Written by Dave Clements

Every now and then I get lucky and last night was one of those luck experiences. It happened at the The Woodlands Pavilion when I got to experience not one or two but three rock bands back-to-back to back. And to be able to photograph them, from the pit, made it even more special.

A sold-out crowd joined me at this amphitheater to experience Canada’s Finger Eleven, followed by 3 Doors Down and then topping off the evening was Creed.

Finger Eleven kicked off the evening on time. (Something I really like!) The band was formed in 1990 and are from Burlington, Ontario near Toronto. Initially the band was named Stone Soul Picnic, then Rainbow Butt Monkeys and in 1997 became Finger Eleven a name which came from a demo of their song ‘Thin Spirts’. These guys came on stage aimed to please and to do it with high energy. I was so impressed that with the sun still out they were non-stop for their entire set. I wasn’t sure how I would like them but for sure I liked them way more than I ever thought. The lead singer reminded me of Joe Cocker and that likeness went a long way to make me happy. The bonus was the two guys with guitars strapped around their necks. I am not sure my photos do them justice but I tried hard to capture their energy and movement. Whatever is above A for effort is what I would give them both!

3 Doors Down was second up and I had heard of them but wasn’t very familiar with their music. My very positive comments include that they had the American flag on stage with them…that impressed me and the fact that the crowd responded to their songs with such enthusiasm was a real positive as well (especially Kryptonite).
What I really didn’t enjoy was the religious preaching by the lead singer, I think his name is Brad Arnold. I really didn’t mind what he had to say but more that I don’t think discussing religion and politics typically adds much to my (or anyone else’s) entertainment for the evening. I really don’t want to know an entertainer’s political or religious beliefs…even if they are similar to mine.

The headliner was Creed and speaking of beliefs my brief is that just about everyone that came this night came to see Creed. I had heard some of their music in the past, and I liked it, yet I had no freaking idea just how damn good they were. This group of guys from Tallahassee, Florida that formed in 1994, were way beyond anything I thought was possible on a musical stage. I thought Mark Tremonti’s guitar work was great but for me nothing exceeded Scott Stapp. The man is special. His stage presence was crazy good. His vocals fit my ear beautifully and I could have listened to him sing the phone book much less ‘With Arms Wide Open’! How one person can have that kind of musical energy, and sing, especially in the warm temps, for almost two hours is crazy!
Maybe my photos will give you a better glimpse into what I am trying to say but not doing justice. For sure, “you just had to had to been there”!

Until next time help keep live music alive!