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Are you ready! Creed have been sweeping the nation since the announcement of their reunion tour in 2024, selling out venues in every city and landed in the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto for the second time this year at the Scotiabank Arena (their last visit this past Summer of ’99 tour with Big Wreck) bringing the rising Mammoth - Mammoth WVH and Canada’s very own Finger Eleven along for the ride!

As Creed began their set with heavy onslaught “Bullets”, explosive flames backlit Scott Stapp (Vocals), Mark Tremonti (Guitar), Brian Marshall (Bass), Scott Phillips (Drums) and Eric Friedman (Guitar).

The stage was reminiscent of an incoming spaceship that unveiled the members from a long voyage and return to earth. It was the ultimate introduction and symbolic of their reunion.

“The more you hold us down, the more we press on!” as frontman Scott Stapp sang the anthemic “What If” and an experience to witness in a live arena as Toronto chanted the song title.

Moments like this remind us how the power of music bring people together and Creed does just that.

In between songs, Scott Stapp engaged with the audience with his admiration for Canada and uplifting words to empower others, “The spirit that is inside of you no one can take that away, you’re undefeatable my friends! Undefeatable!” as the crowd roared for “Unforgiven”.

The amphitheater transformed into a shimmering starry night sky for “With Arms Wide Open”, a timeless classic in Creed’s catalogue that universally taps into the heart.

I could not help but think of my own experience with the song that many relate to with the birth and gift of a child as Stapp sang, “Welcome to this place, I’ll show you everything, with arms wide open.” My niece was coincidentally born on this day when I received news of her arrival.

Creed’s renowned guitarist Mark Tremonti was introduced by Stapp as “Guitar Player of the year by Guitar Magazine and the legend himself wants to share something with you!”

“Toronto is the best crowd in the country! The best crowd in North America!” as Mark Tremonti said he would be giving one of his guitars away to “whoever’s craziest in the bunch and draws the most attention!”

Tremonti pointed to a child with his family in the crowd who was escorted to the centre of the stage and given a guitar from his personal collection.

When Stapp said, “What’s your name young man?” he confidently said “My name is Logan!” and the crowd cheered, even from afar you could see his smile gleaming.

Creed have been longtime friends with Finger Eleven for 30 years. Finger Eleven were recently recognized with a SOCAN award, notably the No. 1 rock/alternative award for their songwriting in “Together Right” which was included in their set.

Lead guitarist James Black was flying on his guitar throughout the set between his Squire and Gibson in every direction and Finger Eleven performed “Adrenaline” a standout track about the thrill of being alive and glimpse into their upcoming release, Adrenaline in 2025.

Their set concluded with “Paralyzer” and Finger Eleven’s own touch, a heavier rendition of Genesis’ “That’s All” and AC/DC’s Back In Black as the outro.

Finger Eleven scheduled an extensive Ontario wide tour in support of their upcoming album at the onset of 2025!

Mammoth WVH released their debut album in 2021 and 2023 release, Mammoth II are on the rise in their journey, “The Rising Mammoth!” as Scott Stapp called them as he commended having them and Finger Eleven on tour.

It was a full circle moment to witness Mammoth WVH a year ago at the intimate historic Danforth Music Hall in Toronto on their headlining tour with Nita Strauss. To be able to see Mammoth WVH perform in an amphitheater was next level with tracks such as, “Distance” and “Don’t Back Down” echoing throughout the arena.

If you have the opportunity to see this tour in your city before the year ends, I would not hesitate!

Creed are an unstoppable powerhouse, frontman Scott Stapp also released a solo album Higher Power on Napalm this year received with open arms by fans and Mark Tremonti’s project Tremonti is releasing The End Will Us Show How in 2025 on Napalm, a promising 2025 and beyond.