A group of “Disney Dads” including American Idol alum James Durbin started a Disney-inspired metal cover band and will now play at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026.
Mëtal Möuse Playing D23
Mëtal Möuse, a high-energy cover band fronted by Durbin, is dedicated to playing reimagined rock hits from the ’80s and famous Disney music.
D23 VP Michael Vargo discovered the band. They will perform two live sets during D23 weekend on The Spotlight Stage:
- Friday, August 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PST
- Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PST.
“We started as a group of dads who love playing ‘80s Music and realized we had a shared passion for Disney Music, so to be welcomed by Michael and Disney onto the official D23 stage for two sets is surreal,” said Durbin. “Disney rarely promotes fan-made projects, but Michael came to a show and saw that what we do is really special. The biggest Disney fans in the world come to this event and we look forward to surprising them.”
Durbin finished in fourth place on the tenth season of American Idol in 2011. He was the lead singer of heavy metal band Quiet Rot from 2017 to 2019.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is August 14 through 16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Read more about D23 programming and show floor experiences.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
