August 7, 2024 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ
Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry
Just another night for us at PNC Bank Arts Center? I think not! The time has finally come.
I was very excited and have been waiting for years in anticipation to finally see Creed. I’ve been a fan since they burst onto the post grunge scene in the late 90’s to early 2000’s. Their songs have a place on many of my personal playlists and the time has finally arrived to see them live! Joined by 3 Doors Down I knew the evening was going to be filled with powerful rock, great guitars and strong vocals. I was fired up!
Mirroring my own excitement, the packed house from row A to Back Lawn was buzzing with anticipation as fans eagerly awaited the dynamic rock duo of 3 Doors Down and Creed. While inclement weather worried many, it didn’t stop anyone from coming out to fill their souls with an energetic and nostalgic evening of music.
Canadian rock band, Finger Eleven kicked it off. Their setlist was a dynamic mix of fan favorites including “One Thing”, “Paralyzer” and new material, creating an engaging and immersive atmosphere setting expectations for all in attendance. The synergy between the band members and their ability to connect with the crowd provided a prelude to what was going to be a memorable event.
3 Doors Down
Sandwiched in the lineup was 3 Doors Down who took the stage with a confident swagger and an impressive array of hits spread throughout their 13-song set list. Opening with “Train,” followed by “It’s not My Time”, the crowd erupted into a sing-along that would set the tone for the rest of their set. The band’s performance was tight and polished, with lead singer Brad Arnold showcasing his powerful vocals on tracks like “Here Without You” and “Duck and Run”. The band’s chemistry was palpable, and their ability to connect with the audience was evident throughout their performance, with Arnold expressing his gratitude for the thunderous applause as each song concluded.
Guitarists Chris Henderson and Chet Roberts delivered intricate solos with ease, while drummer Greg Upchurch and bassist Justin Biltonen provided a steady, driving rhythm that kept the energy high. Their setlist was a carefully curated mix of fan favorites and deeper cuts and closing with two chart toppers “Kryptonite” & “When I’m Gone”, ensuring that both long-time supporters and casual listeners were not only satisfied but primed for Creed.
Creed
As the lights dimmed, Creed hit the stage and the first chords of “Bullets” rang out and crowd’s anticipation reached a fever pitch. Scott Stapp’s distinctive voice and the bands thundering guitar riffs filled the arena, proving that despite years away from the spotlight, the band still possesses the same musical talent and vocal prowess that made Creed a household name.
Their set was a celebration of the early 2000s rock era, with powerful renditions of “What If” and “What’s This Life For” bringing the audience to their feet. The band’s dynamic performance was highlighted by Mark Tremonti’s impressive guitar work, which added a layer of depth to the already anthemic sound. The rhythm section, consisting of Scott Phillips on drums and Brian Marshall on bass, was solid and reliable, anchoring the band’s sound with precision.
The lighting was a masterful blend of intensity and nuance, perfectly complementing the band’s powerful sound. The stage was bathed in a dynamic array of colors, shifting seamlessly between deep blues, fiery reds and bright whites to mirror the emotional highs and lows of the performance. Spotlights punctuated the set, casting dramatic beams that follow the band’s movements, while strobes and LED arrays added a modern, electrifying edge. The lighting transitions were timed impeccably with the rhythm of the music, creating an immersive atmosphere that heightened the concert’s impact and drew the audience deeper into the experience.
I must note, however (and I’m only critiquing this because I’m such a big fan), knowing of Stapps powerful vocals, I felt he was drowned out a bit. I wanted to hear him more clearly and I wasn’t sure if it was my location (I was low and front left), or a technical glitch from soundboard. The music seemed to overpower the clarity of the microphone. Regardless, with myself and everyone else singing along to every word it was an imperfection I easily ignored.
The highlight of Creed’s set came with a stirring performance of “With Arms Wide Open” where the audience sang along with fervor, creating a shared moment of nostalgia and connection. And just as I was about to relax my voice from singing along all night the opening notes of “Higher” filled the venue as they finished their performance. As the band exited and the stage went dark, fans knew a couple of songs were left unsung and cheered for an encore. Moments later Creed accepted the curtain call and they performed “One Last Breath” and “My Sacrifice”, leaving the audience full and satisfied and appreciative that they were able to experience all of Creed’s essentials! Their stage presence was commanding, and their ability to evoke strong emotions through their music was evident.
The combination of 3 Doors Down and Creed delivered an extremely memorable rock experience for me and everyone in attendance. Both bands demonstrated their enduring appeal and ability to captivate an audience, each in their own distinct way. Fans left with smiles on their faces and a sense of having relived some of the best moments from their musical past.
If the night was any indication, post grunge rock music’s legacy is alive and well, thanks to the continued passion and talent of bands like 3 Doors Down and Creed. It was an evening of high-energy, representing a nostalgia-fueled celebration of one of rock’s golden eras.
Editorial note: As I write this, I realize today is Scott’s birthday (8/9)! Happy Bday brother! Keep rockin’!
For more info please visit http://www.creed.com http://www.3doorsdown.com http://www.fingereleven.com