Disturbed frontman David Draiman has responded to Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong‘s modification of lyrics during their Coachella performance. Armstrong changed a line in “Jesus of Suburbia” to “Running away from pain like the kids from Palestine.”
This lyric change comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Since the October 2023 attack by Hamas militants at the Tribe of Nova music festival, which resulted in over 400 deaths and the kidnapping of more than 40 people, including former Desolated bassist Jake Marlowe, Israel has launched a military offensive in Gaza. Reports from March 25, 2025, indicate that over 50,000 people have been killed in Gaza.
Green Day is known for incorporating political commentary into their music and performances, often altering lyrics to reflect current events. At Coachella, Armstrong also changed a lyric in “American Idiot” to “I’m not part of a MAGA agenda.”
Following the pro-Palestine lyric change, Draiman, who has publicly expressed his support for Israel, reached out to Armstrong via social media. In his post, Draiman stated:
“Open offer to #BillyJoeArmstrong from @GreenDay.
“You know I respect you brother.
“I’d love to have the opportunity for you to hear the Israeli/Jewish side of this horrific war.
“I’m available to discuss whenever you are.
“No judgement, nothing preconceived.
“Let me know.”
Draiman, a Jewish American singer, has been vocal about his pro-Israel stance since the recent escalation of tensions. Over the past year, he has faced controversy for his public backing of the Israel Defense Forces, including instances of posing with military personnel and signing artillery. Although the band itself has not been involved in any recent scandals, the comment sections on Disturbed‘s social media platforms show a clear divide among fans regarding Draiman‘s political views.
Despite this division, Disturbed is proceeding with their anniversary tour, featuring support from Daughtry and Nothing More. Each performance is structured in two parts: the band first plays The Sickness in its entirety, followed by a set of their greatest hits.
Upcoming tour dates include:
- April 16 – Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at the BJCC
- April 18 – Sunrise, FL @ Amerant Bank Arena
- April 23 – Duluth, GA @ Gas South Arena
- April 25 – San Antonio, TX @ Frost Bank Center
- April 26 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
- April 28 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center
- May 5 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
- May 7 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center
- May 9 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
- May 10 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
- May 13 – Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum
- May 15 – Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center
- May 17 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
