Creed Rocks the Mid Florida Amphitheater during the Summer of ’99 Tour in Tampa, FL – September 20, 2024

2024-09-25

Tampa, Fl – A warm Florida night sets the stage at the Mid Florida Credit Union Amphitheater in Tampa for what is promising to be a nostalgia-fueled and electrifying show. Fans of all ages pack the amphitheater, buzzing with anticipation for Creed’s long-awaited return, supported by Finger Eleven and 3 Doors Down on their 2024 Summer of 99 reunion tour.

Finger 11 | Mid Florida Amphitheater | Tampa, FL | September 20, 2024 | Photo Credit: ©Ivan Romero

As the sun begins to set, Finger Eleven takes the stage, and the crowd is overflowing with excitement, so much so that many of the estimated ~20,000 fans are there early although that might be attributed to the nightmare that is driving on I-4 during drive time. The Canadian rockers kick things off with “Above,” instantly engaging the audience. The amphitheater hums with energy as the band’s tight and precise delivery of a well-crafted set features a mix of their biggest tracks. The theatrics of both guitar players certainly add to the entertainment value of the Finger Eleven set. The current Finger Eleven lineup includes lead singer, Scott Anderson, who commands attention with his vocals cutting through the heavy riffs of guitarist Rick Jackett. The band also includes Sean Anderson on bass, James Black on guitar, and drummer Steve Molella. Highlights like “One Thing” and “Adrenaline” have the crowd swaying and singing along. The band’s chemistry is evident, and their performance sets the tone for an evening of great rock music. Fans are locked in, and the anticipation builds as the set closes with a fantastic version of “Paralyzer,” leaving the crowd primed and ready for more.

3 Doors Down | Mid Florida Amphitheater | Tampa, FL | September 20, 2024 | Photo Credit: ©Ivan Romero

Next up, 3 Doors Down hits the stage, and receive a roaring welcome from the crowd. The Mississippi rockers waste no time, launching straight into “Train,” then “It’s Not My Time”, followed by “Loser”. Frontman Brad Arnold moves with purpose, his voice steady and powerful as the amphitheater comes alive with 3 Doors Down hits. As in shows preceding this night, Brad does take time to talk to the fans and even touches on faith in the process during a three and a half minute ‘sermon’ as he takes everyone to church and introduces “Away From the Sun”, leading the crowd in a chant of “I am the one that Jesus loves”. Guitarists Chris Henderson and Chet Roberts alongside bassist Justin Biltonen and drummer Greg Upchurch bring a wall of sound that complements the raw emotion of Brad’s delivery.

The setlist is reminiscent of a trip down memory lane, with hits like “Let Me Go” and “Here Without You” eliciting emotional reactions from the crowd and “Duck and Run” driving fans into a frenzy. Some sing with their eyes closed, arms wrapped around one another, while others sway with tears in their eyes, a testament to the deep emotions these songs elicit from fans. The band’s performance is as tight as ever, punctuated by a powerful delivery from Brad.

As 3 Doors Down come close the the end of their set they launch into “Kryptonite,” giving the crowd one last burst of energy before wrapping it up with “When I’m Gone“. The amphitheater feels electric, and the atmosphere is one of shared anticipation for the night’s headliner, Creed.

Creed | Mid Florida Amphitheater |Tampa, Fl | September 20, 2024 | Photo Credit: ©Ivan Romero

Finally, the moment the crowd is waiting for arrives. The crowd’s momentum builds as the screen begins flashing “Creed” repeatedly and in more rapid succession as fans yell with every flash. As Creed takes the stage, a deafening roar erupts from the estimated 20,000 fans packed into the Mid Flroida Amphitheater. The band, led by singer Scott Stapp, steps into the spotlight, and the energy surges. Kicking off their set with the explosive “Bullets,” Creed immediately captivates the audience, their sound as massive as ever. Stapp’s vocals are raw yet refined, full of the passion and intensity that have always defined his performances. Guitarist Mark Tremonti’s iconic riffs cut through the night air, each note landing with precision and force.

The band’s setlist reads like a greatest hits compilation, with “Higher” and “Torn” bringing the crowd to an emotional high. Every word is sung back to the band with fervor. Fans in the front row can be seen emotionally moved during the ballad “With Arms Wide Open,” while others headbang with abandon during the heavier “What If.” The chemistry between the band members, particularly Mark Tremonti and Scott Stapp, feels renewed, as if no time has passed since their heyday. This band’s performance is tight. A resounding congratulations in in order for the audio engineers for their mix and the quality of the music production on this night.

As with Brad Arnold’s interaction with the fans, Scott Stapp spends a good amount of time telling stories and preaching as he introduces song after song. It’s akin to attending services at the coolest church in the world. Creed powers through their set with the amphitheater becoming a sea of lights during “One Last Breath,” fans holding their phones aloft. It’s a moment of pure unity between the band and their audience, an emotional crescendo in a night full of them. The band closes the initial set with an epic rendition of “Higher,” leaving the crowd exhilarated, before they return for their encore, which they ended with “My Sacrifice”.

There is no doubt that the crowd is loving this show. Contrary to the mass exodus that occurs as live shows reach the end of the headliner’s set list, this audience remains mostly at capacity as the last notes play. Creed’s return to the stage is nothing short of triumphant, and the audience responds with thunderous applause as they exit. For those in attendance, this night will not soon be forgotten—an evening of rock, emotion, and unforgettable performances.

The combination of Finger Eleven, 3 Doors Down, and Creed make for an unforgettable night in Tampa. Each band delivers powerful, emotional performances that resonate deeply with a crowd hungry for nostalgia, proving that rock music’s ability to unite, uplift, and energize is as strong as ever. For the fans, this night is about more than just music—it is about sharing memories, emotional catharsis, and the pure joy of witnessing rock legends in their prime.