A planned Disturbed concert in Brussels, Belgium, has been canceled by local authorities due to security fears directly related to frontman David Draiman‘s outspoken pro-Israel activism. The decision by the city’s mayor stems from a police risk analysis that cited the potential for protests and public safety issues, a controversy ignited by a 2024 photo of Draiman signing an Israeli military artillery shell.
The show, scheduled for October 15 at the Forest National venue, was officially banned by a police order from the mayor of the Brussels municipality of Forest, Charles Spapens, as reported by Belga News Agency.
In a statement, the mayor explained his decision. “Given the unfavourable opinion of the police and the unique geographical location of the venue, it was my duty to take this decision,” he stated, citing concerns for the safety of residents and staff near the venue.
The police risk analysis reportedly concluded that the “current geopolitical climate” and Draiman’s high-profile stance posed an “unacceptable risk” of escalating public safety problems. The controversy was first “ignited” in June 2024, when Draiman, a longtime and vocal supporter of Israel, posted a photo to social media showing him signing an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) artillery shell with the caption “F*** Hamas.**”
The gesture caused significant outrage among pro-Palestinian groups and has continued to follow the singer. His activism has recently led to a “heated online spat” with the Irish pro-Palestinian rap collective Kneecap, and he was booed by sections of the crowd during his guest performance at the “Back To The Beginning” tribute concert for Ozzy Osbourne in July.
The cancellation of the Brussels concert is the most significant real-world consequence to date of David Draiman‘s decision to use his platform for vocal political activism, and it stands as a stark example of how the current geopolitical climate is now directly impacting the world of music.
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