Photo Credit: T. Cody Strubel

Disturbed Celebrate 25 Years of The Sickness in Philly with Daughtry & Nothing More

2 mins read

The Wells Fargo Center was packed with adrenaline and nostalgia as Disturbed brought their Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour to Philadelphia, joined by hard rock heavyweights Daughtry and Nothing More. From start to finish, the night was a celebration of the enduring power of modern rock — and a testament to Disturbed’s staying power over two and a half decades.

Nothing More kicked off the evening with their signature intensity. Frontman Jonny Hawkins brought a manic energy that instantly ignited the crowd, his raw vocals and theatrical stage presence commanding attention from the moment the lights hit. The band’s tight musicianship and emotional depth were on full display, drawing the audience in with every beat.

One of the night’s most powerful moments came during “Angel Song,” when David Draiman of Disturbed joined the band onstage for a surprise guest appearance. The duet was emotionally charged and beautifully delivered, blending Hawkins’ haunting melodies with Draiman’s unmistakable presence — a standout performance that felt both intimate and arena-sized all at once.

Another highlight was “Freefall,” which showcased the band’s ability to marry atmosphere with raw power. The track’s soaring chorus and introspective lyrics landed perfectly in a live setting, offering a dynamic shift in the set that kept the crowd fully engaged.

Daughtry took the stage next and proved they were far more than just a radio-friendly rock act. Opening with a commanding presence, the band launched into a set that showcased their growth — musically and emotionally. What began as a career rooted in mainstream rock has evolved into something far grittier, and that transformation came alive on stage.

One of the most gripping moments came with “The Dam,” a track that brims with tension and release. The live version hit with even more weight — moody, melodic, and emotionally charged. It’s a track that signals Daughtry’s turn toward darker, more atmospheric territory, and it resonated with the Philly crowd in a big way.

Chris Daughtry’s vocals cut through the arena like a knife — powerful, precise, and packed with feeling. The band followed his lead, blending heaviness and melody in a way that felt intentional and refined. Whether fans came for the classics or were hearing the newer material for the first time, it was clear Daughtry left the stage with a whole new level of respect from the audience.

By the time Disturbed hit the stage, the Wells Fargo Center had reached a fever pitch. Opening with a video montage, the band quickly launched into a blistering full-album performance of their debut record, The Sickness. For longtime fans, it was a rare and rewarding experience to hear deep cuts like “Violence Fetish,” “Numb,” and “Droppin’ Plates” brought back to life with the same fury that launched them into rock stardom 25 years ago.

David Draiman took center stage like a man with something to prove — not to the crowd, but to time itself. His voice, equal parts venom and vulnerability, cut through the arena with unshakable confidence. Songs like “Stupify” and “Down with the Sickness” weren’t just nostalgic anthems — they felt reinvigorated, delivered with the same fury that made them iconic in the first place. Behind him, Dan Donegan & John Moyer unleashed riff after riff with effortless precision, while Mike Wengren’s drumming roared like a war engine — each hit echoing off the walls of Wells Fargo Center like a call to arms. The band wasn’t just in sync — they were on fire.

Midway through, Draiman paused to speak about the band’s journey, the connection with their fans, and the importance of unity through music. That emotion carried into the latter half of the set, as Disturbed transitioned into fan-favorite covers like “Shout 2000” and their haunting rendition of “The Sound of Silence,” which had the entire crowd in hushed awe.

Closing with “Inside the Fire,” the night ended on a high-octane note — flames blasting, fists in the air, and a crowd that had been fully immersed from start to finish.

Disturbed

Daughtry

Nothing More

T. Cody Strubel is the founder of Rock Documented, a platform he established in September 2015. As the Lead Photographer, Writer, and Editor, Cody has been instrumental in shaping the site's content and visual aesthetic. His exceptional work in music photography was recognized by the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame, where he was voted "Best Photography" at their inaugural event. Cody's equipment of choice includes two Nikon Z8s, a NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, a NIKKOR Z 70-200/2.8 S VR, a NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR, and a Hold Fast Money Maker Shoulder Strap. His passion for music and photography, combined with his commitment to promoting local talent, makes him a vital voice in the Central Pennsylvania music scene.

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