Ooh-Wah-Ah-Ah-Ah: 7 Shocking Facts About Disturbed's 'Down With The Sickness' As It Turns 25

Disturbed's "Down with the Sickness" is not just a song; it is a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation of heavy music. As of late 2025, the track and its parent album, The Sickness, are celebrating a monumental 25th anniversary, solidifying its place as one of the most recognizable and commercially successful songs in the history of nu metal. This deep dive uncovers the controversial lyrics, the incredible commercial success, and the latest details on the band's massive celebratory tour.

Released in 2000, "Down with the Sickness" became the signature anthem for the Chicago-based heavy metal quartet, instantly recognizable by David Draiman's unique vocalizations—specifically the guttural, rhythmic "Ooh-wah-ah-ah-ah." The song's raw energy and themes of rebellion against societal norms continue to resonate, proving that its impact is anything but a passing trend. The band is currently commemorating this milestone with a dedicated tour and a deluxe re-release of their debut album.

The Architects of Aggression: Disturbed Band Member Biographies

Disturbed was formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1994, and solidified its iconic lineup shortly thereafter. The band is renowned for its signature blend of alternative metal and nu metal, characterized by complex guitar work, driving percussion, and the distinct vocal style of its frontman, David Draiman. The current lineup, which has remained stable for years, is the creative force behind the band's enduring success.

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• David Draiman (Lead Vocals): Known for his powerful, distorted baritone voice and percussive, staccato singing style. Draiman has been the lead vocalist since 1996 and is a principal songwriter. He also fronted the industrial metal band Device during Disturbed's hiatus.
• Dan Donegan (Guitar, Keyboards): A founding member, Donegan is the band's primary guitarist. His work is central to the Disturbed sound, often featuring rhythmic, syncopated riffs that define the nu metal genre.
• John Moyer (Bass, Backing Vocals): Moyer joined the band in 2004, replacing original bassist Steve "Fuzz" Kmak. He provides the heavy, driving low-end that is crucial to the band's live and studio sound.
• Mike Wengren (Drums, Percussion): Also a founding member, Wengren's drumming is known for its intensity and precision, providing the powerful backbone for the band's aggressive tracks.

The Eternal Struggle: Deconstructing the Controversial Lyrics and Meaning

"Down with the Sickness" is far more than an aggressive anthem; it is a complex narrative wrapped in a visceral sonic package. The song was the second single from the band's debut album, The Sickness, which was released by Giant and Reprise Records on March 7, 2000.

The Meaning of the "Sickness"

According to frontman David Draiman, the core theme of "Down with the Sickness" is the "eternal struggle of the individual against the mother culture of society that is telling you to conform." The "sickness" itself is the desire to break free from this enforced conformity—to embrace one's individuality and rebel against the pressure to fit into a pre-defined societal mold. The lyrics are a cry for help and a warning that suppressing one's true self and trauma will lead to collapse.

The Controversial Interlude

The song is infamous for its spoken-word interlude, which is widely interpreted as depicting a scene of child abuse. This segment, which features a mother figure and a son, is one of the most debated parts of the band's catalog. Draiman has acknowledged the segment's dark nature and has expressed mixed feelings about it, particularly regarding its effect on his own mother. However, the band consistently performs the album version of the song, including the controversial part, during their live concerts, cementing its role in the song's original, raw context.

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The song's raw, unedited aggression, coupled with Draiman's signature vocal style—which shifts dynamically between clean vocals, staccato rapping, and harsh screams—is what made it a defining track for the nu metal movement of the early 2000s.

The Sickness 25th Anniversary: Tour, Certifications, and Enduring Legacy

The year 2025 is a landmark for Disturbed, as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Sickness. This celebration is not just a nostalgic look back but a testament to the album's incredible, long-lasting commercial and cultural impact, which continues to grow a quarter-century later.

Octuple Platinum Success

The commercial success of The Sickness is staggering. The album is officially certified Octuple Platinum (8x Platinum) by the RIAA, representing sales of over 5,370,000 copies in the United States alone. The album spent over 103 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at position #29. This massive commercial achievement underscores the album's foundational role in the hard rock and metal genres, a feat few debut albums ever achieve. Other singles from the album, such as "Stupify" (Double Platinum) and "Voices," have also earned significant RIAA certifications.

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The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour

To commemorate this milestone, Disturbed announced the "The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour," a massive 34-date North American trek for 2025. This highly anticipated tour promises an unforgettable experience for fans, featuring a unique two-set structure.

• Two Sets, One Show: The band is performing the entire The Sickness album in full, followed by a separate set dedicated to their greatest hits from their subsequent albums, including tracks like "The Sound of Silence," "Ten Thousand Fists," and "Indestructible."
• Supporting Acts: The tour features fellow multi-platinum rock band Three Days Grace as a key supporting act, adding significant weight to the event.
• Deluxe Edition: The anniversary is also marked by the release of a 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of The Sickness, featuring new interviews with the band members and producer Johnny K, and a special live recording from The Palladium in Los Angeles.

The Enduring Legacy of the Iconic Sound

The impact of "Down with the Sickness" is evident in its continued relevance. The song saw a notable spike in sales and streams in 2020, partly due to its perceived connection to the collective anxiety and struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating its thematic universality. The track remains a staple in film, television, and video games, often used to signify intense, aggressive action or rebellion. Its iconic, isolated vocal track, particularly the "Ooh-wah-ah-ah-ah" sound, is frequently analyzed and celebrated as a moment of pure, unbridled vocal performance, cementing David Draiman's status as a unique figure in heavy music.

In celebrating 25 years, "Down with the Sickness" stands not just as a relic of the nu metal era but as a powerful, timeless anthem of defiance that continues to introduce new generations to the raw power of Disturbed. The 2025 tour is a monumental reminder of the song's enduring influence on the rock and metal scene.