Fiserv Forum was packed on Thursday night with rock fans eager to experience another great Hog Fest. Presented by 102.9 The HOG, the concert featured a diverse lineup of rock performances by Dorothy, Beartooth and the night’s headlining act, Disturbed.
Check our five biggest reasons why you shouldn’t have missed Hog Fest 2023 on Thursday night:
1. Disturbed opened their set on a high note
Disturbed, who headlined the event, opened their set with "Hey You," a single from their 2022 album, "Divisive." The energy of the crowd immediately surged as lead vocalist David Draiman belted out the opening lyrics with his signature intensity. Despite the irony of the “Divisive” track, the crowd was definitely in agreement that the rest of the set would be great and one to remember.
Disturbed also performed several other tracks from their latest LP, including "Bad Man" and “Unstoppable." These newer tracks showed that the band was not afraid to experiment with their sound and incorporate fresh elements into their music. The audience enthusiastically received the new material, proving that Disturbed's fan base is as devoted as ever.
2. A twist on Simon & Garfunkel
One of the highlights of the set was Disturbed's take on Simon & Garfunkel's classic hit "The Sound of Silence," recorded a half a decade after the original track’s release. The band's rendition of the song showcased their ability to transform a well-known song into a powerful rock ballad. Draiman's vocals were both haunting and mesmerizing, creating a spellbinding moment that captivated the entire audience. Peaking at number 42 on Billboard’s Hot 100, the Disturbed cover is the band's highest-charting track – and a must hear on their set list.
3. Disturbed’s energy is unmatched
There's no denying that Disturbed's energy on stage is absolutely unmatched. From the moment the band stepped onto the stage, they brought an electrifying intensity that immediately connected with the Fiserv Forum crowd. Draiman is a powerhouse performer, with a stage presence that is both commanding and engaging. He has an incredible ability to engage with the audience. On Thursday night, he drew the crowd in and made them feel like they were a part of the performance.
The rest of the band was equally impressive. Guitarist Dan Donegan was virtuosic, and he moved around the stage with a frenetic energy that was infectious. Drummer Mike Wengren was a force to be reckoned with as well, driving the rhythm section with a ferocity that got Milwaukee moving. And bassist John Moyer layed down a thunderous foundation for the rest of the band to build on.
Disturbed's energy on stage was unmatched because it's not just about the music. It was also about the connection they make with their fans.
4. Beartooth
Beartooth's opening performance at Hog Fest at Fiserv Forum was an electrifying display of their unique brand of hardcore punk and metalcore. Fans who didn’t arrive at the arena in time missed out on high-energy performances of their best tracks. Beartooth's unique sound is not to be missed, and their live sets will make you wonder how lead singer Caleb Shomo has a voice by the end of the night. It's safe to say that Beartooth's opening performance at Hog Fest was a true highlight of the event.
5. Dorothy
Dorothy’s set kicked off Hog Fest 2023 with a powerful and dynamic show from a rising star in the rock world. Dorothy Martin, known simply as Dorothy, is a singer-songwriter with a voice that demands attention. With her unique blend of blues, rock and soul, Dorothy's music is both intense and soulful, and her live performances are nothing short of electrifying. From the moment she took to the stage, it was clear that Dorothy was there to give it her all.
