Joining in 1996, frontman David Draiman not only changed the face of iconic heavy metal band Disturbed, but its name as well. At the time, the Chicago rockers were calling themselves Brawl, which the “Stupify” singer thought was silly. With a new moniker and Draiman at the helm, Disturbed forged their path in the heavy metal world, selling more than 17 million records across the globe. Unfortunately, the band’s latest hometown show resulted in major damage to a valuable piece of Windy City history.
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Some Chicagoans Are Calling to Ban Disturbed From the City
Disturbed took over Chicago’s United Arena last Saturday (March 8) with Sevendust and Three Days Grace for their The Sickness 25th anniversary tour. As usual, the band brought some impressive pyrotechnics—which unfortunately reached the Bulls’ six NBA championship banners hanging from the rafters.
According to a March 14 report from the Chicago Tribune, United Center staff discovered extensive damage to the fabric of six banners hanging commemorating the Bulls’ incredible championship runs from Michael Jordan’s heyday in the ’90s. Sources told the Tribune that the damage stemmed from Disturbed’s March 8 set.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the United Center said that the banners will not return this season. However, the venue “is currently working with the Bulls to explore options to repair these banners,” and “we do anticipate them being back in place next season.”
[RELATED: 6 Songs for People Who Say They Don’t Like Disturbed]
Predictably, some Chicagoans were not happy, with one social media user calling for the group’s lifetime ban from the city of Chicago. “Absolute blasphemy!” they wrote.
Ban Disturbed from the city of Chicago forever. Absolute blasphemy! https://t.co/BHUnsLQKRy
— Kellen “KellDawg” Sherman (@KShermanSports) March 15, 2025
However, another social media user defended the two-time Grammy nominees, writing, “At least Disturbed is a Chicago band and they cooked that night!”
At least Disturbed is a Chicago band and they cooked that night! 😂😂
— Adan (@MaxEisenhardt81) March 15, 2025
It was an accident and another reason to blame Jerry Reinsdorf… if he cared about the Bulls and invested money 💰 there would be more banners up there!
Disturbed’s next show is set for Sunday, March 17 at Washington, D.C.’s Capitol One Arena.
Featured image by Scott Legato/Getty Images
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