brought them to life has always been and continues to be a rarity in the rock music scene. For all intents and purposes, Creed seems they’re just getting started on the next stage of their existence.
Every Gen X parent should feel an obligation to bring their children, regardless of their age, to The Summer of ’99 Tour. Younger generations who didn’t get to experience the 1990s but still choose to wear department store Nirvana and Sublime t-shirts need to experience why Creed and this generation of rock acts were so special. Older, wiser, and perhaps more refined, Creed is still the powerhouse band we hoped they’d continue to be.
THREE DOORS DOWN
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