Disturbed’s Belguim Show Canceled Over Potential Protests, Band’s Response Ignores IDF Support
If there’s one thing we know about David Draiman, frontman of the IDF’s house band Disturbed, it’s that he really supported Israel’s brutal ethnic cleansing campaign/genocide in Gaza. He’s gone on the record numerous times defending Israel’s “right to protect itself” when in actuality what happened for roughly two years was the systematic slaughter of a civilian population. Hell, he even went out to the frontline back in June 24 and signed bombs that undoubtedly went on to be used against innocent men, women, and children huddled in their homes or seeking shelter from the constant shelling that devastated the region.
Now, Draiman’s actions have had an impact on their touring plans, as their show this Wednesday at Vorst Nationaal in Vorst, Belguim was axed after that city’s mayor banned Disturbed from playing. According to a report in De Standaard, Vorst Mayor Charles Spapens (PS) issued the police order that ultimately pulled the plug on the show.
Leading up to the show, there had been rumblings that multiple activist groups were going to demonstrate outside the venue. Intal Globalize Solidarity, the ABVV (General Federation of Belgian Labour), ACV, and the Front Antifasciste Bruxellois (Brussels Antifascist Front), had all said they were expecting to draw at least 500 demonstrators to the show. And though the protestors said their beef was with the band and Live Nation, not the fans, Spapens told Belgian news outlet Belga that public safety concerns were the driving factor behind the cancellation.
“My priority and responsibility are the safety of the residents, spectators, demonstrators, and Forest National staff. Given the police’s unfavorable assessment after a risk analysis and the venue’s location in a residential area, it was my duty to make this decision.”
Earlier today, the band posted a statement on social media responding to the cancellation. And while they talked out of the side of their neck about how music “has the power to heal” and “bring people together,” they noticably ignore the fact that Draiman’s actions are the reason the cancellation was happening in the first place. In fact, they don’t mention that this was all because of Draiman’s inflammatory stance on the occupation of Gaza.
“BELGIUM UPDATE
“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.”
For those that haven’t been keeping up with what’s going on, Draiman has largely been a shill for Israel’s military, the IDF. He regularly defended Israeli actions in the region and as mentioned before, signed bombs. During his performance at ‘Back to the Beginning’, he was met with a sea of boos from the crowd, which he took super well, of course. Then there was the online tiff he had with Kneecap, which didn’t go super well either.
With a ceasefire in effect and hostages from both sides getting released, it’s looking like the conflict may be coming to an end. We’ll see how that affects Draiman and Disturbed moving forward.
