The clash between Disturbed vocalist David Draiman and former Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters has escalated into a bitter public exchange. The feud reignited this week after Draiman appeared as a guest on “The Magnificent Others,” a podcast hosted by Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. Following a conversation where Draiman stated he would punch the veteran musician, Waters retaliated with a scathing open letter.
During the podcast episode, the two frontmen heavily discussed the Israel-Palestine conflict. Draiman, who is Jewish and a vocal supporter of Israel, did not hold back his disdain for Waters, a staunch pro-Palestine advocate.
Billy Corgan attempted to play the role of peacemaker, offering a psychological perspective on why Waters views global conflicts the way he does.
“So, let’s talk about Roger Waters for a second. I’ve worked a little bit with Roger, so I know him personally… I want to come at it from a slightly different angle because I’m curious if you have any reflection on my observation. My observation is — I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the defining moment in Roger’s life is his father being killed in World War II. It’s in The Wall; he’s made more than one record about it. He might balk at the word ‘trauma,’ but it seems like that would be very traumatic if it happened to anybody.”
The podcast host elaborated on the situation, tying that trauma to current geopolitical events:
“And a few years back, Roger was very critical of Radiohead for playing a gig in Israel. Since then, Roger’s made some very strong statements against Israel, including to the point where he’s now estranged from at least one of his bandmates because they don’t agree with his position…. Let’s say the number [of Palestinians who’ve died in the ongoing conflict with Israel] is the 70,000 or 75,000 that the Gaza Health Ministry claims… It makes sense to me that a man who grew up in the shadow of World War II, lost his daddy in a war, has really suffered the consequence of that pain, that he would be hypersensitive to a scenario like that.”
David Draiman acknowledged the trauma but fundamentally rejected how the former Pink Floyd member applies it today.
“I agree…[but] here’s the thing, Billy: I grew up on Pink Floyd. I loved Pink Floyd. It was such a massive betrayal, not just to me, but Jews everywhere when he went in the direction that he did. And it wasn’t just two years ago; he’s been doing this for a long time. Roger has a penchant for dictators — the worst [people] on planet earth, Roger just cozies right up to them. He has no problem whatsoever.”
Sensing the tension, Billy Corgan noted: “My attempt at peacemaking failed.”
David Draiman quickly fired back: “Not with that one, dude. He’s just such a hypocrite. He’s not for human rights. He’s for this weird dictator-driven socialist — I don’t even understand what he’s trying to stand for.”
When the host asked if the Disturbed singer would ever be willing to have a face-to-face conversation to hash out their severe differences, Draiman replied: “Absolutely. You close off and that’s the end of anything.”
Looking for clarification, Billy Corgan asked, “So, if Roger Waters called you tomorrow and said, ‘Let’s sit down and talk,’ you’d talk to him?”
“I’d have to punch him first, but yeah,” David Draiman declared.
“I thought you were a man of peace… I’m not trying to call you out as much as say that, from my perspective, the price of peace is very high,” Corgan responded.
David Draiman concluded the segment with a firm boundary: “Listen, I’d be willing to sit down and have a conversation with just about anybody — except someone that can no longer be reached. And I’m very, very convinced that Roger Waters can no longer be reached.”
Following the podcast’s release, Roger Waters took to his official channels to issue an open letter addressed to William Patrick Corgan, entirely dismissing Draiman while condemning his actions. The full statement reads:
“Dear Billy
How are you? It’s been too long. David Draiman. Someone forwarded me this chap’s appearance on your podcast. I’d never heard of him. Anyway, it turns out he has heard of me. It seems he has a problem with me standing up for human rights, particularly the human rights of my brothers and sisters in Gaza who are being slaughtered in a g*nocide by the armed forces of the N*zi r*cist, pariah state of Israel. You, being the lovely fella you are gave this little piece of s**t a chance to clarify or even modify his position. He did. He is a psychotic r*cist N*zi pig.”
“I’m told, Billy, he writes messages on bombs before the IDF drops them on civilians in Gaza. Enough said. I will continue to work with all my brothers and sisters all over the world in the movement to demand equal human rights for all human beings, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity or nationality. If you, my friend are wondering if I want a conversation with this obnoxious little prick? The answer is non merci Billy, life’s too short, he can inhabit his tiny corner of hell without the benefit of my love and truth.”
“Love
R.
PS. Disturbed ?
Er? Yeah! Just a bit!”
