Creed takes fans “Higher” at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit
Detroit,Michigan(November 20,2024)- Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena transformed into a rock & roll mecca Wednesday as Creed brought there Are You Ready? tour to the Motor City. The evening was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of music for fans and in some ways, the performers as well. From the fiery opening notes of “Bullets” to the soaring encore of “My Sacrifice,” Creed’s return to Detroit proved they haven’t missed a beat, captivating an audience of 14,000 fans with a performance that blended a bit of nostalgia with a whole lot of rock & roll.
The night kicked off with opening acts Mammoth WVH and 3 Doors Down, who set the stage in spectacular fashion. Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth WVH delivered a hard-hitting set filled with red hot guitar riffs that featured 6 select album cuts, 3 each from Mammoth WVH and Mammoth II. The abbreviated set was highlighted by “Distance,”a song dedicated to the memory of Wolfgangs father, Eddie Van Halen.
3 Doors Down followed with a lineup of hits that included “Kryptonite” and “Here Without You,” both of which drew well a ath deserved roars of approval. Lead singer Brad Arnold took a moment to deliver his own religious commentary at one point during the bands 12-song set, reminding the crowd, “You are enough,” words that would underscored the evening’s theme of hope and connection.
When Creed finally hit the stage, their entrance was nothing short of explosive. As flames shot skyward and strobe lights danced across the arena, the band launched into “Bullets,” bringing the crowd to their feet where they would remain for the duration of the 100-minute set. Guitarist Mark Tremonti, who was born just outside of Detroit, took a moment to share his pride in his roots, declaring, “If you’re from Detroit, you’re proud of Detroit!” His words were met with thunderous applause, a testament to the long standing connection between the band and the city.
Creed performs at Little Caesars Arena©John SwiderThe Grammy Award-winning hard rock group has been on the road much of this year, breaking a 12-year hiatus with a amphitheater tour during the summer and now an arena run to close the year. It’s been a undeniable success, reminding fans both new and old of just how major a player Creed was during the late 90s and early 2000s thanks to chart-topping hits such as “Higher,” “With Arms Wide Open” and “My Sacrifice” — all of which weigh in as relevant today as when they were released.
For frontman Scott Stapp, it was also an opportunity to reclaim a kind of rock ‘n’ roll pulpit during much of the show, and in a more explicit manner than he did during Creed’s July 31 stop at Pine Knob.His black tank top, revealing a well-sculpted physique, mirrored the strength and resilience of his voice as he delivered one powerful song after another. Stapp described the evening as “a journey of the human experience told through music,” and the setlist reflected this sentiment. Creed seamlessly mixed their greatest hits with deeper cuts, offering a setlist that showcased their evolution while staying true to their core sound. Drawing exclusivley from the band’s first three albums, the performance included fan favorites like “My Own Prison,” “Higher,” and “One,” alongside deeper tracks such as “Freedom Fighter” and “Never Die.” The band even surprised fans with the live debut of “Unforgiven” on this tour and brought back “Don’t Stop Dancing,” a track not performed live since 2002.
The visuals were equally striking, with pyrotechnics, a five-panel video screen, and carefully choreographed lighting amplifying the intensity of the music. Yet, some of the most memorable moments came from the band’s genuine connection with the audience. During “What If,” Tremonti announced he would give his guitar to the fan who rocked the hardest. A young boy named Noah won the prize and was invited on stage to claim his souvenir, a touching gesture that underscored the band’s appreciation for their fans.
While the spectacle of the performance was over the top, Creed also used the platform to deliver messages of unity and hope. Stapp urged the audience to find common ground, saying, “If you talk to the person next to you, you probably agree on 90% of what you want from life, so why let the other 10% divide you?” His words were met with cheers and reinforced by the lyrics of songs like “One” and “What’s This Life For.” The band’s commitment to spreading positivity was further evident in their support for mental health awareness and their acknowledgment of veterans, adding a layer of meaning to an already impactful night.
Speaking of the audience, it was diverse mix of longtime fans and younger listeners, whom responded with enthusiasm throughout the 16-song set. Tracks like “With Arms Wide Open” and “One Last Breath” turned into massive sing-alongs, with Stapp often stepping back to let the crowd’s voices fill the arena. The energy inside the sold-out Little Caesars Arena reached its peak during the encore, as the band delivered “Higher” and “My Sacrifice,” leaving fans both exhilarated and emotionally drained.
Creed’s reunion tour has been a resounding success, drawing thousands of fans to amphitheaters and arenas across the country. In Detroit, the band demonstrated why their music remains as relevant today as it was in their late ’90s and early 2000s heyday. Tremonti, Stapp, drummer Scott Phillips, bassist Brian Marshall along with a little guitar help by Eric Friedman from Tremonti’s solo band, performed with the chemistry and passion of a band that never left the stage, reminding everyone of their place in rock history.
As the final notes of “My Sacrifice” echoed through the arena, the band lingered, tossing setlist paper airplanes into the crowd and sharing smiles with their fans. The evening wasn’t just a nostalga trip—it was a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of Creed’s music and the deep bond they share with their generational fans. Whether this reunion signals a long-term return or a farewell chapter, one thing is certain: Creed continues to inspire and uplift, leaving everyone in attendance with a night to remember.
