DISTURBED has issued an official statement following the cancellation of their October 15 concert at Forest National in Brussels, Belgium, citing security concerns linked to frontman David Draiman’s support for the Israeli military. The police order, issued by Forest Mayor Charles Spapens, was based on a risk analysis that flagged potential public safety issues due to the venue’s location in a residential area.
In their statement, released earlier today, October 13, DISTURBED focused on the unifying power of music and the importance of inclusivity at their shows: “Music is where all our differences fade into the background. Music has the power to heal, to inspire and to bring people together, it’s not about what divides us. We have always made it a point that at our shows ALL are welcome no matter what you believe. Everyone who comes to a Disturbed concert is accepted and loved. We are saddened that our fans in Belgium are not going to be able to share in this celebration of music.
“Your tickets will be refunded automatically within 30 days to the payment card used at the time of purchase. You don’t need to take any further action.
“We would like to thank you for your understanding, and we appreciate your support.”
The cancellation stems from a controversial June 2024 social media post in which Draiman signed an artillery shell at an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) base near Gaza with the caption “F**k Hamas.” This gesture caused a significant wave of outrage, particularly among pro-Palestinian groups active in Brussels. The controversy resurfaced recently following a heated online spat between Draiman and the Irish pro-Palestinian rap collective KNEECAP, and after Draiman was booed during an appearance at a BLACK SABBATH farewell show in Birmingham.
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.