25 Years In The Making Disturbed Still Spreads The Sickness At The Fiserv Forum In Milwaukee
On a cool rainy evening in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Fiserv Forum became the epicenter of rock nostalgia and fervor as fans gathered to witness the 25th Anniversary Tour of Disturbed’s groundbreaking album, The Sickness. As the lights dimmed, anticipation buzzed through the near-capacity crowd, underscoring the venue's status as a premier destination for live music since its opening in 2018. As the official home of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Fiserv Forum boasts a capacity of up to 18,000 people for concerts, and this night was no exception, as fans filled nearly every seat and space.
All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography
Kicking off the night with electric energy was the band Sevendust. Known for their relentless pace and captivating stage presence, they delivered a set that was both nostalgic and invigorating. Launching into their set with Black from their 1997 self-titled album, Sevendust had the crowd immediately engaged.
The mosh pit opened as Denial rang through the air, the raw power of the band sending waves of excitement throughout the venue. The decision to focus on older material, specifically tracks from 2003 or earlier, was a masterstroke, as it resonated deeply with longtime fans. Morgan Rose, a powerhouse on drums, and frontman Lajon Witherspoon, who at 52 still commands the stage with the vigor of years past, led the charge through hits like Enemy, Praised, Crucified, and Face To Face, setting a formidable tone for the night ahead.
Click The Image For The Full Sevendust Photo Gallery
Following Sevendust, Three Days Grace kept the momentum rolling with their high-energy performance. A staple in the rock scene since 1997, this Canadian band brought their seasoned presence to Milwaukee with a set that was nothing short of electrifying. They opened with Animal I Have Become, instantly capturing the audience's attention.
The dynamic of having dual lead singers since Adam Gontier's return last year added an intriguing dimension to their performance, enhancing the band’s stage chemistry. With a setlist packed with fan favorites, including So Called Life, Home, and the breakout hit I Hate Everything About You, Three Days Grace demonstrated why they continue to be a driving force in rock music. Their set concluded powerfully with Never Too Late and Riot, the latter sparking the largest mosh pit of the night and leaving the crowd in a state of exhilaration.
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As the headliners, Chicago's own Disturbed took to the stage with a clear intent to deliver a memorable performance. The curtain rose to reveal band members Dan Donegan, Mike Wengren, and John Moyer, poised and ready to launch into their celebrated debut album.
Frontman David Draiman made a dramatic entrance, wheeled out in a straitjacket and gas mask, which an orderly soon unstrapped, setting the stage for the explosive opening with Voices. True to their words, Disturbed played The Sickness in its entirety, delighting fans with every track.
The energy reached a fever pitch during Stupify and Down With The Sickness, the crowd responding with thunderous applause and vigorous movement. Lesser-performed tracks like Violence Fetish, Fear, Numb, Want, and Conflict were given new life, reminding fans of the album's depth.
Their cover of Tears For Fears' Shout added a familiar yet unique twist to the set. The pinnacle of the first set was Droppin' Plates, a track that harkens back to the early 2000s, before closing with Meaning Of Life in a theatrically charged moment where Draiman appeared to be electrocuted on stage.
After a brief intermission, Disturbed returned to the stage with a collection of their greatest hits. Ten Thousand Fists and I Will Not Break reignited the audience's enthusiasm, followed by the politically charged Bad Man. Their rendition of Genesis's Land Of Confusion resonated powerfully before the anthemic Indestructible nearly brought down the house.
In a shift of pace, Disturbed performed a hauntingly beautiful version of Simon & Garfunkel's Sound Of Silence on the end of the catwalk, complete with a fiery piano, showcasing their versatility.
The night concluded with powerful performances of The Light and Inside The Fire, leaving fans both satiated and yearning for more. As the house lights came on to the sound of ZZ Top's Jesus Just Left Chicago, there was a sense of unity and fulfillment among the crowd, a testament to the enduring power of live music and the bands that make it so.
Click The Image To See The Full Disturbed Photo Gallery
The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour proved to be a monumental celebration of a landmark album and a testament to the lasting influence of Disturbed and their fellow performers. The Fiserv Forum served as the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night, blending nostalgia with raw energy, and providing fans with an experience that truly captured the essence of rock music. Disturbed's ability to seamlessly blend theatrics with musical prowess reaffirms their place at the forefront of the rock scene. As they move on to their hometown of Chicago, one can only anticipate another evening of unparalleled performance and celebration. We will follow up with a hometown review as well!
See Disturbed on The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour
Disturbed Set-List:
[Set 1 – The Sickness]
Voices
The Game
Stupify
Down With The Sickness
Violence Fetish
Fear
Numb
Want
Conflict
Shout (Tears For Fears Cover)
Droppin’ Plates
Meaning Of Life
[Set 2 – Greatest Hits]
Ten Thousand Fists
I Will Not Break
Bad Man
Land Of Confusion (Genesis Cover)
Indestructible
The Sound Of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel Cover)
The Light
Inside The Fire