David Draiman, frontman of rock band Disturbed, recently commented on the band’s decision to take an extended break from touring. He addressed the matter in a statement shared on Instagram.
Draiman reflected on the band’s recent “The Sickness 25” anniversary tour and their need for rest after an intensive touring schedule. He expressed his feelings about stepping back from the road.
“Feeling high school high after not burning (except Amsterdam…that doesn’t count) for the last three months in preparation for The Sickness 25,” Draiman said. “Reflecting on the beautiful madness of it all. Looking forward to being with family and friends. Taking a nice long break.”
Guitarist Dan Donegan elaborated on the band’s plans in an Instagram livestream. He confirmed that the group will remain inactive for the remainder of the year and likely into 2026. He cited both the demanding touring schedule and personal circumstances as reasons for the hiatus.
“We are done [playing shows for now]. We are done with ‘The Sickness’, done with the anniversary tour,” Donegan explained. “[We’ll be] home for the rest of the year, and probably gonna take quite a bit of time off next year.”
Donegan also revealed that several band members experienced personal losses while touring in Europe. This added emotional weight to their decision to step back. “Unfortunately, a handful of us had some relatives pass away while we were in Europe. So I had an uncle pass away last week. My guitar tech had his father and a cousin, a week apart from each other, both passed away,” he shared.
The band’s break marks the end of a significant touring cycle. It provides them time to focus on personal matters and family. This decision comes after an extensive run that showcased one of their most iconic albums, which continues to resonate with fans decades after its initial release.
Disturbed’s debut album The Sickness, released in 2000, was a commercial success. According to Wikipedia, it has since been certified 5× platinum by the RIAA, underlining the lasting impact of the album that the anniversary tour celebrated. The album marked the beginning of the band’s rise to prominence in the heavy metal scene and established their signature sound that would define their career.
Over their career spanning more than two decades, Disturbed has sold over 17 million records worldwide. Wikipedia notes that the band charted singles from all eight of their albums in the top ten of the Mainstream Rock chart. This demonstrates their sustained popularity and influence in the heavy metal genre across multiple generations of rock music.
The decision to take an extended hiatus reflects the physical and emotional toll of touring. It also demonstrates the band’s recognition of their need for personal renewal. For a group that has maintained such a rigorous touring schedule throughout their career, stepping back allows the members to reconnect with their families and process the personal losses they experienced during their recent European dates. The break signals a thoughtful approach to their longevity as a band, prioritizing well-being over commercial pressure.
