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SUMMER of ’99 TOUR
Live at North Island Credit Union Amp
August 11th, 2025 Review by Greg Vitalich
Creed’s Summer of ‘99 tour charged into North Island Credit Union Amphitheater and delivered an inspired, commanding performance, proving that the reunited ‘90’s rock legends are truly back after a 12-year hiatus. The strong lineup of Mammoth, Daughtry, and Creed ensured the packed house received a rock show spectacle to remember.
Mammoth got the rock party started with a short, but very energetic set featuring the guitar shredding and lead vocals of Wolfgang Van Halen. The future of rock is in good hands with Wolfgang leading the way!
Mammoth showcased a few new tunes from their upcoming album “The End,” due to be released October 24th. The new tracks are heavy, full of great riffs, and have a modern fresh style that resonates with both old-school and newer generations of rock fans.
The six song set included “Epiphany,” “Take a Bow,” “Don’t Back Down,” and “The End.”
Daughtry followed with singer Chris Daughtry immediately grabbing the audience’s attention with an intensely passionate performance.
Behind his thundering band, the 45-year-old rocker displayed powerful vocals and skillfully engaged the energized audience.
The set included “Over You,” “Artificial,” “The Reckoning,” a cover of Journey’s “Separate Ways,” radio hit “It’s Not Over,” and two acoustic tracks, “Waiting for Superman” and “Home.”
Daughtry has earned commercial success with radio friendly power rock anthems, proving to be the perfect fit to fire up the huge crowd for Creed.
Now for the main event. Pulsating strobes began illuminating the dark stage and the ominous synth/thunder intro of “Bullets” increased the tension as members of Creed confidently walked on stage like conquering heroes. Guitarist Mark Tremonti began “Bullets” crunchy metal-like riff while singer Scott Stapp paced the stage with the intensity of an MMA fighter.
With the eloquence and passion of a preacher, Stapp recited the introductory lyrics of Creed’s heaviest song. Finally, Stapp screamed the final intro line, “I think they shoot ‘cause they want it,” and the band erupted full force. The crowd went nuts as pyrotechnics exploded behind the drum riser – this is how you start a kick-ass rock show!
Fans wanting to hear the hits were not disappointed as the band clearly sought to both reconnect with longtime fans and introduce themselves to a new generation. The setlist burst at the seams with one mega hit after another, and a spectacular and visually stunning digital backdrop elevated the show as the band ripped through “Torn,” “My Own Prison,” “One,” “With Arms Wide Open,” “Higher,” “One Last Breath,” and the closer, “My Sacrifice” – an unbelievable catalog of massive hits.
In this era where many older bands feature only one or a few original members, I fully appreciated seeing all four original members, 25 years since their start. Guitarist Mark Tremonti is a beast; what a pleasure to watch him play the hits he co-wrote. Bassist Brian Marshall was having a blast onstage while his rhythm section partner Scott Phillips pounded away relentlessly behind a massive drum set. Longtime touring musician Eric Friedman provided rhythm guitar and vocals, adding depth and texture to the live performance.
Singer Stapp put on a remarkable performance, emotionally connecting with the audience and preaching positive, inspiring messages. Stapp constantly interacted with adoring fans and seemed to be in a good place both mentally and physically, and his voice held up nicely throughout the evening.
One memorable takeaway was Stapp’s inspiring remarks prior to several songs. Introducing “My Own Prison,” Stapp explained that he was talking about how we create our own mental prisons, obstacles that distract from our purpose in life, robbing us of joy and focus, but that it’s a choice and we don’t have to make that choice. “Every day is a new day to change your destiny and your future,” Stapp proclaimed to rousing cheers.
Another show highlight was Stapp leading over 20,000 people to raise their illuminated cell phones in the air.
Stapp took advantage of the moment with another brief message of inspiration: “Look around, as many stars a there are in the sky, let these lights represent future generations, each light is a symbol of hope and inspiration to leave the light on to show the pathway home… with arms wide open.” No explanation needed on which song they kicked into after that!
After such a long hiatus, it’s clear the reunited and rejuvenated Creed are back and firing on all cylinders. While most fans were from the generation that grew up with Creed in the ‘90s, there was a noticeably large number of attendees under 30 years old.
This gives me such hope and confidence that the future of rock and roll is in good hands.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
By Greg Vitalich Photography
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SID 250811 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
