Creed returned to the Motor city last night this time at the Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit and were welcomed with “Arms Wide Open.” The sellout crowd came ready to rock the LCA with fans of all ages mostly younger this time around which is great to see even our neighbors from across the river in Canada came full force. Back in July of this year I had the opportunity to cover Creed which was totally mind blowing. The show was packed with their greatest hits all delivered by a man possessed, a man with energy unknown to mankind, a showman that goes by the name Scott Stapp. Fast forward to last night, there he was again electrifying the sellout crowd.
Creed hit the stage a little after nine opening with “Bullets” from the band third album Weathered felt like a metal show with tons of strobes going off with some pyros added in with some ass kicking energy to get you juiced. Keeping things going with a deeper cut that wasn’t on the list four months ago Stapp turns it up a notch with “Freedom Fighter” following up with “Torn.” Like a good boxing match we were it with the ole one two punch and we were just getting started. The stage production had the usual pyros, smoke, and giant video screens behind the drummer. Every song had its own unique lighting. Detroit born guitarist Mark Tremonti slayed the strings like no one can delivering pristine solos, with finger bleeding guitar rips. Stapp looking like he just came from the local gym lets loose with “Are You Ready” his muscular sounding voice shining bright on display with the crowd roaring and throwing horns like there’s was no tomorrow.
Fan favorite of the night happened with “Arms Wide Open” with everyone in attendance united as one singing in unison swaying to the left and swaying to the right some with phones in hand light up. If you don’t catch a goosebump or two then there is something wrong with you. Stapp made mention of music uniting people early in the set. My favorite of the night “Higher” such a powerful emotional track you feel in the soul, music is good for the soul they say. Stapp had help from the crowd on this one, you can’t help but to join in and let it rip! We all felt higher and feeling like we were zapped by 220 amps after this song what f$&k!?$ banger! The crowd extended its appreciation before the song with Stapp pacing the stage back and forth like a lion with some long applause and screams that could be heard from miles. The lighting was wicked during “Higher” giving you a Pink Floyd flashback.
Heading into work the next morning the job site was all about the Creed show. Almost all the local contractors were still in awe from the concert. I had to let them know I was there and in the pit. The response was holy fuck good for you, I then proceeded to break out the phone and show them some photos. It’s no wonder Creed is selling out city to city. Even one of the contractors said what Mark Tremonti has said he could not believe how the younger generation is taking to Creed and showing up in masses at the concerts. The Are You Ready Tour special guests include 3 Doors Down and Mammoth WVH. Kicking the evening off Mammoth WVH led by Wolfgang Van Halen took the stage around 7:00 opening with “Another Celebration at the End of the World” ending the six-song set with “Don’t Back Down.” Folks in attendance were wanting more Mammoth and his crazy guitar skills which he learned from his father Eddie Van Halen who left us in 2020 at 65 years of age.
Mississippi rockers 3 Doors Down followed MAMMOTH WVH. Forming in 1996 3DD has kept their foot on the gas and continue to rock some 27 years later playing big and small venues themselves and touring with some big acts. Brad Arnold and the boys kicked things off with “Train” off the band fourth self-titled studio album. Having covered 3DD a few times with the last being four months ago at pine knob on Creeds ‘Summer of 99’ I noticed this time around was more of a mixed crowd which bolds well seems the younger generation is expanding their genre. Arnold still sounds good ripping through the classics like “Duck and Run,” “Time of My Life,” and “Away from the Sun.” As for the rest of the band (bassist) Justin Biltonen, (rhythm guitarist) Chris Henderson, (drummer) Greg Upchurch, and (guitarist) Chet Roberts were in tune and purring like a classic 350 V6 hot rod engine. The 13-song set loudest pop came from their smash hit “Kryptonite” which turned into a crowd sing-along. Making sure everyone was lathered up for Creed the band ended their set with “When I’m Gone.”
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Brad Arnold performing live at Little Caesars Atena Wednesday night November 20, 2024 in downtown Detroit. [/caption]
The Are You Ready tour is rolling through cities like a freight train selling out on every stop. The boys haven’t missed a beat playing like a bunch of 20-year-olds. Treat yourself to an early Christmas present and catch the tour in a city near you. Horns up America keep rocking! Below is my Creed photo gallery.
Creed “Are You Ready” Tour sells out Little Caesars Arena Wednesday Night
