Abbotsford, BC - The city of Abbotsford, known for its serene landscapes and a burgeoning music scene, was the stage for the final Canadian show of Disturbed's "Take Back Your Life" tour on May 12th. The Abbotsford Centre, a venue accustomed to remarkable performances, was once again filled with electrifying energy as the renowned heavy metal band Disturbed, with special guests Theory of a Deadman, delivered an uncompromising musical experience.
Photo by Tage Stenner | Backspin Canada
The evening commenced with Theory of a Deadman, the Vancouver-based rock quartet. A fitting introduction for the night, they proved their mettle with a robust set, showcasing their versatile musical prowess. Noteworthy moments included an impassioned rendition of "Rx (Medicate)" and a hauntingly beautiful acoustic version of "Angel," which showcased their ability to straddle the line between hard rock and melodic ballads.
Photo by Tage Stenner | Backspin Canada
As the anticipation grew, the unmistakable sounds of Disturbed's opening number, "Are You Ready," reverberated through the hall, signalling the arrival of the headliners. From that moment on, the energy was electric, the connection between band and audience unmistakable.
Disturbed, composed of vocalist David Draiman, guitarist Dan Donegan, drummer Mike Wengren, and bassist John Moyer, delivered a masterclass in musicianship and stage presence. Draiman’s powerful, gravelly voice echoed throughout the venue as they navigated through a setlist combining their latest offerings from the "Take Back Your Life" album along with their iconic classics.
Photo by Tage Stenner | Backspin Canada
A standout moment of the evening was the performance of "A Reason to Fight." The poignant ballad dedicated to those battling addiction and depression was presented with a rawness that moved many in the audience to tears. Draiman's heartfelt monologue preceding the song reinforced the band's commitment to shedding light on these important societal issues.
The band's musicianship was on full display during the electrifying performance of their new anthem, "Take Back Your Life." The combination of Donegan's masterful guitar work, Wengren's thunderous drumming, and Moyer's steady bass lines created an undeniable undercurrent of power that underscored Draiman’s potent vocal delivery.
Photo by Tage Stenner | Backspin Canada
As a nod to their roots, Disturbed also served a polished, hard-hitting rendition of their breakthrough hit, "Down with the Sickness." The crowd, already charged, responded with a resounding roar, the collective voice creating an unforgettable sonic experience.
Disturbed's performance was more than just a concert; it was an interactive spectacle. The use of pyrotechnics and an impressive light show added depth to the stage narrative, while the high-resolution screens projected close-ups of the band members, adding an intimate touch to the venue.
Photo by Tage Stenner | Backspin Canada
As the night drew to a close, the audience was left with an undeniable sense of collective catharsis. It was evident that Disturbed and Theory of a Deadman had made their mark, reinforcing their status as titans of rock and leaving the Abbotsford crowd with the resonating echoes of a powerful performance.
This was a night where Disturbed not only delivered their distinctive brand of heavy metal but also a message of resilience and empowerment, seamlessly blending their musical prowess with a powerful social narrative. As the Canadian leg of the "Take Back Your Life" tour concluded, fans were left eagerly anticipating the next time these rock powerhouses would return to the Great White North.
More moments from the night below:
