Summer of '99 Sunday: Creed Delivers a Triumphant Finale While Bush, Mammoth, and Candlebox Make It a Day to Remember

 By: Evan J. Thomas

One final day of rock nostalgia proved these bands aren't living in the past, they're still defining what a great live show should be.
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Unfortunately I had missed several of the opening acts that were Ashes Of Billy, The Verve Pipe, Big Wreck, Sleep Theory, Hoobastank and most of Candlebox but I was able to check out the last few songs of Candlebox's set. 

So after an unforgettable Saturday packed with chaos, heavy riffs, and nostalgia, the Summer of '99 Tour had one more card to play. Sunday's lineup featured a perfect blend of grunge icons, modern rock powerhouses, and one of the biggest bands of the late '90s closing the weekend with a performance that left fans exhausted, exhilarated, and reminded why these songs have stood the test of time.

If Saturday was about controlled chaos, Sunday was about unforgettable performances from beginning to end.

Kicking off the main stage festivities, Candlebox proved that great songwriting never goes out of style. Kevin Martin's voice still carries the emotional grit that made the band one of the defining acts of the post grunge era. From the opening notes, the crowd responded with enthusiastic singalongs, embracing every familiar chorus that helped shape an entire generation of rock fans.

The band's chemistry was undeniable, balancing powerful musicianship with genuine appreciation for the audience. Their performance wasn't about chasing nostalgia it was about reminding everyone why songs like these continue to resonate decades later. It was the perfect way to start the afternoon.

Following Candlebox, Mammoth took the stage with the confidence of a band that's no longer living in anyone's shadow.

Wolfgang Van Halen continues to prove he's far more than a famous last name. As a songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, and frontman, he's built a catalog that stands firmly on its own merits. The band sounded massive.

Every riff landed with precision, every chorus connected with the crowd, and the musicianship throughout the set was nothing short of outstanding. Mammoth seamlessly blended hard hitting rock with melodic hooks, delivering a performance that appealed equally to longtime rock fans and a younger generation discovering them for the first time. Their upward trajectory feels inevitable.

For many fans, including myself, Bush was one of the most anticipated performances of the weekend. After nearly 30 years since the last time seeing them live, the wait was more than worth it.  

From the moment Gavin Rossdale stepped onto the stage, it was clear why Bush has remained one of rock's most enduring live acts. Rossdale commanded every inch of the stage with boundless energy, moving effortlessly between the crowd, the catwalk, and every corner of the venue while never missing a vocal cue. LITERALLY EVERY CORNER of the venue as he spent about 12 minutes of one song making his way through the crowd and up to the cheap seats in the grass.  He sang, took photos with people and fought his way back to the stage to finish the set.  The crowd was in awe.   His charisma remains unmatched.

The band sounded absolutely phenomenal, tearing through a set packed with timeless anthems that had thousands of voices singing in unison. I absolutely loved the rendition of "Glycerine" that they did.  The guitars roared, the rhythm section hit with thunderous force, and every song carried the same urgency it had when these tracks first dominated rock radio.

Seeing Bush again after nearly three decades wasn't just nostalgic it was a reminder that some bands only get better with time.  It was one of the standout performances of the entire festival.


Then came the moment thousands had been waiting for.
As the lights dimmed, the name "CREED" appeared in white on a black background on the screen on stage.  Pulsating to get the crowd chanting "CREED", "CREED", "CREED" and the opening notes echoed across the venue, the anticipation reached a fever pitch.

Creed owned the next nearly 2 hours.   From the very first song, the atmosphere transformed into something unforgettable. Massive singalongs echoed throughout the amphitheater as fans of every age celebrated a catalog that has become one of the defining soundtracks of late '90s and early 2000s rock.

Scott Stapp delivered a commanding performance, his unmistakable voice soaring over every chorus while connecting with the audience in a way that felt both personal and larger than life.

Mark Tremonti once again reminded everyone why he's considered one of rock's elite guitarists. His tone was enormous, his solos flawless, and every riff landed with crushing precision. Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips locked together with the kind of chemistry only years of playing together can create, providing a rock solid foundation that elevated every song.

The production matched the scale of the music, with dramatic lighting, fire, smoke, towering visuals, and arena sized sound creating an experience that felt every bit as monumental as the band's catalog. Song after song became another emotional high point.

Fans sang. They cheered. They raised their fists. Creed's set wasn't just a headline performance, it was the perfect ending to an unforgettable weekend.

The Summer of '99 Tour proved across both days that the music from one of rock's greatest eras still carries incredible power. Candlebox reminded us why heartfelt songwriting never fades. Mammoth demonstrated that the future of rock is in capable hands. Bush delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the weekend, making a nearly 30 year wait feel completely worthwhile. And Creed closed the festival with a performance that was nothing short of epic, celebrating a catalog that continues to unite generations of rock fans.
This wasn't simply a nostalgia tour.

It was a celebration of timeless songs, incredible musicianship, and the enduring power of live music.

When the lights finally came up and the crowd slowly filed out, one thing was clear:
The Summer of '99 Tour wasn't about reliving the past, it proved that these bands still know exactly how to own the present.

MAMMOTH

BUSH

CREED