Review by Do:
Event: Creed Concert (w/Theft and Red)
Venue: Darien Lake PAC
Date: July 31, 2010
Concert goers: Me, My husband, and another couple
Ticket cost: $35
I've been a fan of the band Creed since 1997 when they released their first album, My Own Prison. I was quick to snatch up their most recent album, Full Circle, last October; and so it's of no real surprise that when my husband asked if I wanted to see them in concert, I jumped at the chance. Our friend secured us tickets in an advance sale posting in March and we were set!
Event: Creed Concert (w/Theft and Red)
Venue: Darien Lake PAC
Date: July 31, 2010
Concert goers: Me, My husband, and another couple
Ticket cost: $35
I've been a fan of the band Creed since 1997 when they released their first album, My Own Prison. I was quick to snatch up their most recent album, Full Circle, last October; and so it's of no real surprise that when my husband asked if I wanted to see them in concert, I jumped at the chance. Our friend secured us tickets in an advance sale posting in March and we were set!
Our friends, Kelly and Matt..............................My husband Steve & Kelly
The concert was at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center and so we planned to drive out that day and stay overnight with our friends at their campsite. Perfect idea because who really wants to drive 2 hours to get home after a concert?
The concert was at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center and so we planned to drive out that day and stay overnight with our friends at their campsite. Perfect idea because who really wants to drive 2 hours to get home after a concert?
[a bit of history: For those of you who don't know, Creed release 3 very popular albums in 1997, 1999, and 2001 and then broke up in 2004. Lead singer Scott Stapp tried a solo career and the remaining members of the band formed Alter Bridge. Neither were able to duplicate the popularity and sound of the original band. So true Creed fans were uber-excited to hear that they had reunited and were releasing a new album.]
We arrived in Darien Lake around 4:00pm, and by 5:00pm we were parked and in tailgating mode! Much better planning for this concert than the last (see previous Down in Sugarland blog for details). This was our view from the parking lot...not what you would expect to see at a concert venue, but then again, we are in Upstate New York.
Around 6:30pm the gates opened and we ventured on in. As usual the beer selection was limited and pricey. They were selling Budweiser and Michelob; a 24 ounce can was $11. I don't mind an ice cold Michelob Ultra but good lord - 24 oz.?? That's a double beer! I could barely hold the thing, it was so big. Not to mention you can not possibly drink the whole thing before half gets warm (I did give it my best shot though). I would have rather seen normal sized beer, and a beer man walking around with cans on ice...but that was not the case. They also had food and wine selections but I wasn't buying. The bathrooms were clean enough - crowded but tolerable.
The stage is set up in front of a covered seating area; then set behind was open lawn seating. Our seats were great. We were in the covered seating area, set fairly close, but to the left of the stage. We were in short walking distance from all the amenities too.
The two opening acts I have never heard of before. The first, named Theft, was a bit more appealing than the second, named Red. They weren't as head bashing as Red seemed to be. I actually can't accurately review either of those bands because I was so excited to see Creed that I would have wished anyone off the stage.
We arrived in Darien Lake around 4:00pm, and by 5:00pm we were parked and in tailgating mode! Much better planning for this concert than the last (see previous Down in Sugarland blog for details). This was our view from the parking lot...not what you would expect to see at a concert venue, but then again, we are in Upstate New York.Around 6:30pm the gates opened and we ventured on in. As usual the beer selection was limited and pricey. They were selling Budweiser and Michelob; a 24 ounce can was $11. I don't mind an ice cold Michelob Ultra but good lord - 24 oz.?? That's a double beer! I could barely hold the thing, it was so big. Not to mention you can not possibly drink the whole thing before half gets warm (I did give it my best shot though). I would have rather seen normal sized beer, and a beer man walking around with cans on ice...but that was not the case. They also had food and wine selections but I wasn't buying. The bathrooms were clean enough - crowded but tolerable.
The stage is set up in front of a covered seating area; then set behind was open lawn seating. Our seats were great. We were in the covered seating area, set fairly close, but to the left of the stage. We were in short walking distance from all the amenities too.
The two opening acts I have never heard of before. The first, named Theft, was a bit more appealing than the second, named Red. They weren't as head bashing as Red seemed to be. I actually can't accurately review either of those bands because I was so excited to see Creed that I would have wished anyone off the stage.
Creed was awesome! From their opening song to the end of their 3-song encore. Scott Stapp is a phenomenal singer - his vocals are as strong as ever. Their mix of songs was well played. What's This Life For (my personal fave), One, My Sacrifice, Suddenly, Overcome, Faceless Man, One last Breath, and of course Arms Wide Open and Higher, just to name a few. I love them all.
Scott made full use of the stage and the concert light show was amazing. Very colorful, very energetic, and even some pyrotechnics. You could tell that the band is back, bigger and better than before. I think the crowd could tell too because everyone was so into the whole show and singing right along as loud as possible. I am so happy I finally got to see them in concert and I will never forget how powerful it was.
The Darien Lake venue gets a 4 (out of 6) on my concert meter. The bathrooms and overall cleanliness of the place were tolerable (1/2 points each), parking was good (1 point), stage setting and sound/graphics were great (1 each), but the amenities get a zippo in my book.
I would definitely see Creed again and I would also return to the Darien Lake venue for another concert. All in all, we had a really fun and memorable weekend. Hopefully the members of Creed will remain friends this time, and we will be hearing/seeing more of them in the future.
My Sacrifice...
Hello my friend, We meet again
It's been a while, Where should we begin
Feels like forever
Within my heart, Of memories
A perfect love, That you gave to me
Oh I remember
Scott made full use of the stage and the concert light show was amazing. Very colorful, very energetic, and even some pyrotechnics. You could tell that the band is back, bigger and better than before. I think the crowd could tell too because everyone was so into the whole show and singing right along as loud as possible. I am so happy I finally got to see them in concert and I will never forget how powerful it was.
The Darien Lake venue gets a 4 (out of 6) on my concert meter. The bathrooms and overall cleanliness of the place were tolerable (1/2 points each), parking was good (1 point), stage setting and sound/graphics were great (1 each), but the amenities get a zippo in my book.
I would definitely see Creed again and I would also return to the Darien Lake venue for another concert. All in all, we had a really fun and memorable weekend. Hopefully the members of Creed will remain friends this time, and we will be hearing/seeing more of them in the future.
My Sacrifice...
Hello my friend, We meet again
It's been a while, Where should we begin
Feels like forever
Within my heart, Of memories
A perfect love, That you gave to me
Oh I remember
I haven't been to a concert since 2003 -- Sarah McLachlan. Atlanta gets a lot of concerts but I'm not real big on crowds and drunk people, which is usually all you get.
ReplyDeleteDamn. I'm old.
What fun!! I have not been to a concert in ages but I love going. It's especially great with friends along.
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ReplyDeletehttp://mykozykorner.blogspot.com/2010/08/versatility.html