On Monday, November 25, 2024, Creed, supported by Finger Eleven and Mammoth WVH, brought the Are You Ready? Tour to Montreal’s Bell Centre for a night of explosive performances.
The night kicked off with Finger Eleven, who opened their set with “Above,” a track from their 1997 debut album. They followed it with “Adrenaline” from their new album, which fans really enjoyed. The band then reached back to another 1997 favorite, “Quicksand.” Guitarists James Black and Rick Jackett, alongside vocalist Scott Anderson, delivered a captivating performance. They closed their 30-minute set with their mega-hit “Paralyzer,” a crowd favorite that left fans energized for the rest of the night.
This is Mammoth WVH’s third time playing in Montreal and my second time seeing them live. Compared to their November 2023 performance, the sound was sharper and more polished this time around.
As the crowd continued to grow, Mammoth and Wolfie took the stage, entering to AC/DC’s “Night Prowler” playing over the speakers. They opened with “Another Celebration at the End of the World” before transitioning into “You’re to Blame” and “I’m Alright.” Their set was impressive, but it was too short.
Although some fans still hope to hear Wolfie play songs from his father’s Van Halen catalog, he is forging his own path with his unique sound. Mammoth’s two albums are a testament to his talent and creativity, and his growing fanbase clearly appreciates his efforts to create something distinct.
After the two opening acts, the Bell Centre went dark. As the name “CREED” flashed on the stage screens, the crowd erupted into cheers, chanting along with the letters.
The band finally emerged, with vocalist Scott Stapp crouched over his mic stand as they launched into “Bullets” from their 2001 album. The pyrotechnics roared to life, and the crowd responded with thunderous enthusiasm. Creed followed up with “Freedom Fighter,” another high-energy track from 2001, complete with more explosive pyro and strobe lights.
Midway through the show, guitarist Mark Tremonti announced he would be giving away a guitar to the fan who rocked out the hardest during “What If.” Fans went wild, headbanging and cheering, but ultimately, a young fan named Jason, was chosen. Tremonti brought him onstage to claim the guitar, a moment Jason is sure to remember forever.
The energy only grew as Creed moved into their biggest hits. Fans sang along passionately to “With Arms Wide Open” and “Higher.” For the encore, the band delivered two more massive tracks, “One Last Breath” and “My Sacrifice,” with Scott Stapp pausing at times to let the audience’s voices fill the arena.
Even after their final bow, the band stayed onstage to interact with fans, handing out setlists, guitar picks, and drumsticks. It was a heartfelt way to end a nearly two-hour show.
Throughout the night, Scott Stapp shared personal reflections, touching on topics like suicide prevention, holding onto one’s childlike spirit, and overcoming life’s challenges. His words added a touching layer to an already unforgettable evening. Stapp described the night as “a journey of the human experience told through music.” True to his words, the concert was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of resilience, hope, and the power of music to unite.
Creed’s Montreal show on the Are You Ready? Tour was a triumphant return for the band, leaving fans both old and new eagerly awaiting what’s next.
If you want to see if Creed is coming to a city near you visit: https://creed.com/
Review By: SD Photoart MTL Sam D