Creed // Live @ Heritage Bank Center // 8.24.25 -

Article & Photos by: Linda Carlson

Cincinnati, OH – It’s something that rock fans have craved for years – the return of Creed, the bombshell band that defined post-grunge rock in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with Scott Stapp (vocals), Mark Tremonti (lead guitar), Eric Friedman (touring rhythm guitar), Brian Marshall (bass), and Scott Phillips (drums).

With a Grammy to their credit (2001 Best Rock Song, “With Arms Wide Open”) among other accolades, the band had three studio albums that took the rock scene by storm – My Own Prison (1997), Human Clay (1999) and Weathered (2001) – all three were multi-platinum successes in the USA.

The band went on hiatus in 2003 (some might say they disbanded), with a brief reunion in the 2009-2012 timeframe. The musicians explored other opportunities, with Stapp pursuing a solo career, and Tremonti, Phillips and Marshall teaming up with Myles Kennedy to form Alter Bridge.

Creed reunited most recently in 2023 and have been touring again. For 2025, Creed is just finishing their Return of the Summer of ’99 North American Tour, with varying support through the tour from Daughtry, Mammoth WVH, Sevendust and Big Wreck.

For the Cincinnati show, openers Mammoth WVH and Daughtry were on the docket for a night of hard rock for thousands of fans at the Heritage Bank Center. Staging and production were top notch, with large video screens behind the bands and strong stage lighting to spotlight the performers.

Mammoth WVH is led by Wolfgang Van Halen, the son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Over the years, Wolfgang has steadily refined his metal artistry, evolving from a reserved stage presence into a commanding performer – he is clearly coming into his own personae. Clad in a bright pink patterned shirt, he delivered powerful vocals and showcased impressive guitar prowess.

WVH frequently sang with eyes closed, lost in the moment; however, when it came to his guitar solos, he jammed hard.

Daughtry continues to prove himself as a consistently powerful performer. His voice penetrates with clarity and emotion, and his delivery is impeccable. Song after song, there is the soulful and the heavy, the quiet and the intense. Before launching into “Pieces,” he reminded the crowd, “Cincinnati, there’s light on the other side of the darkness!” Overall, the 10-song set was completely satisfying.

Then, of course, came Creed, and the crowd erupted. The return of the original lineup following years of tumult and hiatus was not only long-awaited, but also thrilling. Seeing Stapp, Tremonti, Marshall and Phillips share the stage again was a moment fans had long awaited, and the energy in the arena reflected that anticipation.

Every band member was at the top of his game, delivering a performance that was tight, passionate, and unmistakably Creed. Stapp, ever the commanding frontman, brought raw power and emotion to every lyric. Tremonti’s guitarwork was both fierce and melodic, while Marshall’s bass lines added depth and drive. Phillips, behind the drum kit, provided a rhythmic anchor. And though touring guitarist Friedman may not be an original member of the band (joining during the 2009 reunion), he added dynamic layers, seamlessly jamming alongside Tremonti and Marshall throughout the show.

Solos were scattered throughout the set, as were collaborative jamming of guitars and bass, with Stapp alongside intensely riffing and cheering with them.

Stapp connected with fans throughout the performance, sharing reflections and messages of resilience. Prior to “My Own Prison” (1997), he said, “Let’s sing a song about prison… in our mind, that every day is a new day to start over… life is not about setbacks… they are for learning… it’s about the comebacks.” He added that he keeps this song in his rearview mirror, as a “reminder.”

In a heartwarming moment, the band gifted a guitar to a lucky fan in the crowd, a young boy named Jacob. Lucky, lucky kid!

Later, acknowledging current divisive times, Stapp urged the crowd to “find what unites us” prior to “Arms Wide Open.” He shouted for “Hands in the air!” and the stadium seemed to move rhythmically as arms and hands swayed together.

The band performed a full 15-song set, closing with the band’s anthemic “My Sacrifice.”

Bullets
Ode
Torn
Are You Ready?
Never Die
My Own Prison
Freedom Fighter
Say I
What If
One
What’s This Life For
With Arms Wide Open
Higher
One Last Breath
My Sacrifice

Overall, what a terrific night of memories shared between the band and their fans. Hopefully, there is more to come!

The summer tour has come to a close, but a cruise tour has been announced for 2026, with more dates likely on their way. Check the band’s website for upcoming shows, and the carousel of photos below for more images from the Cincinnati show.