Court is in session, the verdict is in and Creed killed it at Madison Square Garden on Black Friday. Named as co-conspirators were Mammoth WVH and longtime friends, Three Doors Down.
Earlier this summer, Ghost Cult Magazine had the opportunity to see Creed play at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey. During that show, Scott Stapp mentioned a yet-to-be-announced date at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Ghost Cult was once again in attendance to see if the spectacular performance earlier was just a fluke or a repeatable event. To save our readers some time, it can be said that it was not repeated but improved upon in every way.
Madison Square Garden is one of the premier concert venues in the world, with few others even in the conversation. Artists love it for the excellent sound and being located in the heart of New York City, gives it access to everything. Just a few blocks below Times Square between 7th and 8th Avenues, there is easy access to the subway and Penn Station is literally under the Garden for train access. Food options are plentiful in the neighborhood and inside as well. On offer were lobster rolls, pierogies, sushi, hot chicken sandwiches, prime rib, selections from the Carnegie Deli, vegan fare, gluten-free options as well as the usual hotdogs and chicken fingers. Bars are never far away, and a huge selection of craft beers is only a few steps farther. This place does things right.
Pro Tip: The main entrance on 7th can get a bit congested so using the doors on the corners of 8th and 31st or 33rd can save a lot of aggravation.
Everyone on this tour is a friend and collaborator. The opening act, Mammoth WVH, features a guitar player who also played bass in a band called Tremonti; a solo project of Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti. Mammoth WVH was a solo project of Wolfgang Van Halen, and he played all of the instruments on the first album. This would be impossible during a live performance so a group of very talented musicians takes over the various roles. They described themselves as a bunch of guys who like to play loud Rock and Roll music. Nobody is surprised when Wolfgang proves to be an amazing guitar player, but his singing and speaking voice are also something special. He addresses the audience with a clear resonant voice and sings with power and precision. Living up to their claim, they put on a loud, brash set full of energy and excellent loud Rock and Roll music. Before finishing, he notes that the last time he played the Garden was with his father to cheers from those in attendance.
After a few minutes to use the bathroom or get a beer, Three Doors Down begins their set. Another band with deep connections, it is explained that Creed was the first band to take them on tour twenty-four years ago, and they have been working together ever since. Of similar sound and backgrounds, make both bands a good fit for the other. Both bands originated on the Gulf Coast and both have spiritual leanings. Lead singer Brad Arnold repeatedly says “God Bless You” in response to the crowd chanting U.S.A.
No matter what you might feel about religion or politics, it would be very hard to dispute that Arnold still puts on a great show and still has the voice that got him here. Powerful and clear with the slightest of Mississippi twangs he deftly sings through a set of songs that has everyone singing along. The audience response is what would normally be reserved for the headliner. These guys earned that response and songs like “Loser”, “When I’m Gone”, and of course “Kryptonite” are how they did it. This is a tough act to follow but after clearing space on the stage, Creed proves that they are up to the challenge.
Are you ready? Creed’s performance earlier this year was one of the highlights of the summer concert season and this night was to see if it was something they could repeat. Erase any doubts you may have. Creed took to the stage at Madison Square Garden and put on a master class on how to stage a Rock and Roll show. Scott Stapp has been the focus of some derision in the past and some of that may have even been earned. However, he has recognized his personal demons and taken steps to conquer them. Now sober and understanding his bipolar disorder, Stapp is living his best life. On stage, he moves about effortlessly and sings with a strength few can claim. Neatly cut hair and a physique born from a lot of time in the gym present the image of a man in charge of his future. And if they keep performing like this, there will be a very bright future.
Opening the set with “Bullets” gets the crowd up as flames fly from behind the drum riser and everyone remains standing for the rest of the show. A set of hits, broken up by the occasional heartfelt speech of thanks, is what follows. Mark Tremonti gifts a custom Paul Reed Smith to a young fan in hopes that he becomes the future of rock. Stapp Speaks about veteran suicide and finding peace within oneself. With every song, the smiles from the band grow bigger and bigger and this is evident in how they play the next one. The audience is led in a sing-along for “One” and encouraged to light the stadium with cell phone flashlights during “With Arms Wide Open”, which seems to feed the band even more. These guys are back on top again and in a big way. Maybe some new music next?
This tour is almost over, but a date in Oklahoma and two nights in Las Vegas on December 30th and 31st with Sevendust remain. If they can manage to perform at this level on Black Friday in New York, imagine what New Year’s Eve will be like.
Creed setlist:
Bullets
Freedom Fighter
Torn
Are You Ready?
Never Die
My Own Prison
What If (Mark Tremonti gifts a custom Paul Reed Smith guitar to a child in the crowd.)
Say I
Unforgiven
Inside Us All
One
What’s This Life For
With Arms Wide Open
Higher
Encore:
One Last Breath
My Sacrifice
Creed just announced more tour dates for 2025:
Buy Creed music and merch here:
https://amzn.to/3ZyyuNQ
WRITTEN BY MATTHEW KOCHEK
PHOTOS BY KIM HANSEN @PHARMADIVER