In an intriguing revelation, Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti discussed his unique request regarding the now-famous Thanksgiving Day halftime performance for the Dallas Cowboys. This memorable event has gained significant attention, and Tremonti’s demand played a crucial role in its execution.

The extravagant performance of the hit song “Higher” has become a staple during the holiday season, captivating audiences with its elaborate staging. The show featured not just the band but also Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, talented dancers, and an array of acrobatic performers, all contributing to a visually stunning spectacle that simulated flight with elegant, flowing white wings.

Reflecting on that unforgettable performance, Tremonti described it as a whirlwind experience during a peak period of their career. However, he pointed out that the production faced its fair share of challenges. “It was just another part of our journey,” he noted, but not everything went smoothly behind the scenes.

READ MORE: Mark Tremonti Looks Back on 25 Years of ‘Human Clay’

He recounted, “You go in and nobody before you shows up for rehearsals. There were no briefings on what the production would entail. We were simply told, ‘You’re going to perform on stage.'” Tremonti expressed uncertainty about whether a full rehearsal happened, but he doubted it was as comprehensive as what viewers witnessed on television.

Additionally, Tremonti shared his primary concern regarding the live performance. “When you do live television for events like the Super Bowl, the band often is not playing live, while only the vocals are,” he stated. Initially, he was reluctant to participate, insisting, “I don’t want to be associated with performing to tracks or lip-syncing.” His concerns were met with understanding, but the pressure to perform was immense.

Despite his reservations, the reality of the situation set in as others urged him, “You realize there will be hundreds of millions watching, right? You have to do this!” The consensus from the team was clear: the exposure was invaluable.

Ultimately, Tremonti made a bold demand: “I insisted on having two stacks of speakers behind me, and I wanted my amps to be live. I aimed to play as loudly as possible for the audience in the stadium, making sure I wasn’t just faking my performance.” Fortunately, the organizers accommodated his request, allowing him to stay true to his artistry.

As the performance unfolded, Tremonti was reminded of the stakes when he experienced playback issues through his in-ear monitors. “I could hear the playback skip, and I thought, ‘I told you guys! Now it looks like we’re pretending to play.’ I was frustrated, but thankfully, television has a seven-second delay to fix such issues, so it worked out in the end,” he explained.

In hindsight, Tremonti expressed gratitude for the experience, noting, “I think viewers now realize that not everything in a Super Bowl show is performed live. It’s nearly impossible to execute a production of that scale without pre-recorded tracks.” He fondly recalled the experience, adding, “I had the chance to hang out in the owner’s box with some of the most famous Cowboys personalities.”

You can relive that iconic performance below.

Experience the Spectacle of Creed’s Thanksgiving Halftime Show

Exciting Plans for Mark Tremonti in 2024 and 2025

As 2024 approaches, Mark Tremonti is closing the year on a triumphant note with the release of his latest single, “Just Too Much,” from his self-titled band, Tremonti. Released in August, this track serves as the lead single for his highly anticipated album, The End Will Show Us, which is set to launch on January 10, 2025, through Napalm Records. Following this, he will release additional singles, including “The Mother, The Earth and I” and “One More Time.” Fans can secure their copies through pre-orders available on Tremonti’s official website.

In December, Tremonti will perform a series of “Tremonti Sings Sinatra” shows before embarking on a European tour with his band in January. For fans eager to catch him live, all scheduled dates and ticket information can be found on his official website.

Mark Tremonti’s Latest Single: “Just Too Much”