▣BJCC | Birmingham, AL  ▣Wednesday, April 16th 2025
▣Photographer/Journalist: Dani B.

The BJCC has been part of the city’s DNA since the ’70s. Everything from sports madness to symphonies. On this particular night, it hosted a full-on rock spectacle. Disturbed rolled into town to celebrate 25 years of The Sickness. They weren’t alone as they brought Daughtry and Nothing More in tow. Together they delivered a night that was equal parts aggressive, emotional, and just plain loud. If you’ve ever doubted Birmingham’s ability to throw down on a Wednesday night, this show would’ve changed your mind.

Nothing More kicked things off by coming out swinging. They were the kind of opener that doesn’t feel like an opener — more like a sonic gut punch (the good kind). Jonny Hawkins hit the stage shirtless and barefoot, throwing every ounce of energy into his vocals. like he was trying to rip them out of his chest. The rest of the band was right there with him, tight and relentless.

After that level of ferocity, Daughtry brought a different kind of power — smooth, emotional, but no less Impactful. Chris Daughtry’s voice hasn’t lost a step as it filled every inch of the BJCC. Songs like “It’s Not Over” and their newer hit “The Day I Die,” gave the crowd something familiar to hold onto. However, it wasn’t just nostalgia. That nostalgic feel was reserved for the cover of Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” It felt like it belonged in the set all along. The crowd loved it. Total singalong moment, like everyone remembered where they were the first time they heard it (even if they weren’t alive in ’83).

One of the more soulful moments, of which resonated with me the most, came when Chris picked up the acoustic guitar for “Home.” He utilized this, and many other moments onward between songs, to discuss mental health and emphasized the importance of checking in with the people around you. Feeling like a time of quiet in the storm that hit harder than any guitar solo could. Daughtry’s set wasn’t the heaviest, but it didn’t need to be. It was tight, polished, and full of soul.

Finally… the main event. The lights dimmed as a wave of ambient noise filled the room. You could feel it — that hum of a crowd about to lose its mind. Disturbed made an entrance worthy of a horror movie: David Draiman wheeled onstage in a straightjacket and mask, Hannibal Lecter style. It was eerie. It was dramatic. It was perfect. The second “Voices” dropped, the entire arena exploded — lights, sound, and fire everywhere on stage.

From that point on, it was pure adrenaline. “Stupify,” “The Vengeful One,” and “Conflict”— all massive, all dialed in to the millisecond. The pyrotechnics were practically their own band member, matching every beat, every scream, and every guitar shred and really added to the overall atmosphere created. One minute, flames were shooting sky-high; the next, fog and slow-burning fire filled the stage during “Numb,” giving us all a moment to breathe.

Then Draiman did what he does best: pulled everyone back in. He opened up about mental health and how important it is to reach out. It didn’t feel preachy — it felt honest, especially when he led into “The Sound of Silence.” Suddenly, the chaos paused. Everyone had their phone lights up. It was quiet, haunting, and beautiful. A rare moment where a crowd that big felt… still. But just when you thought they might end on that emotional note, Disturbed hit the gas one last time with “Inside the Fire.” It was a full-blown inferno. The floor shook. People screamed. Mosh pits roared back to life. A perfect closer for a night that burned hot from start to finish.

There’s something wild about watching three different bands make the show unique in their own ways. You have Nothing More with their frantic passion. Daughtry with emotional finesse. Disturbed with their signature mix of rage and reflection. The BJCC didn’t just host a concert — it hosted a night. One of those you walk away from sweaty, a little deaf, and completely satisfied. If this tour is stopping near you, don’t sleep on it. Bring earplugs. Bring tissues. Bring whoever you can. You won’t be disappointed!

Check out our contributor photographer, Dani B. photos now!

NOTHING MORE

DAUGHTRY

DISTURBED

Check out the band websites for more info –

Nothing More

Daughtry

Disturbed

SETLIST

Voices
The Game
Stupefy
Down With the Sickness
Violence Fetish
Fear
Numb
Want
Conflict
Shout
Dropping’ Plates
Meaning of Life
I Will Not Break
Ten Thousand Fists
Bad Man
Land of Confusion
Indestructible
The Sound of Silence
The Light
Inside the Fire