Creed Return To Nashville For Sold Out Performance

Written by: Brandon Scott Hanks

Multi-platinum and Grammy award winning band Creed, returned earlier this year with their first show in over a decade, playing on the Summer Of ‘99 Cruise. Fans demanded a full fledged tour once the cruise was over, however the band had the chamber loaded for one of the biggest reunion tours of all time. Frontman Scott Stapp has been pushing himself in ways that fans are elated to see to get this machine running again. Mark Tremonti, Scott Phillips and Brian Marshall have all been doing their own thing off to the side for a good while, maintaining a pulse on the Creed fan base. There has never been a more perfect time for them to return than now.

Fresh off the boat, Creed hit Nashville with the intent to burn it down and had some help with their friends Finger Eleven and Tonic for this particular show. With 3 Doors Down, Switchfoot, Mammoth WVH, Daughtry, Big Wreck and many more, on other dates. So be sure to check your dates for other shows in or near your city.

Preparing for this show was unlike anything I had experienced as a photojournalist. This one was full circle as it gets. Creed is the band that got this guy into modern rock and roll. As well as what got me hooked into listening to anything Mark Tremonti has had his hands in. Knowing that I was going to this show was special. I left the great state of Kentucky and began my trek to Nashville, heading to Ascend Amphitheater with a playlist full of songs to keep me in the right mindset for this one.

Once I arrived, I immediately saw the fans lined up around the block. Some wearing new Creed merchandise and some wearing old school items including the infamous white Cowboys jersey from the band's performance at the 2001 Thanksgiving halftime show in Texas. So many smiling, happy and giddy people in a sea of faces of new and old fans.

Once I was inside, I got settled into the area in which I would be viewing the show and doing photos. What a venue, Ascend is very much its own character in this story. Nestled in the heart of Nashville with a beautiful skyline view, you really feel that something big is about to happen.

If you have been wondering how you start a show this big, you begin with the polarizing, Finger Eleven. Finger Eleven has been on quite the rip lately, reminding people that they are still around and still can burn down the house. Once the band came on the stage, it was clear that they weren’t messing around. Scott Anderson walked up to the front of the Ascend Amphitheater stage and had a wonderfully twisted smile on his face as if he already knew the performance he was about to have here in Nashville.

Finger Eleven performing in Nashville

Finger Eleven put on a hell of a show opening with their song “Above” which tore through lower Nashville like a hot iron. Guitarist Rick Jackett was putting on quite the show playing the guitar seemingly while it was mid air. I have never seen anything like it. Finger Eleven weren’t messing around. If you have missed this band, you’ll be excited to know that not only can you see them perform all their hits like “Paralyzer” and “One Thing” but you’ll also hear their new single “Adrenaline” which you’ll have stuck in your head all week!

As far as setting the bar, who else better to compliment Finger Eleven and Creed than Tonic. Formed in Los Angeles, Jeff Russo and Emerson Hart began construction on what would eventually become the band. Adding in the remaining missing pieces and a smash debut album in Lemon Parade, which included the mega hit “If You Could Only See”, Tonic would go on to cement themselves in 90’s music culture as one of the most iconic bands of their time.

Once the band came on stage it was evident that they were up to something. That something being a performance no one saw coming. Tonic had a secret weapon with them on this tour by the name of Graham Whitford, son of legendary guitarist Brad Whitford of Aerosmith. At the midpoint of Tonic’s show, the band brought out the aforementioned Brad Whitford to play along with his son in front of 7,000 screaming fans. It was truly a remarkably special moment for fans and Graham, as he was able to play with his father.

Tonic's Emerson Hart

Tonic put in the work and delivered one momentous live performance as they closed out their show with “Casual Affair”. Tonic is very much still a special band to watch live and if you get the chance to, dear reader, I strongly encourage you to come see this show!

While waiting for crews to move things around on stage I spoke to several fans at Ascend Amphitheater about how excited they were to see Creed. “Creed is a cultural phenomenon,” said Alex. “I have always wanted to see what the fuss is all about, they haven’t even played yet, but this place is packed out. "It’s crazy,” said Stephen. “Creed was my way of coping with life, growing up it wasn’t always easy, but their music was a safe space,” said Aimee. “I have no idea how I have gone this many years without seeing Creed, that changes in a few minutes” said Jared. “Creed is very much the reason why I got into music,” said Ryan.

As you can tell, from the above testimonials, Creed has had a pretty massive impact on people. I know for myself (Brandon) at the time of writing this, Creed was my reason for leaning into modern rock. The sound of Mark’s guitar and the lyrical content that the band produced always struck a chord with me. Being able to watch them no more than 2 feet in front of me, through the lens of my camera was not lost on me. To say that the band that got this guy through some hard times and even in the highs, yeah that’s really special.

Creed's Mark Tremonti, Scott Stapp and Brian Marshall

Lights go out, one single word appears on the screen. CREED. Every hair stood up on my arm. One by one, the band walked on stage, taking their places. Stapp began walking around in a circle as if he was preparing for something. He definitely was. A killer performance. “Bullets” begins to play as Stapp approaches the microphone “walking around I hear the sound, of the earth seeking relief, I’m trying to find a reason to live but the mindless clutter my path.” in that moment folks, this photojournalist was ready. The production of this show was captivating and went perfectly with each song. The band was on fire and the fans were eating it up. Stapp welcomed the fans to their show (yes with arms wide open) and thanked them graciously for being there as it was a hometown show for Stapp. Brian Marshall could be seen smiling from ear to ear playing through each song as he looked out at the sea of faces and back at his bandmates. You could tell this one was different.

Just as you felt like the show was headed for a slower pace, Creed throws the biggest curveball I’ve ever been privileged to document. “It wouldn’t be a Nashville show without some surprises—ladies and gentlemen, let’s give it up for HARDY”, said Stapp. The crowd lost their minds. They went on to perform “Weathered”, off of Creed’s third studio album of the same namesake. What a sight to behold this was! HARDY and Creed on the same stage. One of the coolest things about music these days is that it doesn’t matter what genre you’re in, there’s always room for creativity and collaboration in the rock community.

Creed's Scott Stapp and Mark Tremonti

Creed would go on to cruise through their storied discography from the 90’s to the 2010’s in flawless fashion. To say that we all witnessed something special here would be an understatement. Another standout moment was when the band gave away a guitar to a fan in the crowd. Selfless as always Mark Tremonti continues to cement his legacy as one of the real ones in the industry. Something I think that really stands out from this is seeing how genuinely happy each member is at this stage in their lives. It really reflected their chemistry. Seeing the mighty Creed in a place where they can play these shows after all these years is remarkable.

The band would close out their set with “My Sacrifice”. Truly a fan favorite song of the band. Creed is back and bigger than ever. If you see that they will be in or near your city, buy those tickets! You do not want to miss the years hottest tour, Creed "The Summer Of ‘99 Tour."

All images are dedicated to one of the best tour photographers in the game, Chuck Brueckmann. Wishing you a speedy return to the tour! Make sure you follow him on Instagram and show him support @chuckbrueckmann. Much love pal!

Tour Dates:

08/16 – Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre +

08/17 – Welch, MN @ Treasure Island Amphitheater +

08/20 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion x

08/21 – Boston, MA @ Xfinity Center +

08/23 – Hershey, PA @ Hersheypark Stadium +

08/24 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Broadview Stage at SPAC +

08/31 – San Bernardino, CA @ Glen Helen Amphitheatre (Summer of '99 and Beyond Festival) %

09/01 – Wheatland, CA @ Toyota Amphitheatre +

09/04 – Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre +

09/06 – Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheatre +

09/07 – Denver, CO @ Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre +