Skindred And Disturbed Prove Indestructible As They Disturb The North

If you took a look at the current singles chart you could be forgiven for thinking that rock music is out of fashion. As Benji, lead singer of Skindred is quick to remind the sold out audience, rock has a legacy that deserves to be passed on to future generations as references are made to Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Black Sabbath during their performance.

The Welsh rockers were afforded a full light show by headliners Disturbed. Delivering a storming hour live set the band have the songs such as Kill the Power, California Love Jam and Warning that were impressive and powerful. It would be hard to choose a more worthy band to open up for Disturbed.

If you hear an Abba track or a Status Quo song you instantly know who it is. Likewise Disturbed have crafted their own distinctive sound which isn’t always easy in rock circles.

Led by David Draiman, the Chicago act command the stage as Are You Ready kicks off a contrasting two hour set. Draiman is an inspiring speaker, if he decided upon another career he would make a good preacher. He seems genuinely affected when he talks about the friends he has lost over the years and instantly has a strong connection with the audience.

It is not many rock concerts you go to when there is an intermission that publicise The Samaritans and organisations for anyone addicted by drugs or depression. If any band had a social conscious then Disturbed would be right up at the top.

Yes, there are still the drum, bass and guitar solos that seem part of any rock show but thankfully they were kept to precise timing.

A Reason to Fight and a cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence makes for a welcome change, which shows the band in a new light. The acoustic set leads into Hold On to Memories where footage of friends passed away are shown.

It was back to familiar territory with Down With The Sickness which concluded a set that would appeal to a wider audience than the band is usually credited with.

It looks like rock is still alive and kicking judging by the stellar performances from two of rocks most enduring and indestructible acts.