Photos & Review by Brad Goldstein – On a humid summer night, the Budweiser Stage in Toronto was the epicenter of a rock revival as Creed’s Summer of ’99 Tour rolled into town. The band reunited after years apart, delivered an unforgettable performance, but they werenot the only draw. The evening’s musical journey was enhanced by two familiar Canadian rock acts whom I have previously seen perform live: Burlington’s own Finger Eleven and the powerful Big Wreck.
Finger Eleven took the stage first, igniting the crowd with their signature blend of alternative rock and post-grunge. Songs like “Good Times” and “One Thing” were met with enthusiastic cheers, showcasing the band’s knack for crafting memorable hooks and relatable themes. Their set ended with “Paralyzer” and I could not help myself from singing along to it. Lead singer Scott Anderson’s charismatic presence and the band’s tight compositions set a highbar for the night’s performances.
Next up was Big Wreck, led by Ian Thornley, whose guitar prowess and commanding vocals were the perfect prelude to Creed’s headlining set. Big Wreck delivered a set filled with dynamic rock anthems and intricate musical arrangements. Tracks like “Albatross” and “The Oaf” demonstrated Thornley’s exceptional skill on the guitar, with each solo and riff adding depth to their already powerful performance. The band’s versatility was on full display, seamlessly transitioning between high-energy rockers and more contemplative tunes. Thornley’s emotive vocals and the band’s tight, sophisticated sound created a compelling and immersive experience that had the audience fully engaged.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, it was Creed’s turn to take center stage, and they did not disappoint. The 16-song setlist was a well-curated journey through their career, transporting fans back to the turn of the millennium, which included standout tracks from Human Clay, My Own Prison, Weathered, and Full Circle. From the very first notes of “Bullets,” it was clear that the band was in top form and the momentum never faltered as the they moved through fan favorites like “Torn” and “Are You Ready?” Scott Stapp’s voice, unmistakable and powerful, was as commanding as ever. Once Creed hit the third song “Are You Ready?” it felt like everyone in attendance was up for the mission in reply, rocking out to the tunes that many of us remember becoming a mainstream staple for late ‘90s and early 2000s rock.
The night proceeded with a seamless flow through Creed’s discography. “Never Die” and “My Own Prison” were delivered with the kind of raw energy that made them hits in the first place. Stapp’s vocals were complemented byMark Tremonti’s virtuoso guitar work, making tracks like “What If” and “Weathered” feel as fresh and compelling as they did over two decades ago.
The band’s next offerings, included “Faceless Man” and “One,” showcasing their versatility and depth. “Faceless Man,” with its introspective lyrics and dynamic arrangement, was a particular highlight, illustrating Creed’s ability to blend personal reflection with powerful rock arrangements. Following “Faceless Man”, Scott Stapp addressed the crowd with enlightening
words about how together we can do whatever we want, we can create change; instead of focusing on things that tear us apart, shift to those things that bring us together. He then exclaims that the next song is about comingtogether as one voice, one people. “One” further amplified the intensity of the evening with Scott saying that “Toronto you know how to rock”, setting the stage for the epic finale.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly “With Arms Wide Open,” a song that has become a timeless anthem of hope and resilience, which was met with a wave of audience participation and emotional intensity. The crowd sang along in unison, each word resonating deeply with the personal memories of fans. Stapp let us know that all of theenergy from the audience hit him on stage giving him goosebumps, remarking “that’s beautiful” and that he does not think he has heard a crowd sing it that loud. A plug for the November 27th show at Scotiabank Arena was also worked in before transitioning to the next song. Similar to “With Arms Wide Open”, “Higher” provided a rousing sing-along moment, its uplifting chorus uniting the audience in a shared experience of joy and nostalgia. At this moment, Stapp was very vocal about his feelings towards this particular Toronto show, saying that this might be the best crowd, best city on the Summer of ’99 Tour yet and he boldly says that it may be the best crowd that they have ever played to – ever! There was a lot of praises for our spirit and energy.
As the main set drew to a close, the encore was met with thunderous applause. “One Last Breath” and “My Sacrifice” were performed with a passionate fervor, each note imbued with a sense of closure and celebration. The choice ofFrank Sinatra’s “My Way” as the outro was both unexpected and fitting, adding a touch of classic elegance to the rock-infused evening. As Sinatra’s timeless tune played and the lights dimmed, it felt like the perfect coda to a night of musical nostalgia.
Creed’s performance at Budweiser Stage was more than just a concert with cool visualizations, pyrotechnics and a stellar lighting rig; it was a celebration of their enduring legacy and a testament to their ability to connect with fans across generations. As the audience dispersed into the warm Toronto night, it was clear that the Summer of ’99 Tour had successfully rekindled the spirit of Creed, leaving fans both old and new with memories to cherish and melodies that would echo long after the lights went out.
