By Paul Salfen, Christine Thompson for AMFM Magazine
Longtime Disturbed bassist and backing vocalist John Moyer shared insights into his career, his passion for connecting with fans, his latest production work, and his excitement for this weekend’s Texas Cult Classic Convention in Bastrop.
Moyer, who joined Disturbed in 2004 after the departure of original bassist Steve “Fuzz” Kmak, has anchored the heavy metal juggernaut on landmark albums including Ten Thousand Fists, Indestructible, Asylum, and Evolution. Born in El Paso, Texas, and deeply rooted in the state’s hard rock scene, the bassist is also known for his work with The Union Underground, Adrenaline Mob, Art of Anarchy, and his ongoing production endeavors.
This weekend—March 28–29, 2026—Moyer will make his first appearance at the Cult Classic Convention at the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center. The event blends rock and roll with horror fandom, offering fans a unique mix of music, film icons, and cult favorites. Moyer is looking forward to the personal interactions that come with these appearances.
“Our lyrics aren’t just bubblegum rock lyrics, and the music is heavy and powerful,” Moyer explained. “People who listen to Disturbed a lot of times use it because they’re recovering from illnesses, working out, or inspiring themselves to do something greater. Then there’s the other side—people who’ve been through tough times and turn to the music for solace. When we meet fans, there can be a lot of emotional outpouring. It’s very moving.”
He added that while some encounters are lighthearted (“bro, I saw you at Ozzfest 2001”), many involve powerful, personal stories. “I’m expecting some of that this weekend, and I like having the opportunity to connect with the fans.”
The convention also gives Moyer a chance to indulge his love for horror, particularly classic B-movies from the ’80s. “I love the B horror movies,” he said. “Back then, horror was like the bastard stepchild of the genre, the way metal music was. It’s so crazy now how horror movies have grown—great directors and production embracing the genre. But it didn’t used to be that way.”
He appreciates the raw, off-the-cuff energy of early horror films: “They feel very from the hip. There are moments of brilliance that weren’t even planned. There’s something visceral and unique that comes from horror movies because there’s not this grand design.”
The weekend’s lineup includes stars from Friday the 13th and other cult classics, plus Bobby Brown from the “Cherry Pie” video. Moyer will participate in a Q&A session on Saturday at 4:45 p.m. alongside Brown and other musicians. “I can’t wait,” he said. “I might have to walk away from the table so I can go stand in line to get some autographs myself.”
Life on the Road and at Home
Disturbed’s recent touring schedule has been demanding but rewarding. Moyer noted that he’s fortunate to bring his wife along on many legs, especially in Europe, and that his now-adult children (18 and 20) make touring with less guilt possible. “When I get to have my wife out with me, it’s the best of both worlds,” he shared. “I don’t really miss home too much when I’m touring. I love being out there, I love playing for fans, I love working.”
At home, the self-described “busybody” stays active. Moyer keeps busy in the studio as a producer.
New Music on the Horizon
Fans can look forward to fresh releases tied to Moyer’s production work. He recently wrapped production on Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime III, the third installment in the conceptual series that began with Queensrÿche’s 1988 classic. Set for release on May 3, 2026—the anniversary of the first album’s release—the record explores the story from the villain Doctor X’s point of view.
“It’s a dark record. It’s very heavy—definitely heavier than the first record in a lot of places,” Moyer said. “At this point in his career, it’s kind of fun for him to play the villain. That’s what he’s doing when he’s singing, and it makes for a fun record.”
He recalled the thrill of the first recording session: “I remember hitting record and he starts singing and I’m like, ‘Holy shit, I’m recording Geoff Tate. This is fucking amazing.’”
Moyer is also finishing mixes on a new album with The Duncans, a father-son duo from Maryland. Their sound blends modern classic rock with piano-driven elements reminiscent of Boston, Journey, and Queen. “The singer is only 20 years old— incredible singer. His voice is very kind of like Freddie Mercury meets Geoff Tate,” Moyer noted. “We just completed a ten-song record, and I’m finishing the mixes, so that should be coming up pretty soon.”
Advice for Young Musicians: Live Shows Still Matter
When asked what advice he’d give aspiring musicians who see him onstage and want to follow in his footsteps, Moyer emphasized the irreplaceable value of live performance in an era dominated by online content.
“Today’s music world has turned more into online content—‘How many followers do you have?’” he observed. “When I was young, that was the whole thing: play live. I was playing backyard parties, then gigging every weekend—sometimes every day of the week—with my first band. We rehearsed every day and gigged constantly throughout Texas.”
He acknowledged the challenges younger bands face—fewer venues, more competition, and pressure to build social media presence—but stressed that nothing builds a real foundation like live shows.
“Bands with a lot of content don’t always have a real foundation for fans and can’t really tour. You have to create that real fan base. You can jump-start it online, but nothing replaces a live show. I still believe that old-school approach—getting in the van, doing as many gigs as you can—is still the key.”
Moyer admitted he never feels like he’s fully “made it,” despite Disturbed’s massive success and his history with multiple signed projects. “I still feel like I’m climbing. I still feel like I have something to do. I still can’t wait for the next show. You’ve got to have that drive.”
A Hail Mary That Paid Off
Moyer also recounted a pivotal “Hail Mary” moment in his career. After his band Union Underground disbanded in late 2003, Disturbed announced they were parting ways with their bassist. Though he wasn’t initially on their radar, Moyer flew to Chicago for an open audition with no guarantee of being noticed.
“I had no money. I was so broke,” he recalled. “I stayed at a Motel 6, hitched a ride to the venue, and stood in line with 300 people.” He played his brief slot, and management later pulled him aside: the band wanted to jam with him properly the next day. The rest is history—23 years and counting with Disturbed.
“People told me, ‘John, just give it up. They don’t want you.’ And here we are 23 years later.”
Mindset and Gratitude
Moyer credits a resilient, positive mindset for helping him navigate the ups and downs of the industry. He starts every day with gratitude and views the journey—not just the destination—as the reward.
“It never works the way you think it’s going to work. Just enjoy how it’s happening and make the most of it,” he advised. He shared a memorable story from his time in Adrenaline Mob, when the tour bus broke down in the Alps en route to a show in Rome. Instead of dwelling on the stress, he found beauty in the unexpected bonding moment with bandmates and the unique experience of traveling by train through the mountains.
Don’t Miss Him in Bastrop
Whether you’re a Disturbed fan, a horror enthusiast, or simply love the intersection of rock and cult cinema, the Texas Cult Classic Convention promises a memorable weekend. Come meet John Moyer, hear his stories firsthand, and soak in the unique energy of Texas metalheads and horror fans uniting.
As Moyer put it: “Texas metalheads and horror fans unite. What more could you want?”
Event details and tickets are available via the Cult Classic Convention site and Visit Bastrop. See you in Bastrop—say hi to John and tell him AMFM Magazine sent you.
Interview conducted by Paul Salfen for AMFM Magazine. Article compiled and edited from the full conversation transcript by Christine Thompson
About Paul Salfen: Paul Salfen is a Dallas-based TV host, producer, editor, writer, and consultant who currently holds the positions of co-host of Drew Pearson Live on KTXD (London Broadcasting), co-host of The ANE Show on iHeartMedia, and producer/writer for AMFM Magazine.
About Christine Thompson: Christine Thompson is the Founder/Editor-In-Chief, Writer and Video Editor of AMFM Magazine and AMFM Studios LLC.
Photos by Amparo Jordan for AMFM Magazine at Dickie's Arena, The Sickness Tour April 2025
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