Creed Returns To Chicago And Makes A Statement!
The long-awaited return of Creed to Chicago was poised to be an unforgettable night for rock enthusiasts. With a backdrop of ominous dark clouds rolling in just as the doors opened at Credit Union 1 Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL, anticipation filled the air. This was Creed's first visit to the Windy City since April 2012, and the energy was palpable. However, Mother Nature had her own plans.
Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride
Just as Finger Eleven was about to grace the stage, the impending severe weather loomed larger. The decision was made to cut their set entirely, with the stage crew swiftly breaking down their gear and prepping for 3 Doors Down. As the weather threatened to dampen the spirits, it became clear that the night was going to require the kind of perseverance and unity that rock music embodies.
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3 Doors Down took the stage with an electrifying start, opening with Train and seamlessly transitioning into It's Not My Time. Lead singer Brad Arnold, sensing the urgency, addressed the crowd: We're going to play some rock n roll songs before it starts to storm. The sky grew darker as the sold-out crowd sang along to their 2000 hit Loser, feeling a shared sense of determination. As they played Duck and Run, Arnold informed the audience that it would be their last song before an announcement. The set got cut short at just four songs before venue staff made the official announcement to shelter in place.
Within minutes, the amphitheater was engulfed in a storm. Thunder roared, and rain poured down, forcing most of the lawn audience to seek cover. For those brave enough to remain, a spontaneous mudslide added a splash of unexpected fun to the evening. After over an hour of sheltering, fans were finally told to return to their seats—Creed was about to take the stage, and nothing could hold back their return after a 12-year hiatus.
As the smoke filled the stage and the lights dimmed, the fans erupted with excitement. The opening chords of Bullets shattered the stillness, kicking off what would be a high-energy, passionate set. Creed was back, and they meant business. Following up with Torn, Scott Stapp then energized the crowd with a powerful, Are you ready? before launching into the song of the same name. The band wasted no time, delivering hit after hit, mindful of the strict 11 PM curfew.
Tracks like My Own Prison and What If turned the 20,000-plus audience into frontmen of their own, as the sold-out crowd sang louder than Stapp himself. Midway through, guitarist Mark Tremonti made a young fan's night by giving away one of his signature PRS guitars, a gesture that underscored the band's connection to their fans. The poignant Faceless Man and One followed, punctuated by Stapp's impassioned speech on solidarity and unification, urging the crowd to wake up and be present.
The emotional crescendo of the night came with What's This Life For, which stood out as one of the evening's highlights. Creed's set culminated in a powerful one-two punch of With Arms Wide Open and Higher, leaving the audience yearning for more. Although they had to cut Weathered and Never Die from the setlist due to time constraints, Creed returned for an encore that brought the house down with One Last Breath and My Sacrifice.
The intensity of the night was matched only by the camaraderie on stage. Stapp's vocals were as fierce and soulful as ever, complemented perfectly by Tremonti's masterful guitar work. The full pyro show added a layer of spectacle that made this performance a strong contender for the show of the summer.
In the end, the Summer of '99 Tour stop at Tinley Park was a testament to the power of rock music to unite and inspire, even in the face of daunting challenges. Creed's return to Chicago was nothing short of triumphant, a vivid reminder that no storm can dampen the spirit of rock and roll. This was more than just a concert; it was a night of resilience, passion, and unyielding energy—a perfect embodiment of the ethos that drives both the band and their fans.
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Creed Set List:
Bullets
Torn
Are You Ready?
My Own Prison
What If
Say I
Faceless Man
One
What’s This Life For
With Arm’s Wide Open
Higher
________
One Last Breath
My Sacrifice
