Disturbed’s David Draiman says the band need a “nice, long break” after a European tour rocked by protests and cancellations following his IDF controversy.
Disturbed’s ‘The Sickness 25’ European tour wrapped this week, but frontman David Draiman says the band won’t be rushing back onstage anytime soon.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on October 29, Draiman 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.”
That “break” follows one of the band’s most turbulent tours to date, with cancellations, protests, and widespread backlash tied to Draiman’s political stance. Earlier this year, the singer posted a photo of himself signing an Israeli Defence Force artillery shell with the words “F*** Hamas”, igniting controversy across social media.
The fallout spilled into their European run. A scheduled show in Vorst, Belgium was cancelled by the local mayor, citing safety concerns after protest groups announced plans to demonstrate. In Amsterdam, Draiman addressed the backlash head-on, telling the crowd, “We in Disturbed are all about unity.”
The comment didn’t calm things down. On October 22, actor John Cusack publicly criticised the singer, writing, “Anyone who signs a bomb is pyycotic [sic].” At their final show in Glasgow on October 28, protesters gathered outside the OVO Hydro. Draiman later commented on Instagram, “Hope your Jew hatred kept you guys warm lol.”
The controversy isn’t new territory for Draiman. He was booed at Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Back To The Beginning’ concert in July, which many connected to the same artillery shell photo. Draiman brushed it off, calling his detractors “a few Jew hating morons.”
For now, Disturbed have no upcoming shows announced, though guitarist Dan Donegan recently teased, “We have a lot of stuff recorded,” hinting that the next chapter might happen in the studio, not on the road.
Article credit Louder Sound
MORE IN Music
