Creed Ignites Charleston: A Triumphant Night of Rock Revival at Credit One Stadium
- StarStream Radio
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
On a humid July 24, 2025, evening in Charleston, South Carolina, Credit One Stadium on
Daniel Island became a pulsating hub of post-grunge nostalgia and raw energy as Creed
headlined their extended Summer of '99 Tour. What started as a reunion run in 2024 had
evolved into a full-fledged phenomenon, with fans demanding encores that led to this 2025
leg featuring rotating openers like 3 Doors Down, Mammoth WVH, Daughtry, and Sevendust
-stepping in after 3 Doors Down's Brad Arnold faced a cancer diagnosis. therockrevival.com This
particular stop wasn't merely a concert; it was a cathartic celebration of resilience, faith, and
timeless rock anthems that bridged generations, proving Creed's enduring appeal in an era
of fleeting trends.
The evening's buildup was electric, with the stadium filling early under the threat of
scattered thunderstorms that mercifully held off. Attendees ranged from millennials reliving
their youth to Gen Z discovering the band's catalog anew, creating a diverse crowd united by
hits that defined the late '90s and early 2000s. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the air
buzzed with anticipation, amplified by the venue's intimate yet expansive setup-seating
around 10,000, but feeling larger with its open-air vibe and modern amenities like upgraded
lighting and sound systems.
Kicking off the night was Mammoth WVH, fronted by Wolfgang Van Halen, whose pedigree
as Eddie Van Halen's son is often noted but whose talent stands firmly on its own. Wolfgang
and his band-guitarists Frank Sidoris and Jonathan Jourdan, alongside bassist Ronnie
Ficarro-delivered a blistering set that blended hard rock edge with melodic hooks. Tracks
like "Distance" paid homage to his father's legacy, while previews from their upcoming album
The End showcased Wolfgang's growth as a songwriter and performer. His guitar solos were
lightning-fast and precise, drawing cheers from the crowd. A bittersweet undercurrent
lingered: Wolfgang had turned down an invitation to play Ozzy Osbourne's farewell show in
London, due to tour commitments, a decision made heavier by Ozzy's passing earlier that
year. Yet, this only highlighted Mammoth WVH's rising star power, setting a high bar for the
acts to follow.
Transitioning seamlessly, Daughtry took the stage next, infusing the evening with a heavier,
more contemporary rock flair. Chris Daughtry, the American Idol alum turned rock staple, led
his band through a high-energy performance that balanced aggression and melody. Drawing
from their 2024 EP Shock to the System, songs like "Pieces" and "Artificial" hit with
thunderous riffs and soaring choruses, while classics such as "Home" and "It's Not Over"
had the audience singing along en masse. Daughtry's gravelly vocals cut through the humid
air like a knife, backed by tight instrumentation that included blistering guitar work and
pounding drums. Fans raved about the set's intensity; one attendee on X described it as
"worth the ticket price alone," echoing the sentiment that Daughtry remains one of rock's
most reliable live draws. @robturnt88 Their performance bridged the gap between Creed's
post-grunge roots and modern alt-rock, priming the crowd for the headliners.
As the lights dimmed and pyrotechnics flared, Creed exploded onto the stage with "Are You
Ready?," instantly transforming the stadium into a sea of raised arms and fervent voices.
Scott Stapp, marking nine years of sobriety, was a commanding presence-his baritone
voice richer and more controlled than ever, infused with a spiritual depth that resonated
deeply. He shared personal anecdotes before staples like "Higher" and "With Arms Wide
Open," speaking of redemption and family, turning the show into a communal therapy
session. Stapp's charisma was magnetic; he prowled the stage with purpose, connecting
eye-to-eye with fans in the front rows.
Guitarist Mark Tremonti shone brightly, his custom PRS guitars unleashing iconic riffs that
defined an era. From the heavy chug of "Unforgiven" to the intricate picking in "One Last
Breath," Tremonti's playing was a masterclass in technical prowess and emotional delivery.
The rhythm section-bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips-provided a rock-
solid foundation, while touring guitarist Eric Friedman added layers of harmony and intensity.
The band's synergy was palpable, their sound massive yet nuanced, filling the stadium
without overwhelming it.
The setlist was a fan's dream, heavily drawing from Creed's seminal albums My Own Prison
(1997), Human Clay (1999), and Weathered (2001), delivering 12 out of 15 tracks across
these records. Highlights included:
• Opening Salvo: "Bullets with pyrotechnos, Ode and "Torn" set an aggressive tone, with the crowd.
Production elements elevated the spectacle: Massive LED screens displayed lyrics and
archival footage, synchronized lasers cut through the night, and controlled pyrotechnics
added drama without excess. The sound mix was crisp, though some X users noted minor
early glitches common to tour openers-quickly resolved for a flawless finish. @MeloStylesTV
Fan reactions poured in on social media, capturing the night's magic. One X post raved, "I'm
still buzzing over this. Honestly, one of the best 2 hours I've ever experienced," highlighting
the communal joy. @ryanopines Another attendee shared, "I was super impressed... I think the
lead singer sounds better live than he does on the album," praising Stapp's vocal evolution.
@robturnt88 Even skeptics were won over, with reports of sold-out crowds and record-
breaking energy echoing the tour's 2024 success that drew over a million fans.
This Charleston performance reaffirmed Creed's legacy amid their reunion's massive
demand, which prompted the 2025 extension with stops across North America. billboard.com
With Mammoth WVH and Daughtry providing stellar support, the show was a seamless rock
odyssey-nostalgic yet fresh, powerful yet intimate. For veterans of the band's heyday or
newcomers, it was an unforgettable reminder: In a world of auto-tuned spectacles, authentic
rock endures, growing louder with time. Catch the Summer of '99 Tour while you can-it's
not just a revival; it's a rock renaissance.
