Down with the Sickness by Disturbed

If any song in Rock Band is guaranteed to get on your parents’ nerves, this is the one. This cheery little tune immediately made waves upon its release in 2000; the violent mother/son dialogue in the middle bothered so many people that the band released a version without it (which is the one we’re using, so ad-lib your own).

It should be noted, however, that the band was protesting child abuse and not advocating random agro. But what else would you expect from a lead singer, David Draiman, who managed to get himself expelled from five different boarding schools before turning to music?

Despite the controversy “Sickness” was a runaway hit; it’s been in five movies, used as game music by four different pro football teams, and been the theme music for two professional wrestlers.

Disturbed’s had some bad luck during tours. Bassist Fuzz Kmak shattered an ankle when he fell off a fire escape in 2001. Five years later, David Draiman blew out his voice and had to undergo surgery.

As you’d expect, this one requires a lot of stamina. On drums it’s especially demanding on the feet: the main riff involves a half-dozen kicks every time it comes around. Handwork is less demanding but the opening tom-tom riff is enough to throw you.

The main riff is also relatively easy on guitar, but that’s the closest to a rest that you get. Once the band kicks in, you’ll have to keep changing chords and negotiating the fretboard. If you’re prone to tendonitis, you’ll be down with that sickness sooner than you think.

Still down with the sickness.