A rock band is denying claims its concert pyrotechnics damaged an NBA team’s championship banners.
Earlier this month, all six of the Chicago Bulls’ championship banners were removed from the United Center. Officials blamed heat from fire at a Disturbed concert that caused “minor” fabric damage, warping the bottom of each banner.
But Disturbed drummer Mike Wengren told MetalUniverse.net in a new interview that it’s not true, calling it “fake news” and blaming a stagehand that “ran with the story.”
“We didn’t burn anything... We have extensive pyro and the flames are very high, but it gets tested every day. The fire marshals look at it,” Wengren said. “There’s no way we could come even close to the banners. So it’s bulls--t.”
Wengren said it’s “frustrating” for the band because venues are worried about flames and sparks causing damage, but it also affects Disturbed’s reputation.
“We’re big sports fans, especially myself,” Wengren told MetalUniverse.net. “We would never be disrespectful to anyone’s building. We are hometown Chicago boys. Why would we desecrate our own team? It’s ridiculous.”
Officials said the Bulls’ championship banners were removed from the United Center to undergo repairs. They’re expected to be back in place next season.
Disturbed concert
David Draiman of Disturbed performs at Ball Arena on February 27, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Thomas Cooper/Getty Images)Getty Images
Other banners in the arena, including for the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team, were undamaged and are still hanging in the rafters.
Disturbed is a heavy metal band that formed in Chicago in 1994. The Grammy-nominated group is currently on tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of its debut album, featuring hit songs “Stupify” and “Down with the Sickness.”
The Chicago Bulls won all six of its NBA championships in the 1990s, including two three-peats led by basketball legend Michael Jordan. Those years also included Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, Steve Kerr, Dennis Rodman and coach Phil Jackson.