Disturbed Brings “The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour” to Birmingham: A Night of Metal Nostalgia

Word and Live Photos: DJ

Myglobalmind and Screaming Digital Productions

April 16, 2025 – Birmingham, Alabama

A Journey Through Time

It’s hard to believe that when “Down With The Sickness” first erupted onto airwaves in 2000, today’s high school seniors weren’t even born yet. For those of us who were seniors in high school back then, the realization that Disturbed has been soundtrack to our lives for 25 years now is nothing short of mind-blowing. Yet here they are, not just surviving but thriving in an industry that’s seen countless bands come and go.

Nothing More: Electric as Always

Whether headlining their own tours or working with abbreviated setlists as openers, Nothing More consistently delivers electrifying performances. Their set kicked off with the thunderous “House on Sand” from their latest record, immediately demonstrating why this band deserves even greater recognition than they’ve already achieved. Their formula—combining technical prowess, emotional vulnerability, and arena-ready hooks—works spectacularly well, especially in a live setting.

“If It Doesn’t Hurt” stood out as a highlight, boasting one of the most powerful choruses in recent rock memory. The track’s dynamic range translated perfectly to the live environment, with the crowd eagerly embracing every word. It’s genuinely puzzling why Nothing More hasn’t yet reached the stratospheric levels their talent warrants—they consistently craft relatable songs with staying power while delivering electrifying performances regardless of venue size.

A particularly special moment came during “Angel Song,” when Disturbed’s David Draiman joined Johnny Hawkins on stage. The chemistry between the two vocalists was tangible, and Hawkins’ visible appreciation for sharing the stage with Draiman each night added an authentic emotional dimension to an already powerful performance.

Disturbed Brings "The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour" to Birmingham: A Night of Metal Nostalgia

Daughtry: Power and Precision

Chris Daughtry’s set demonstrated why he’s remained relevant long after his American Idol journey began in 2006, where he finished fourth but arguably became the most commercially successful contestant from his season. After forming his eponymous band shortly after the show, Daughtry quickly proved critics wrong by releasing their self-titled debut album which became the fastest selling rock album in Soundscan history, going platinum five times. Through lineup changes and evolving musical landscapes, Daughtry has maintained his position in the rock world by consistently delivering powerful vocals and authentic performances.

All business on stage but consistently grateful to his supporters, Daughtry’s powerful vocals soared through the arena. His recent material from “Shock To The System Part One” EP translated exceptionally well to the live setting, with tracks like “The Reckoning” and “Artificial” benefiting from amplified guitar work that gave these already strong compositions additional impact.

Disturbed: The Main Event

When it comes to theatrical entrances, Disturbed knows how to make an impression. The crowd erupted as frontman David Draiman made his signature entrance — wheeled out on a gurney and dramatically unmasked before launching into “Voices” from their debut album. The distortion-heavy sound that helped define early 2000s metal filled the venue with electric energy.

Deep cuts like “Fear” showcased the band’s ability to create atmospheric tension before unleashing their signature heaviness, while “Numb” demonstrated their knack for blending aggression with surprisingly melodic hooks. The audience particularly erupted during “Droppin’ Plates,” with its defiant energy perfectly capturing the rebellious spirit that made Disturbed resonate with a generation of metal fans.

The pyrotechnics throughout the set were absolutely breathtaking, with well-timed fire bursts accentuating musical climaxes while giving band members opportunities to connect with the crowd and feed off their frenetic energy. The stage production elevated the performance beyond nostalgia into a fully immersive experience.

Guitar virtuoso Dan Donegan and bassist John Moyer deserve special recognition for their youthful exuberance on stage. These fifty-something musicians bounded across the stage with the energy of performers half their age, putting younger fans (and admittedly, this aging reviewer) to shame with their relentless enthusiasm and technical precision. Their joy was infectious, making it impossible not to get swept up in the performance.

The second half of the show delivered a greatest hits collection that spanned the band’s career, with tracks like “I Will Not Break” showcasing their evolution while maintaining their signature sound. Their renowned cover of Genesis’ “Land of Confusion” proved especially poignant, its political undertones resonating perhaps even more strongly today than when they first recorded it.

Closing with the intense “Inside the Fire,” Disturbed sent the Wednesday night crowd home thoroughly satisfied. The combination of nostalgia and technical excellence made for an unforgettable experience—a testament to both their longevity and continued relevance in the metal scene.

This tour offers a perfect opportunity for longtime fans to share these formative musical experiences with the next generation. If you have the chance to catch this tour, don’t hesitate—bring your kids, expand their musical horizons, and watch as Disturbed creates new fans while honoring their legacy. This is indeed the way: connecting past and future through the universal language of metal.