Mayor bans Disturbed show in Belgium due to David Draiman’s pro-Israel stance
A local mayor has banned a planned concert by Disturbed in Belgium for safety reasons.
The show was set to take place at the Forest National in Brussels, Belgium, on October 15th as part of the heavy metal group’s ongoing 25th anniversary tour in support of the classic album, The Sickness.
However, due to David Draiman’s pro-Israel stance, Charles Spapens, the Forest Mayor, an area in Belgium that includes the 8,400-capacity venue, believes the show would be a security concern due to counter-demonstrations and protests.
The decision was made following a police risk assessment. Notably, there is already a national strike planned on October 14th, and an ongoing prison staff strike, which is draining police resources.
Spapens told The Brussels Times: “My responsibility and priority are the safety of residents, neighbors, demonstrators, spectators and staff at Forest National. Given the police’s negative advice and the venue’s unique location, it was my duty to make this decision.”
As it stands, tickets for the show are still available to buy from Live Nation in Belgium, the date remains listed on Disturbed’s website, and the band are yet to comment on the mayor’s banning order.
Draiman, who is Jewish and a vocal supporter of the Israeli Defence Forces, has attracted significant controversy over his support of Israel, particularly when he visited Israeli army bases last year and signed a bomb for them which read, “#FuckHamas”.
When he performed at Back to the Beginning this summer to celebrate the career of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, a portion of the crowd booed Draiman. In response, he said, “Yes, there were a few boos when I walked out, but I came to pay homage to my teachers, my idols, the mighty Black Sabbath, and I wasn’t about to let a few Jew-hating morons deter that.”
This summer, he also criticised Tom Morello for likening Kneecap to Rage Against The Machine, which he described as “shameful”, before adding, “Wish I could say I was shocked. Guess my family doesn’t count, when it comes to my ‘friend’s’ virtue signaling for those who support terror, and incite Jew hatred.”
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