Creed Sells Out Bridgestone Arena

(Pictured left to right; Scott Stapp & Mark Tremonti)

The boys are back in town. Scott Phillips, Brian Marshall, Mark Tremonti and Scott Stapp are back in Nashville with Creed for a second time in three months. The demand for the band's reunion is so high that they decided to add multiple stops in multiple cities. Creed first sold out Ascend Amphitheater in downtown Nashville back in August. Now they have their sights set on the biggest arena in the area, Bridgestone Arena, home to the NHL legend Nashville Predators.

Returning to Smashville, Creed enlisted the help of 3 Doors Down and Mammoth WVH to start the show. The Are You Ready Tour 2024 is aptly named due to the fact that so many fans are indeed not ready for this tour. Accolades aside, Creed’s storied history in the industry is well documented and if you’re reading this or attend the show, you already have an idea of who the band is. With that said, this is a rejuvenated and laser focused version of Creed. Everyone has gone off and done different things in their careers since the last reunion tour. The focus and level of commitment to this particular tour is unmatched. This go around the sun, Creed is locked in and playing some of the best live music in decades.

(Pictured above: Wolfgang Van Halen)

First up to the stage for the night is Mammoth WVH. This is my fourth time covering the band live and each time it gets better and better. The bands live lineup features three of the best touring players in the game today, Garrett Whitlock on drums, Ronnie Ficarro on bass, and Jonathan Jourdan on background vocals and guitar. They are led by the mighty Wolfgang Van Halen on lead vocals and guitar. This band live is a real treat. Each member brings their own unique energy and flair to the band which gives Mammoth their truly larger than life sound.

(Pictured above: Guitarist Jonathan Jourdan)

Mammoth WVH opened their set with their hit single ‘Another Celebration At The End Of The World’, which boasts a fast paced and frenetic sound that only Wolfie and company can do. The Nashville crowd was screaming for it and they got every bit of the bands energy from start to finish. ‘You’re To Blame’ was next on the bands set list to keep the speakers pumping out into Bridgestone Arena. The song is a definite reminder that “the world still spins around without you” for the narcissist in your life or the harsh critic that knows nothing about music and still wants to criticize a band. Mammoth isn’t one to mince on words and why should they? They’ve proven themselves from the first record that they’re here to stay. The band would go on to perform their third song ‘I’m Alright’ that boasts each member of the live band that is Mammoth WVH in ways only these four men can do. Whitlock shines as timekeeper of the band, beating the drums as if they owe him lunch money. Ficarro leaps to the air throughout the set with such energy while maintaining precision on bass. Jourdan proves to be one of the best musicians in the industry to date, engaging with each member of the band while doing his own unique thing backing Wolfie on vocals and guitar. Truly one of a kind. Wolfgang Van Halen has united the best lineup in music today to bolster the Mammoth sound. Be it headlining or supporting a tour, you can be certain you’re in for a ride with Mammoth WVH.

(Pictured above: Brad Arnold)

3 Doors Down was next on stage, taking us all back to 1999 when times felt simpler and bands like Creed and 3 Doors Down were at arenas around the world. Brad Arnold, Chris Henderson, Justin Biltonen and Greg Upchurch have been busy since the cruise of 99 and show no signs of stopping. Lucky us! The Mississippi natives took to the stage and opened with their song ‘Train’ which features groovy hooks and an energetic essence that felt just right to be their opening song. This marks the first time I’ve been fortunate enough to take photos of 3 Doors Down, so I had to make sure to make it count! Arnold was all over that stage like it was still 1999. Biltonen was a force as he played bass and interacted with the fans as well as his fellow bandmates. 3DD was killing it in every sense of the word. ‘It’s Not My Time’ was the bands second song of the night and it wasn’t my time yet to stop taking pictures. Making every second count as a sang along to every song, I’m sure someone was thinking I was crazy. Felt like I was sitting in my old pickup truck singing to 3 Doors Down but with a camera. Insane. The band closed out their first three songs with ‘Loser’, taking us all back to “The Better Life”. What an incredible time to be a fan of live music. This show was on par with my top 3 of 2024.

(pictured above: Mark Tremonti)

Are You Ready? Creed was due up to perform briefly after 3 Doors Down finished their set. The fans in Bridgestone Arena were buzzing with excitement. This being just the second time I have seen the band in my lifetime, I was very excited. It felt like it was the first time I was seeing them. Once the stage went dark and the words Creed were on the screen, Stapp walked out and began walking around with his band right behind him. There was a unique feeling in this moment that I can’t put into words. Being that close to legends in the industry and about to be taking their photos for a second time did not feel real. But reality had set in once the first note was played and almost in unison myself and Creed started. The band with ‘Bullets’ and as soon as Stapp yelled “I think they shoot cause they want it!” Fire and smoke popped on the stage and it was off to the races. Creed was giving their all in that first song. Fans were screaming and the band was singing back to them. The live music energy was truly spectacular to see firsthand. The back and forth from fan to band and band to fan is one of the most magical moments in live entertainment.

(Pictured above: Scott Stapp)

Creed played right into their second song with ‘Freedom Fighter’ from the Weathered record. Which features Tremonti shredding on guitar like never before. Mark Tremonti was melting faces more than the band's pyro did. Bassist Brian Marshall was all smiles standing right up front next to me at one point giving me a great moment to capture as he was playing to the crowd. Touring backing vocalist and guitarist Eric Friedman was having the time of his life on stage! Rightfully so, Friedman has been helping the band since the first reunion tour back in 2009. He’s an integral part of Creed Touring now and one of the best to do it. The band’s third song and concluding my time in the photo pit, was ‘Torn’. One of the band's biggest hits from their debut record My Own Prison in 1997. Excited doesn’t come close to describing my feelings seeing these songs played just 2 feet in front of me.

Scott Phillips was back to doing what he does best at the helm of his drum kit and was all smiles looking down at the Nashville crowd and his bandmates. Seeing Creed back in this capacity is a once in a lifetime moment and fans of the band and music alike should really appreciate this for what it is. We were gifted these songs when they were new and now regifted the very same songs in a time when music needs it most again. Watching Scott Stapp address the fans and explain things that have happened and are happening with his lyrics is great. Mark Tremonti continued building on his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play and even gave away his guitar from his personal collection to a very lucky fan who was brought on stage to receive it. From the man himself! “Kathy” chants filled the arena for this Nashville fan. She was on cloud nine as I would imagine anyone would be handed a guitar from Mark Tremonti on stage with Creed! The night was rounded off with the bands song ‘My Sacrifice’. Everyone was on their feet singing together and back to the band that gave us all these songs!

The night was filled with hit after hit and memories that will be etched in the history of Bridgestone Arena forever. When it comes to live music, buy the ticket. Don’t second guess yourself. Even if it’s a nosebleed seat. You never know when your favorite band may play near you for the first time or last time.

Words & Images By: Brandon Scott Hanks

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