Last night, the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine, was transformed into a haven for rock enthusiasts as Creed, 3 Doors Down, and Mammoth WVH delivered an electrifying performance that left fans buzzing long after the final encore. This lineup was a dream come true for anyone nostalgic for late-’90s and early-2000s rock, coupled with a fresh edge from Mammoth WVH. Here’s a breakdown of the night.
Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth WVH opened the night with precision and passion. As the mastermind behind the project, Wolfgang seamlessly shifted between instruments in the studio, but his touring band brought his vision to life on stage. The setlist kicked off with the raucous “Another Celebration at the End of the World,” setting an explosive tone. Standouts like “You’re to Blame” and “Like a Pastime” showcased their melodic hooks and instrumental complexity, while “Take a Bow” was an awe-inspiring display of musicianship with its soaring guitar solo.
The emotional “Distance,” written as a tribute to Wolfgang’s late father Eddie Van Halen, struck a chord with the audience, blending heartfelt lyrics with anthemic power. The band wrapped up their set with the hard-hitting “Don’t Back Down,” leaving the crowd energized for what was to come.
3 Doors Down took the stage next, delivering a set packed with their greatest hits and a few surprises. They opened with “Train,” igniting the crowd’s energy from the first note. Brad Arnold’s vocals were as heartfelt as ever, shining on emotional ballads like “Here Without You” and “Landing in London,” which had fans swaying and singing along.
The band also treated fans to a special moment with the unreleased track “Never Look Down,” hinting at exciting new material. Classics like “Loser” and “Duck and Run” kept the adrenaline pumping, while the anthemic “Kryptonite” had the entire venue singing at full volume. They closed their set with “When I’m Gone,” a powerful and emotionally charged performance that left the audience roaring in approval. The band’s chemistry and energy reminded everyone why they remain a beloved fixture in the rock scene.
The main act of the night, Creed, made their long-awaited return to the stage and did not disappoint. From the opening riff of “Bullets,” the band delivered a high-octane performance that blended nostalgia with renewed vigor. Scott Stapp’s unmistakable voice soared on tracks like “With Arms Wide Open” and “My Own Prison,” while Mark Tremonti’s guitar work was nothing short of masterful, particularly on the driving “Freedom Fighter” and the anthemic “Higher.”
The setlist felt like a curated journey through Creed’s discography, with deep cuts like “Torn” and “Unforgiven” providing a balance to mega-hits such as “One” and “What’s This Life For.” The band’s encore—featuring the hauntingly beautiful “One Last Breath” and the uplifting “My Sacrifice”—was the perfect way to cap off the night. The crowd erupted in applause, clearly moved by the emotional intensity and powerful delivery of the performance.
The Cross Insurance Center proved to be an excellent venue, with its sound system doing justice to the layered arrangements of each band. The audience was an enthusiastic mix of longtime fans and younger listeners, creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. Each act brought its unique flavor to the night: Mammoth WVH’s technical prowess, 3 Doors Down’s nostalgic hits, and Creed’s triumphant resurgence made for a well-rounded and unforgettable concert experience.
This tour not only reaffirmed Creed’s place in the pantheon of rock but also highlighted the enduring appeal of 3 Doors Down and the burgeoning legacy of Mammoth WVH. For those lucky enough to catch this lineup, it’s a night that will resonate for years to come.
