Sickness washed over the Frost Bank Center last Friday for Disturbed’s “The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour.” A night full of nostalgia and spectacle, this is a show no Nu Metal fan should miss. Trust me, if I wasn’t there, the FOMO would’ve been strong. From start to finish, the night cemented itself among one of my Top 10 concert experiences of all time. 

Disturbed and “The Sickness” have been in my music rotation since I was 10. The album has been called one of the most influential in heavy metal history.​ I remember many late nights with my oldest friends sharing their music and other similar bands and playing Guitar Hero until we had blisters. This night was a reminder of why I love music and how much an album or song can make such an impact on your life. 

Nothing More

San Antonio’s own Nothing More opened the show with a dynamic performance and set the tone for what was to come. These hometown heroes were met with open arms and well wishes for frontman Jonny Hawkins, who had to cancel his performance due to a vocal cord injury. But the show must go on, and in true musician fashion, Atreyu’s Brandon Saller filled in and didn’t miss a beat. Saller’s vocals fit Nothing More’s sound perfectly. Thank you, Brandon! Wishing Jonny a speedy recovery. 

Daughtry

Following Nothing More was Daughtry, who delivered a powerful and captivating performance. Anyone who owned a radio in the early 2000s knows his hits like “It’s Not Over” and “Home,” which he delivered perfectly. Chris Daughtry’s voice and sound fit perfectly within the lineup. His cover of Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” was epic! San Antonio is the Heavy Metal Capital of the World and Daughtry’s homage to Journey was something any 80s heavy metal fan will appreciate. Daughtry commanded the stage and reminded us why he became a household name post-American Idol run. 

Disturbed

ARE YOU READY?!

From start to finish you are on a roller coaster ride of emotions and spectacle with Disturbed. The moment the light dim and the clock starts ticking, you are in for TWO hours of non-stop entertainment. What could’ve been a straightforward 2 set show, became a rock opera filled with video, pyro, fake blood and an electric chair. David Draiman’s iconic presence dominated the stage from the moment he took the stage. In true “Silence of the Lambs” fashion, Draiman is wheeled out to center stage, his menacing gaze sets upon the crowd and the ride begins. Draiman has even found a way to make a 20-minute intermission feel relevant to the story that plays out on stage. 

A key moment in the show is Draiman being found guilty of the following crimes: sowing disbelief in the narrative, exercising unlicensed critical judgment and producing illicit propaganda attempting to unify the masses. This not only marks the end of the first set but also sets the stage for the second act of this stage play, an execution that rolls into the “Greatest Hits” portion of the show. 

The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour reminded me why I love live music. There are so few bands nowadays that can hold an audience for two hours and keep them wanting more. Stage presence is a commodity, and it can be hard to find in newer bands. Nowadays, going to shows can start to feel strategic and formulaic, it takes a band that is willing to break away from that and truly create art or even just start a conversation with the crowd. Disturbed proved that showmanship, love for their fans and passion for their art are why they are still relevant nearly 30 years later. 

The Sickness Setlist

• Voices
• The Game
• Stupify
• Down With the Sickness
• Violence Fetish
• Fear
• Numb
• Want
• Conflict
• Shout (Tears for Fears cover)
• Droppin’ Plates
• Meaning Of Life

Greatest Hits

• I Will Not Break
• Ten Thousand Fists
• Bad Man
• Land of Confusion (Genesis cover)
• Indestructible
• The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel cover)
• The Light
• Inside the Fire