Disturbed returned to Indianapolis on a cold and dreary night with a vengeance, bringing their massive The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It was a night filled with roaring guitars, thundering drums, and emotional catharsis, drawing thousands of fans eager to relive the raw power of one of metal’s most iconic albums—and experience the band’s evolution in real time.
We Always Start With Good Intentions
The evening kicked off with Nothing More, who delivered a blistering 30-minute set packed with energy, theatrical stage antics, and a wall of sound that got the early crowd buzzing. FrontmanJonny Hawkins was electric, shirtless and powerful as he pounded on his drum rig and led the band through tracks like Go to War and Jenny.
It is the Silence in the Battle
Following Nothing More, Daughtry hit the stage with a more polished, radio-rock sensibility. Chris Daughtry’s vocals were on point—clean, emotive, and commanding. He connected with the crowd easily, with singalongs breaking out during It’s Not Over, Home, and their recent cover of Separate Ways (Worlds Apart). While sonically different from the headliner, Daughtry’s set added depth and contrast to the evening’s lineup.
Daughtry delivered a dynamic setlist that spanned their career, featuring both classic hits, like an acoustic rendition of “Home”, and newer material like “The Day I Die”, an unreleased track from their upcoming EP, Shock to the System, Part Two.
The band also did a great job connecting with the audience. The American Idol alum made it a point to express gratitude for the fans’ support over the years, creating an intimate atmosphere within the large venue
Daughtry’s performance showcased their enduring appeal and ability to deliver powerful live performances. The combination of a well-curated setlist, strong stage presence, and genuine audience engagement contributed to a memorable evening for concertgoers.
Look In My Face, Stare in My Soul
By the time Disturbed took the stage, the venue had filled out and the energy was palpable. The band kicked off with Voices and then launched into a performance of their 2000 breakthrough album, The Sickness, played in full. Each track hit hard—Stupify, Down With the Sickness, Violence Fetish—reminding the audience of the band’s roots in the nu-metal surge of the early 2000s.
Frontman David Draiman was a commanding presence throughout the night. His vocals ranged from guttural growls to operatic choruses, and his signature “ooh-wah-ah-ah-ah” from Down with the Sickness had the entire crowd echoing it back in perfect sync. Between songs, Draiman addressed the crowd with heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the fans who’ve stood by them for a quarter-century.
The performance was split into two acts, with a 20-minute intermission. Initially it was not clear whether the band had omitted “The Meaning of Life” from their set list, but it turns out that they were just setting up a theatrical finale. This ending featured Draiman as a death row inmate being escorted to the electric chair for thought crimes and free speech. The imagery hit extra hard with everything that has been happening politically in the nation recently, while the majority of Americans feel more helpless than ever.
The production was nothing short of spectacular. Fire effects, synchronized lighting, video backdrops, and a massive LED screen added cinematic flair to the chaos. During Prayer, the stage lit up in burning reds and oranges, while Indestructible turned the arena into a pulsing fortress of light.
But perhaps the most emotional moment came during The Light, where Draiman spoke candidly about mental health, urging fans to “never be afraid to speak up.” Lighters and phone flashlights lit up the arena in a sea of stars, offering a brief, solemn reprieve from the intensity.
Disturbed’s performance wasn’t just a celebration of an album—it was a celebration of legacy, resilience, and connection. From face-melting riffs to emotional storytelling, the band proved they haven’t lost a step. The crowd left drenched in sweat, adrenaline, and nostalgia.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Sickness or someone discovering them live for the first time, this tour is a must-see for any rock and metal enthusiast.