The ’90s made a powerful comeback last night at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, TN. Creed, the iconic post-grunge band, has returned after a 12-year hiatus with their highly anticipated “Summer of ‘99 Tour.” Joining them on this nostalgic journey were rock veterans Finger Eleven and Tonic, two bands that have held their own in the rock scene for years. Creed, known for hits like “With Arms Wide Open” and “Higher,” is back to remind us why they dominated the airwaves in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Finger Eleven, with their hard-hitting tracks and new single “Adrenaline,” and Tonic, known for their blend of alternative rock with hits like “If You Could Only See,” added layers of nostalgia and raw energy to the night.
Finger Eleven kicked off the night, and it was clear from the start that this band was far from fading into the background. In 2024, Finger Eleven remains one of Canada’s best-selling bands, racking up an impressive five million streams per week. Their fanbase is as strong as ever, and for good reason. The band’s latest single, “Adrenaline,” is a testament to their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. The track, which will be featured on their upcoming 2025 album and is their first release since signing with Better Noise Music, showcases a new, adventurous side of the band.
Lead vocalist Scott Anderson described “Adrenaline” as a song with “an exciting pulse” that pushes both the music and lyrics to new energetic levels. The song’s anthemic quality was on full display during their set, driving the crowd into a frenzy and setting the tone for the night. Anderson, along with James Black on lead guitar, Rick Jackett on rhythm guitar, Sean Anderson on bass, and Steve Molella on drums, delivered a performance that was both tight and electrifying. Their setlist was packed with fan favorites and new material, reminding everyone why they’ve remained relevant in the ever-changing rock landscape.
Finger Eleven is currently touring across North America as direct support for Creed on their “Summer of ‘99” tour, which features additional interchanging support from bands like Three Doors Down, Daughtry, Switchfoot, Tonic, and Big Wreck. They’re also set to perform at the Louder Than Life festival, further solidifying their presence in the rock scene.
Tonic took the stage next, bringing their signature mix of heartfelt lyrics and powerful melodies to life. For me, one jaw-dropping moment was when Brad Whitford from Aerosmith joined them on stage. It was completely unexpected, and seeing a rock legend like Whitford perform with Tonic was a surreal experience. The crowd’s reaction said it all—pure excitement and awe. Tonic delivered their classics with incredible energy, and that surprise collaboration with Whitford made their set truly unforgettable.
And then, it was time. Creed took the stage, and it felt like the entire amphitheater was transported back to 1999. Growing up in Nicaragua, I never got the chance to see them live, and I never imagined I would. But here I was, standing just a few feet away from Scott Stapp, a frontman whose stage presence is magnetic. You wouldn’t believe this band had taken a 12-year break; they performed with the energy and passion of a band in their prime.
One of the most striking aspects of the night was how genuinely happy and connected the band members appeared. Scott Stapp, Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall, and Scott Phillips seemed to be in the best shape of their lives, both physically and musically. They owned the stage with a confidence that can only come from years of experience, but there was also a sense of joy and camaraderie that radiated from them. It was clear that Creed isn’t just back for a reunion—they’re back because they genuinely love what they do and do it together. The smiles, the glances exchanged between members, and the sheer energy they exuded were infectious. It felt like they were reliving their glory days, and we were all lucky enough to witness it.
The stage setup was spectacular, featuring one of the largest productions they’ve ever had in their career, according to their own words. The massive screens, intricate lighting, and explosive pyro effects were perfect. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, one of the hottest singers right now, Hardy, joined Creed on stage to belt out “Weathered.” The crowd erupted in cheers, and the energy was off the charts.
But for me, the real magic happened during the final four songs of the night. “With Arms Wide Open” brought everyone together, “Higher” had an incredible pyro display, “One Last Breath” was pure nostalgia, and “My Sacrifice” closed the show with an intensity that said it all—Creed is back, and they’re not going anywhere. This was the night I never thought I’d experience, and it was everything I could have hoped for and more.
Creed’s “Summer of ‘99 Tour” is the comeback we didn’t know we needed, but now that it’s here, we’re all in. If you have the chance to see them live, don’t hesitate. This is the tour of the year for anyone who grew up on post-grunge anthems and rock ballads that defined a generation. The band is stronger than ever, in their connection with each other and their fans.
