“Are you ready?” That’s what thousands of fans were asked at the Kia Center on December 5, 2024 when Florida’s own Creed performed for their last stop on their “Are You Ready?” Tour. Along for the ride were 3 Doors Down and Mammoth WVH. The energy was high that night and you could tell the sell-out crowd was ready to hear some awesome rock tunes. And they certainly got their money’s worth that night.
Mammoth WVH based out of Los Angeles, CA has been around since 2015 led by Wolfgang Van Halen. Following in his father’s footsteps, Wolfgang wanted to bring his style of rock to the masses. The self-titled debut album released on June 11, 2021 and made it to #1 on Billboard‘s Rock, Hard Rock, and Indie charts. The second album, Mammoth II , released on August 4, 2023, and made it to #1 on Billboard‘s Hard Rock charts. Mammoth WVH consists of Wolfgang Van Halen (guitar), Jonathan Jourdan (guitar), Ronnie Ficarro (bass), and Garret Whitlock (drums).
I’ll admit, I was really excited to see Mammoth WVH. The one time I was supposed to see them in Orlando, FL touring with Dirty Honey, Mammoth WVH canceled half of the tour because of half their touring team getting sick. So, I was ready to finally see them take the stage and hear some kick-ass rock. Mammoth WVH exceeded my expectations. Their sound is amazingly smooth and reaches that bang-your-head level of rock. Their songs are all unique and crafted so intricately. You get engaged from the first to every song’s notes. Their set list was only 6 songs that night, but they had wonderful gems like “Like a Pastime”, “You’re to Blame” (one of my favorites), and “Take a Bow”.
The quartet are a well oiled machine as they perform. Garrett (who ironically played with Mark Tremonti’s solo band Tremonti) is a great drummer who kept the pace moving, the beats heavy, and you could tell was having a blast. Jonathan provided the backing vocals but also made his guitar sing through the songs. He provided passion and power through every note he played. Ronnie was an energetic eruption. He was all over his side of the stage, pointing and screaming for the crowd to get wild. I’ve never seen a bassist perform with such fuel. And Wolfgang is simply an incredible talented performer. His vocals will wow you and his guitar playing is fantastic. I loved that he used a guitar that was obviously well used and it sounded so good. Mammoth WVH put on a great performance. You can learn more about them at mammothwvh.com.
Next up was Mississippi rock band 3 Doors Down. The band had a significant impact on the radio with the release of the single “Kryptonite”. The release of their debut album The Better Life became one of the best-selling albums of 2000 and achieved Platinum status 7 times over. Since then the band released 5 more albums. Their last album Us and the Night 2016. The band consists of Brad Arnold (vocals), Chet Roberts (lead guitar), Chris Henderson (rhythm guitar), Justin Biltonen (bass), and Greg Upchurch (drums).
I’ve gotten to review 3 Doors Down’s performances a few times and they never disappoint. The band’s energy is always on a high, even during their slower songs. And they have so many great and recognizable songs. What I loved about this particular performance was the use of the large screens behind them and the band logo would change depending on the song. And one point the logo was all in red, white, and blue for the patriotic feel. The logo was all in green when they performed “Kryptonite”. And how can you go wrong with a 12 song set that included “Loser”, “Duck and Run”, “Landing in London”, “Away From The Sun”, and “The Road I’m On”.
3 Doors Down are fabulous musicians never seeming to miss a beat during their songs. Greg really wails away on those drums driving that hard rock vibe throughout the songs. Justin keeps it cool and collected on stage dropping bass notes that are the backbone to their songs. Chet takes lead on the guitars and lets the music just flow through. You can see how much he loves their music through his expressions and he’s one hell of a guitar player. Chris maintains the rhythm and stays very stoic during their performances. Brad is a truly gifted vocalist and still sounds the same after 24 years of performing. He is also very gracious and thankful to the fans for everything they’ve provided to 3 Doors Down to do what they love. Brad is not ashamed to show his love for Jesus Christ and even asked the crowd to affirm that Jesus Christ loves them too. This was again a wonderful set from the band. If you want to learn more about them check out their website at 3doorsdown.com.
Finally, it was time for our headliners in Creed. The band out of Tallahassee, FL immediately gained mainstream recognition from their debut album My Own Prison released in 1997. The album was certified Platinum 6 times. Their follow up Human Clay in 1999 would also be a huge success. It was certified Platinum a massive 11 times. The band’s third album Weathered from 2001 was also certified Platinum 6 times. The band took a hiatus and reunited to release Full Circle in 2009, which would currently be their last album. The band consists of Scott Stapp (vocals), Mark Tremonti (lead guitar), Brian Marshall (bass), and Scott Phillips (drums). Edward Friedman was also touring with them as a rhythm guitarist.
Creed’s stage setup was truly amazing. Huge screens in the back, Scott raised on a drum riser, small platforms for band members to step up on, and so much pyrotechnics throughout their set. It was visually gorgeous. The band played a 16 song setlist with some of their greatest hits during their years. It truly felt like a greatest hits album. If you love Creed, you would have loved this set. Kicking it off with “Bullets” really got the crowd going. Slowing it down with “Torn” early on captured the crowd’s attention and reminded them why Creed’s music was so captivating and engaging. “What If” drove the crowd wild back into the hard rock feeling. The major crowd sing along occurs during “With Arms Wide Open” and “Higher”. And the band wraps it up with a two-song encore of “One Last Breath” and “My Sacrifice”.
Creed had Eric Friedman join them on tour. He is the guitarist for Mark Tremonti’s band and his guitar playing added a nice sound to their music. He’s energetic on stage and always fun to watch perform. Scott keeps his head down and he thunders on the drumheads. His playing is awesome and love the way the drums sound in their songs. Brian is very animated as he plays quickly strumming the bass through songs. Mark is always a pleasure to watch play. The multiple time Guitarist of the Year award winner is so talented and always looks happy performing on stage. Scott looked very happy returning to the stage with Creed. He’s a phenomenal frontman, amazing vocalist, and easily engages with the crowd. He spoke to them often taking them on a trip back in time through the music of Creed. It was a beautiful and memorable performance from them that night to wrap up the tour. Find out more about Creed over at creed.com.
Three amazing rock bands put on a killer performance to wrap up the “Are You Ready?” Tour. And it was recently announced this tour will be extended in 2025. If you have an opportunity to see it, go do it. Trust me it will be worth every penny and you will have a truly fabulous time.
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