A Sold-Out Chicago Crowd Welcomes Disturbed Home

There’s something magical about a hometown show. For Disturbed, their 25th Anniversary Tour celebrating The Sickness brought them back to Chicago, the city where it all began. This wasn’t just a concert, it was a night of nostalgia, energy, and emotion that united fans of all ages in a shared experience of music and memories. Held at the iconic United Center, this sold-out performance proved why Disturbed remains one of the most beloved bands in modern rock. With support from Sevendust and Three Days Grace, this was a night no one in attendance will soon forget.

All Photos By: Aaron R Shriver Photography

The United Center, a landmark in Chicago, served as the perfect backdrop for the night. Known as one of the largest arenas in the United States, it holds 23,500 fans for concerts, and it seemed nearly every one of those seats was filled. Opened in 1994 and home to the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, the arena carries a rich history of sports and entertainment, making it an ideal location for such a monumental tour stop. With its state-of-the-art acoustics and spacious layout, the venue allowed the energy of the music and the crowd to thrive. From the mosh pits on the floor to the fans in the upper levels, every corner of the arena was alive with excitement.

Sevendust Sets the Tone

The night kicked off with Sevendust, and unlike many concerts where the opening act plays to half-empty seats, this was a different story. By the time they started at 6:30, the arena was already nearly full. The band launched into Face to Face from their 2003 album Seasons, and from that moment on, it was clear they weren’t holding back. Sevendust packed their setlist with fan favorites, including Denial, Enemy, and Praise, fueling the crowd’s enthusiasm and setting the tone for the evening.

Lead Singer LaJon Witherspoon asked the Chicago crowd "Do you know who we are?' chants broke out yelling "Sevendust has arrived"

Mid-set, they brought out Crucified, but it was their closer, Black, that truly stole the show. When Disturbed’s David Draiman joined them on stage, the crowd erupted. Draiman shared a heartfelt moment, recounting how he had been in the audience at the Metro in Chicago back in 1997 when Sevendust filmed the music video for Black. It was a full-circle moment that resonated deeply with both the band and the crowd. Sevendust’s energy and charisma ensured they left a lasting impression on the audience.

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Three Days Grace Takes It Up a Notch

Next up was Three Days Grace, and by the time they hit the stage, the energy in the United Center had reached a fever pitch. The Canadian rockers kicked things off with Animal I Have Become, a powerful opener that had fans roaring and mosh pits forming. Over the years, the band has undergone changes, with Adam Gontier returning to join current lead singer Matt Walst for a unique two-frontman dynamic. The chemistry between Adam and Matt was electric, and despite only playing together for a few months, they commanded the stage like seasoned veterans.

Their hour-long setlist was packed with hits, including So Called Life, Break, Home, The Mountain, Chalk Outline, & Mayday. The crowd sang along to every word, especially during I Hate Everything About You, the band’s breakout single from 2003. The Good Life & Pain Killer rounded out the set. As the emotional weight of Never Too Late was a standout moment, with fans lighting up the arena with their phone flashlights. They closed with the high-octane Riot, leaving the crowd energized and ready for what was to come. Three Days Grace proved they are far more than a supporting act; they are a powerhouse in their own right. Three Days Grace will release a new album this June, with both Adam and Matt singing on it to create a new dynamic sound.    

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Disturbed: A Hometown Triumph

By the time the lights dimmed for Disturbed, the United Center was buzzing with anticipation. The sold-out hometown crowd erupted as the curtain rose, revealing not only Dan Donegan & Mike Wengren, but also a surprise: original bassist Steve “Fuzz” Kmak, who hadn’t performed with Disturbed since 2003. It was a special moment that immediately set the tone for the night.

Lead singer David Draiman’s theatrical entrance added to the spectacle. Wheeled out in a straitjacket and leather mask, with a DOC jumpsuit straight out of the psych ward. Draiman fully embraced the The Sickness’s dark, raw themes. Without hesitation, the band launched into the album’s iconic opening track, Voices, and proceeded to play the entire album from start to finish. Tracks like The Game and Stupify brought the crowd to a frenzy, almost reminiscent of the days at The Metro. You could tell Disturbed has been looking forward to this night for some time, almost a surreal moment in the band's career.  

Then the Chicago crowd heard the drum beat and the question "Can You Feel That". You would have thought the roof just blew off when you heard "Oh Ah-Ah-Ah-Ah". The headbanging was contagious, the mosh pit took up most of the floor and fans lost their minds. It's rare that you get this kind of energy from the 4th song in the set.

Deep cuts like Violence Fetish, Fear, Numb, Want, and Conflict showcased the band’s ability to keep the energy high throughout their set. Draiman’s stage presence was magnetic, and his connection with the crowd was palpable. A highlight came when they played their cover of Tears for Fears’ Shout, a track that has become a fan favorite over the years. Disturbed took the crowd back to the Metro days with Droppin' Plates, where back then fans literally threw dinner plates from the balcony. Next, old sparky, which is an electric chair, was sitting at the end of the catwalk as another orderly placed David in the chair and prepped him for electrocution. As you hear "Roll on two" the sparks went flying as David sat in the Chair frying, as the blood poured down his face. The band fired up Meaning Of Life to close out the first set. It was a dramatic, high-energy conclusion that left the crowd clamoring for more.

After a brief intermission, Disturbed returned for their second set, this time joined by current bassist John Moyer. Paying homage to their roots, drummer Mike Wengren’s kit featured Chicago Blackhawks-themed drumheads. They kicked things off with Ten Thousand Fists and kept the momentum going with I Will Not Break and Bad Man. Disturbed, added their second cover of the night to the set. This time a Genesis cover of Land Of Confusion, to say it was a cover is an understatement. Disturbed makes these covers sound like they belonged on the Sickness album.

Indestructible was next and at one point you thought the United Center was indestructible, however, the pyro that Disturbed was using during the night slowly singed all 6 of the Chicago Bulls championship banners. The set reached an emotional peak as a piano rose up at the end of the catwalk and the band slowed things down for the Simon & Garfunkel cover The Sound Of Silence, at one point the piano was almost engulfed in flames. The crowd sang along, and the arena was filled with an almost reverent atmosphere. Draiman remerged on stage singing a capella a snippet of Frank Sinatra’s My Kind of Town, a nod to Chicago that drew loud cheers.

“And each time I roam, Chicago is, calling me home, Chicago is, one town that won't let you down, It's my kind of town”

Next, the Chicago crowd met Liam and his mom, a young kid who was singing along all night, and had caught David's attention, he called him up on stage. David then gave a speech that Chicago will never forget, he ended it with quoting "Sometimes the darkness can show you The Light", The Light was next.

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They closed the night with Inside the Fire, leaving the stage to a thunderous standing ovation as friends and family joined the band in celebration. David gave Chicago a heartfelt goodbye as the band took a bow as the lights faded.

Look Around, this is Chicago. The birthplace of The Sickness & The birthplace of Disturbed

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Disturbed’s 25th Anniversary Tour stop at the United Center wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of their journey, their roots, and their fans. From Sevendust’s high-energy opener to Three Days Grace’s powerful performance, the entire night felt like a carefully curated experience. Disturbed’s hometown show was a masterclass in how to honor your past while continuing to move forward. For fans in attendance, it was a reminder of why they fell in love with this band in the first place. Disturbed delivered a night full of emotion, nostalgia, and raw power—one that Chicago will be talking about for years to come.

Check Out Disturbed On The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour

Disturbed Set-List:

(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

(Greatest Hits)

Ten Thousand Fires

I Will Not Break

Bad Man

Land Of Confusion (Genesis cover)

Indestructible

The Sound Of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel cover)

The Light

Inside The Fire