A little more than two months after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that decimated the World Trade Center, damaged the Pentagon, destroyed four planes, and killed nearly 3,000 people in 2001, Creed paid tribute to lives lost and American perseverance in an epic NFL Thanksgiving Day halftime show that people are still talking about 23 years later.
After a call to support the Salvation Army, Creed singer Scott Stapp took the stage in a personalized Dallas Cowboys jersey with his name and the number 11 emblazoned on the back. He kicked off the show with “Higher” – a performance that included aerialists, dancers, color guard, and the famed Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. In the words of one YouTube commenter, “Creed gave a performance to unite the nation. Their light dimmed over time. Their talent is requested again.”
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As Stapp launched into the chorus of “Higher,” shirtless, muscled aerialists descended from above, swooping down buoyed by fabric that looked like angel wings.
He flowed into “My Sacrifice” as the dancers clad in red spandex filled the field and the aerialists wrapped their bodies in the white fabric to lift off again.
Footage from the World Trade Center site played on screens while Stapp sang the words, “I just want to say hello again.”
Fireworks ignited from the stage as the dancers flew, wowing the crowd.
“Don’t Stop Dancing” combined the somber mood with hopeful feelings as Stapp sang: But I know I must go on| Although I hurt, I must be strong| Because inside, I know that many feel this way| Children, don’t stop dancing| Believe you can fly| Away, away
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Background dancers clad in red with their faces covered artfully manipulated large white props as separate interpretative dancers added another visual to the performance. A children’s choir walked on stage.
Aerialists still suspended over the field spun in circles as hundreds of dancers moved in formation on the field, drawing gasps and applause from the audience.
A child released a live dove at the end of the performance.
Stapp called the performance “the ultimate dream come true” on 10 Questions With Kyle Brandt. However, he said he hadn’t watched the video footage in years.
Creed is back on tour now and will close the year Dec. 30 – 31, playing two shows at The Colosseum in Las Vegas.
(Featured Image via YouTube)
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