Review: Creed Preaches Unity at Hard Rock Live

After thirteen long years, South Florida was more than ready for Creed’s return.

The band brought their Creedmas tour to Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, playing two completely sold-out nights and marking their first local appearance since SunFest in 2012. From the moment the lights went down, the excitement inside the packed venue was unmistakable, with fans eager for a long-awaited homecoming.

Sevendust set the tone as the opener, delivering a high-energy performance that had the crowd fully engaged before Creed even hit the stage. The Atlanta-based band, touring since 1997 and known for appearances at Ozzfest and Woodstock ’99, showcased its staying power with commanding vocals from Lajon Witherspoon. The sea of Sevendust shirts throughout the crowd made it clear that many fans came ready to celebrate both bands.

As a photographer, I shot the first three songs from the pit, where Creed’s stage design immediately stood out. A thrust extended into the crowd, creating an oval-shaped pit that allowed Scott Stapp to move freely through the space and connect directly with fans on the floor. The layout was well thought out, keeping the energy flowing throughout the venue.

Just after 9:15 p.m., the room went dark, and the screen lit up with the word CREED, sending chants rippling through every corner of Hard Rock Live. As the band hit the stage, the crowd exploded — horns shot into the air, voices screamed, and the room surged with pure rock-and-roll electricity.

Stapp, now sporting shorter hair, looked revitalized and sounded stronger than ever. His vocals were intense and commanding, delivering each lyric with conviction as he moved from the front of the stage to the back, fully engaged with both the band and the audience.

After an 11-year hiatus, Creed returned to touring in 2024, and it shows. The band is tight, confident, and clearly energized by the reunion. Adding to the excitement, band members have been openly talking about the possibility of a new album — something longtime fans would undoubtedly love to hear.

Pyrotechnics played a significant role throughout the night, accenting key moments without overpowering the performance. “With Arms Wide Open” turned into a full-venue anthem as phones lit up the room, while “What If” delivered crushing bass, explosive pyro, and a crowd screaming every word. Even a small mosh pit broke out on the floor.

Before launching into “One,” Stapp addressed the crowd, calling out Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, and spoke about unity and understanding despite differences. As he asked the audience to raise their hands in solidarity, the venue moved together — a striking and heartfelt moment.

Later, Stapp thanked the crowd and revealed that he was battling bronchitis, crediting the audience for helping to carry the show and explaining that he didn’t want to cancel. Their response was loud, supportive, and unwavering.

Musically, the band was firing on all cylinders. Mark Tremonti’s signature heavy riffs and soaring solos blended seamlessly with Stapp’s vocals, while Brian Marshall’s bass thundered through “What If.” Drummer Scott Phillips kept everything locked in with relentless precision. Creed’s return to South Florida was more than a comeback — it was a reminder of the band’s staying power.

Across two sold-out nights at Hard Rock Live, Creedmas felt less like a nostalgia play and more like a band fully re-engaged with its audience, reconnecting with fans who never stopped believing. Thirteen years later, Creed made it clear they still have something to say.