Disturbed & Three Days Grace @ KeyBank Center Buffalo, NY 3-2-19

The KeyBank Center was turned over on its side this past Saturday night as rockers Disturbed along with openers Three Days Grace gave a great night of music for the Queen city. The 12 thousand strong braved the snow and cold for a hot night inside to take in the next stop of Disturbed’s Evolution tour.

Canadian rockers Three Days Grace took the stage first. It’s been about a year since the band released their 6^th studio effort titled “Outsider,” the band opened up with their single off of that album called “The Mountain.” Vocalist Matt Walst led the band through a powerful hour set. Going back between 2 mics, Walst’s prevailing singing along with guitarist Barry Stock’s melodic guitar playing were perfectly in synch the entire set. The band has a string of hits which were also played like “Riot,” “Pain” and “I Hate Everything About You.” What was cool to see that Three Days Grace were also able to use the entire stage and the video backdrop behind them. It wasn’t just for the headliner Disturbed. Guitarist Barry Stock wore a Buffalo Sabres cap to show the locals some love. Before the band took the stage, the video backdrop showed Toronto Maple Leaf players in various fights with Buffalo Sabre players over the years with the Hockey Night in Canada theme playing along with it. The band really were the perfect antidote for Disturbed as they have a strong connection to the Buffalo area and performed like a headliner themselves.

Before Disturbed took the stage, a 5-minute video montage showed early clips of the band with various messages spread in between them. The anthem “Are You Ready” was the perfect opener to get the crowd charged and going for the next 2 hours through their set. The diamond shape stage came out to about where the center ice red line would be (to give you an idea). Vocalist David Draiman, guitarist Dan Donegan and bassist John Moyer used every inch of the stage to their advantage. The band did a great job in the balance of the setlist. Four new songs were played along with the traditional songs that all Disturbed fans have come to love. To keep the electricity going, the band played “Prayer” and “The Vengeful One as Draiman stated his usual statement “My brothers, my sisters my blood” to show his affection the band has for them.

Disturbed slowed things down for “Hold on t Memories” as they all sat on stools while playing. They made their way to the 2^nd stage at the front of the house and played two tracks “A Reason to Fight” and “Watch You Burn.” Draiman took the time to talk the audience about his lost friends over the last few years and him stating “he didn’t want to lose anymore!” He then asked the audience how many have faced depression or some thoughts of giving up?” The band raised their hands and about half of the crowd did as well. Draiman applauded their honesty and assured them they are not alone. We are in this together and please talk to someone to let them know how you are feeling. As they walked back to the main stage, they slapped hands with fans as the numbers for suicide and depression were shown on the screen. For the Simon & Garfunkel cover “Sound of Silence,” Donegan played the piano and the the rest of the band played this powerful song with heartfelt emotion. Sparklers dropped from the top of the lighting truss and faintly went off. Straps also dropped from the truss and were set on fire for the song as well. It was very well orchestrated and put together.

The emotional connection continued as they appeared for the encore and read a note from a fan that met ant a meet and greet. They invited a fan named Mary to the stage as she recently lost her husband to ALS. She got to sit on the drum riser and rocked out as the band played “The Light.” Fans accompanied by holding up their phones when the words “The Light” were sang.

What was different from this show as the emotional connection the band made with its fans. The messages the band gave during the show were powerful. Disturbed left an indelible mark. When a band can connect with an audience that’s what its all about isn’t it?

Disturbed setlist:

Are You Ready

Prayer

The Vengeful One

The Animal

Stupify

Voices

Land of Confusion (Genesis cover)

Hold on to Memories

Bass solo/Drum solo

Ten Thousand Fists

Then Game