Creed and the Summer of ’99 Tour at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater
Creed hadn’t toured together in nearly 12 years (the Full Circle album touring cycle) before launching the Summer of ’99 Tour, a reunion that reignited the flame of their early 2000s glory days. Kicking off in July, the tour marked their return from a second hiatus, to much fan fervor. Seeing Scott Stapp seize the stage in front at a packed Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater, it was clear how much this experience meant to him — both spiritually and emotionally. As he connected with the audience in some of the most impassioned moments of the night, you had to wonder how he managed to stay away from this feeling for over a decade.
It’s also worth noting how good it was to see Stapp happy and healthy, a far cry from the personal struggles that have plagued his past. Having weathered some very public battles with addiction and mental health, his current state was nothing short of inspiring. There was a vibrancy in his performance that made it clear he’s doing better than he has in a long time, and this tour is more than just a reunion for the band — it’s a triumph for Stapp as a person. The joy and gratitude he radiated while delivering his vocals and interacting with the crowd underscored how far he’s come, making his return to the stage all the more meaningful for those who have followed his journey.
The spiritual depth of Stapp’s performance felt almost as heavy as the music itself, with his messages often delivered as powerfully as the soaring guitar riffs and relentless percussion. But beyond Stapp’s commanding presence, it was the band’s sheer musical prowess that truly carried the night. Mark Tremonti, a guitarist whose playing has been a defining element of Creed’s sound since the beginning, was an unstoppable force, delivering every riff and solo with a precision that was as technical as it was emotive. From the headbanging intensity of “Bullets” to the anthemic uplift of “Higher,” Tremonti’s guitar work was dynamic and powerful, punctuating every song with a level of skill that few can match. His mastery of both melody and aggression allowed him to soar, especially on tracks like “What If” and “Say I,” where his playing reached almost otherworldly heights. He wasn’t just playing the guitar — he was telling a story with every note, and the fans were right there with him.
Eric Friedman, Creed’s second guitarist, although not an original member, he played a crucial role in bolstering the sound, adding rich textures and harmonies that gave the music an extra layer of depth. The interplay between Tremonti and Friedman was seamless, creating a wall of sound that was both intricate and massive. Their combined efforts allowed Creed’s songs to take on an epic quality that felt larger than life, with each guitar line perfectly complementing the other.
Meanwhile, the rhythm section of bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott “Flip” Phillips provided a rock-solid foundation that held everything together. Marshall’s basslines were muscular and precise with groove, driving the songs forward with a low-end force that was impossible to ignore. And Flip? His drumming was nothing short of thunderous, from the pounding intensity of “Torn” to the subtle finesse required on slower tracks like “With Arms Wide Open.” His ability to switch between explosive energy and delicate precision showcased just how versatile and essential he is to the band’s sound.
Creed set a commanding tone early on, kicking off with “Bullets” and deep-cut “Torn, Stapp had taken moments between songs to connect with the crowd in his distinct, pastoral interaction. “Are you ready to go on a trip with me?” he asked, before launching into “Are You Ready?”, his voice swelling with anticipation. “We’re about to take you on a journey through the human experience,” he continued, speaking with the authority of a man who has lived the ups and downs of life, both physical and spiritual.
His sermon-like intensity built as the night progressed. By the time he shouted “I said, ‘Are you ready?!’” in a voice full of poetic ferocity, the crowd was at his mercy. It felt like more than just a concert — it was part rock show, part revival.
Stapp didn’t just sing the songs; he framed them with stories, weaving his personal experiences into the fabric of the music. When he spoke about the innocence of childhood and the dreams we had, it provided a deeply personal prelude to “Never Die.” And when he introduced “My Own Prison,” his reflections on the nature of spiritual and literal imprisonment brought an added weight to the song’s already intense emotional core.
There were moments of politics too. Stapp’s introduction to “One” felt particularly timely, as he called for unity in an increasingly divided world. “We’re more divided than we’ve been in a very long time,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of someone who believes music has the power to heal. In an era fraught with division, his words provided a rare moment of hope.
Throughout the night, Stapp’s vocal delivery remained as dramatic as ever, reaffirming his place as one of the most iconic voices of the post-grunge era. All night long, his performance was nothing short of committed. Every song felt like a journey in itself, and the crowd responded in kind, hanging on every note, every sermon, and every heartfelt moment.
As much as Stapp’s vocals drove the emotional intensity of the performance, the band’s chemistry and instrumental prowess elevated the set to another level. Tremonti’s effortless transitions from delicate melodies to crushing riffs, Marshall’s pulsing basslines, and Flip’s thunderous drumming ensured that every moment packed a punch. And when the band tore into “Higher,” the sound soared as high as the song’s message promised, sending chills through the crowd. Each note felt meticulously crafted, yet delivered with raw passion, creating a powerful synergy that heightened the emotional stakes of every song.
Tremonti, in particular, had moments where his guitar work felt transcendent. His solo during “With Arms Wide Open” were both haunting and beautiful, capturing the complexity of the songs’ themes in a way that words alone could never achieve. His playing added layers of nuance and emotion that balanced Stapp’s vocal intensity, allowing the music to resonate on multiple levels. There was an effortless interplay between him and Eric Friedman, whose rhythm guitar work and harmonies gave the songs an added richness, allowing the sound to fully envelop the crowd.
Marshall and Flip also had standout moments that showcased their musicianship. Flip’s drumming was relentless, his precision and power driving the band forward with an energy that felt like the heartbeat of the entire performance. On tracks like “My Own Prison” and “Say I,” he masterfully shifted between intensity and restraint, knowing exactly when to pull back and when to unleash his full force. Marshall’s basslines were the glue that held everything together, rumbling beneath the guitars with a steady, unyielding pulse that anchored the more ethereal elements of the music.
The instrumental interplay between all the band members brought a certain vitality and urgency to the set that was impossible to ignore. Together, they reminded the crowd that Creed’s music is not just about Scott Stapp’s vocals or spiritual message; it’s about the collective power of a band firing on all cylinders.
One of the most heartwarming moments came when Stapp and Tremonti picked a young boy named Parker out of the audience before “Say I,” gifting him a stage-played guitar. It was a gesture that emphasized the deep connection Creed has always had with their fans — a connection that extends beyond the music and into the personal.
In the end, it was more than just a performance. It was a journey — one that spanned not only Creed’s first three albums, but the emotional and spiritual highs and lows that define the human experience. Whether it was reconnecting with their roots or sharing new revelations, Creed proved they still have the power to move and inspire. And as the night came to a close, it was clear that for Stapp and his bandmates, this reunion was about more than just playing the hits — it was about finding their way back to each other, and to the fans who have stood by them all these years.
