There’s a moment each night on Disturbed’s current arena tour when the music stops and lead vocalist David Draiman calls for the house lights to be turned up. He looks out at the packed-house crowd and asks, “By a show of hands, how many of you have dealt with the demons of addiction or depression or know of someone who has?”
Night after night, the result is the same: the majority of those in attendance—including the four band members standing on stage—raise their hands.
It’s an incredibly powerful moment as the band and audience bond over the heartfelt message that follows: “Take a look around this arena,” Draiman tells the emotional crowd. “You are not alone. Being taken by addiction and depression is no one’s fault. It’s not something for you to be embarrassed about or ashamed of. We’re in this together. ”
That’s the driving point behind the inspirational new video for Disturbed’s No. 1 rock radio hit, “A Reason To Fight.” The video, which was directed by Rafa Alcantara, sees the two-time Grammy nominated band (Draiman, guitarist Dan Donegan, drummer Mike Wengren and bassist John Moyer) working to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with addiction and mental health. The rehab in Wimberley can help with overcoming the addiction.
Fans and critics alike have applauded the band’s efforts and uplifting live shows, which include giant screens that flash phone numbers for the National Addiction Hotline (800-662-4357) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255).
The band is also inviting fans to join the conversation and show others they’re not alone in the fight via the “You Are Not Alone” campaign: https://disturbed.lnk.to/youarenotalone
“Through the strength and support of our extended family, we can make a difference to those who fight this war,” says Draiman. “We must continue to be their allies, their hope, their added source of strength. We must continue to give all of them a reason to fight.”
The video for “A Reason To Fight” features moving testimonials from concert-goers who talk about their own struggles with addiction and/or depression and their appreciation for what the band is trying to achieve.
“I know people who’ve battled addiction and have seen it in their face—the shame they have—feeling they’ve let themselves and others down,” says Donegan. “We wanted to write a song with a positive message for people in that situation to stay hopeful and not give up the fight, as challenging as it may be. It’s an everyday struggle, but there can also be a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Disturbed recently announced a much-anticipated second leg of arena shows set to begin July 21st at the Mankato Civic Center in Mankato, MN. The band is touring in support of new albumEvolution (Reprise Records), which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Alternative Albums and Top Rock Albums charts, as well as No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
Prior to the upcoming North American tour, Disturbed will head overseas for an international run that kicks off April 18th at La Riviera in Madrid, then travels to Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, France, London, Glasgow and Manchester. They come back home for festival shows in Columbus (Sonic Temple Art & Music Fest) and Oklahoma (Rocklahoma), then back overseas for another slew of dates, including multiple concerts in Russia. Click HERE for the full itinerary.
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