During Disturbed’s electrifying performance in Chicago as part of the The Sickness 25th anniversary tour, a significant piece of Chicago sports history was inadvertently affected. The event took place at the United Center, where the Chicago Bulls returned to play, only to find their legendary six championship banners from the 1990s missing from their usual prominent position.

The absence of these historic banners drew attention as it was revealed that they had suffered minor damage due to the band’s intense stage production, which included fiery elements. Currently, the banners are undergoing repairs, and the United Center’s communication department has confirmed that they are collaborating with the Bulls to restore them. Although the banners won’t be visible for the rest of the season, plans are in place for them to return next season, maintaining their significance in the arena.

The Chicago Bulls marked their first three championships in the early 1990s, specifically in 1991, 1992, and 1993. After the third championship, star guard Michael Jordan made the surprising decision to retire and pursue a career in major league baseball. He spent a couple of years playing for the Chicago White Sox’s minor league team before making a triumphant return to the Bulls in late 1995. Upon his return, the Bulls reclaimed their dominance in the NBA, securing championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998, solidifying their place in basketball history.

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Reports indicate that the damage to the championship banners was discovered after Disturbed’s concert earlier in the week, which featured performances alongside Three Days Grace and Sevendust. The intense heat from the pyrotechnics during the show caused warping to the lower sections of the banners that had been hanging from the rafters. Fan-shot videos captured the band’s fiery stage effects, showing the flames rising upward while the banners were visibly in close proximity.

Fortunately, not all banners in the United Center were affected by this incident. The Chicago Blackhawks, who share the venue, reported that none of their banners sustained any damage. Moreover, other championship banners belonging to the Bulls, including division and conference titles, remain intact, highlighting the noticeable absence of the NBA championship banners from the seasons of 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998.

Initially, there was optimism that the banners could be repaired in time for a game scheduled for Thursday. However, it has since been determined that repairs will extend through the remainder of the current season. The Bulls are currently vying for a playoff spot, and it remains unclear whether the banners will be returned in time for the playoffs.

Disturbed’s recent performance featured a 20-song setlist that celebrated the 25th anniversary of The Sickness album while also showcasing several of their most popular hits throughout their career. The energy in the packed venue was palpable, and the band expressed their gratitude to the enthusiastic crowd with words of appreciation. They also welcomed former bassist Steve “Fuzz” Kmak as a special guest for the show, adding a nostalgic touch to the evening.

This incident with the banners isn’t the first time Disturbed’s pyrotechnics have caused issues. Back in August 2023, their fiery stage effects triggered the sprinkler system at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey. Interestingly, this was the second time within the same year that their pyrotechnics set off a sprinkler system, with the first occurrence happening during a Houston concert in late July 2023.