DISTURBED frontman David Draiman has confirmed that the band will be stepping away from the spotlight for an extended period, stating they “all need a nice long break.” The announcement came shortly after the group wrapped up their “The Sickness” 25th anniversary tour on October 28.
The tour, which celebrated the band’s 2000 debut album The Sickness, marked a major milestone for the Chicago-based metal act. Draiman shared his gratitude in two social media posts, thanking fans, crew, and fellow band members for making the tour memorable.
He wrote: “Headed home!!! Thanks so much to EVERYONE that made #TheSickness25 a tour to truly remember! Crew, Management, Agent, Promoters, and ESPECIALLY my brothers in DISTURBED. Not sure when we will be headed back out. We all need a nice long break. Hope to see you when we do.”
In a follow-up post, he reflected on the emotional toll and personal discipline required for the tour, noting his excitement to reconnect with family and friends.
“Feeling high school high after not burning (except Amsterdam… that doesn’t count) for the last three months in preparation for #TheSickness25,” he added. “Reflecting on the beautiful madness of it all. Looking forward to being with family and friends. Taking a nice long break.”
The hiatus comes amid a wave of controversy surrounding Draiman. Earlier this year, the singer faced backlash after posting a photo of himself signing an artillery shell reportedly intended for use by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza. The post ignited criticism across social media and led to a public feud with Irish rap collective Kneecap, known for their pro-Palestinian stance.
Tensions escalated further when Draiman was reportedly booed during a surprise appearance at BLACK SABBATH’s farewell concert in Birmingham. Actor John Cusack also weighed in, calling the singer “psychotic” in a now-viral post. On October 15, DISTURBED’s concert in Brussels was cancelled by Vorst mayor Charles Spapens, citing security risks after activist groups declared intentions to protest.
As of now, the band has not disclosed how long the break will last or whether it will affect future music releases. Fans remain hopeful for the group’s return, but for now, DISTURBED is officially on pause.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.