On this latest episode of Fuck Around and Find Out, Disturbed's show in Brussels, Belgium has been canceled by local authorities. A report published by Belgian newspaper De Standaard quotes mayor Charles Spapens as having cited security concerns, particularly given frontman David Draiman's support of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Who can forget, of course, that Draiman signed missiles last year that were used in the ongoing invasion of Gaza. We sure as shit didn't. Given recent controversies surrounding acts such as Bob Vylan and Kneecap and their speaking out against the state-sanctioned genocide going on, it's nice to finally see some pushback in the opposite direction for a change.
What's less nice to see is Disturbed missing the point entirely, as their statement on the matter plays the "music is unifying" tune we are all too familiar with:
"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."
Bold statements like the one Draiman made with his signing of weapons of war are going to be met with bold responses, and what Mayor Spapens has done is ilustrate that there are consequences to one's actions. While the band's statement about music being a celebration should absolutely be the case, it is also bold talk from a band who once urged listeners to "liberate your mind" and stood for something once upon a time.
