The curtains dropped as purple and blue lights flashed. Many people started to scream and run toward the stage as the band prepared to come out Thursday night at the Centennial Garden.

It’s now 9:30 p.m. and blue strobe lights flood the floor, tension rises and anticipation fills the air. A loud explosion fills the arena with smoke and fire.

Fireworks are set off and you could feel the heat of the burning torches. The stage is lit up and surrounded by purple Greek statues. “Wanted” was the first song played and everyone was excited.

I was able to ask some people if they felt like this was worth the wait. Many people were not even upset that the band had canceled its first appearance here. Many said if they had to wait a year it doesn’t matter, because it’s Creed.

I felt that Creed put on a great show, but I don’t think it was worth $48.50 for a ticket to hear a concert that only lasted an hour and a half and was already two weeks late. There were lots of nosebleed seats leftbut not a lot of space available on the floor. If you were thirsty for beer, the prices were $6.75 a cup. And if you had to go to the bathroom, take a number.

A big-screen TV lights up and there are pictures of American Indians on the screen. The next song was “Six Feet Under” and you could be mesmerized by the feeling of the crowd. Many people looked so hypnotized by the performance of the group. I felt that Creed sounded like the band would have sounded on the radio, with no vocal flaws.

It’s now 10:40 p.m. and Creed plays their final song, “Can You Take Me Higher.” The fireworks of red and white make a massive explosion and the torches burn higher.

People were really happy to be here. Creed exits the building and that would be one more concert completed until the band’s next stop in San Jose.