During their recent concert in Amsterdam on October 14, Disturbed’s frontman David Draiman gave a powerful message about unity and togetherness. His speech came right after the band’s Belgium show was cancelled, creating a lot of discussion among fans and media.
The band was supposed to perform at Forest National in Brussels on October 15, but the local mayor, Charles Spapens, decided to ban the show. Officials said it was due to safety concerns after a police risk assessment. There was also a national strike and a prison staff strike happening at the same time, which made it harder for police to provide enough security.
However, many people believe the real reason behind the cancellation was Draiman’s public support for Israel. Last year, he faced criticism after visiting an Israeli military base and signing a bomb with the words “F* Hamas**.” His support for the Israeli Defence Forces caused backlash online and led some to accuse him of being insensitive toward the ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict.
At the Amsterdam concert, Draiman decided to address the situation directly. He spoke passionately to the crowd, saying:
“There have been people trying to put words in our mouths, trying to make you think they know what we think. But we’re going to tell you from our own mouths how we feel.”
He continued by saying that Disturbed stands for unity and welcomes everyone at their shows, no matter where they come from or what they believe.
“No matter who you are, no matter what walk of life you walk, no matter where you come from, you are welcome at these shows.”
The crowd cheered loudly as Draiman continued:
“The conflicts that are going on in this world don’t define us. Because in this building, there is no conflict. It doesn’t matter if you’re Chinese or Taiwanese, Indian or Pakistani, Israeli or Palestinian — everyone is welcome in our house.”
To make his message even more powerful, Draiman asked everyone in the audience to hold hands with the person next to them and raise them in the air. The entire Ziggo Dome joined in, creating a moving moment of unity. He ended the speech by saying:
“You see, my friends, sometimes darkness can show you the light.”
After his emotional message, the band performed their song “The Light”, which perfectly fit the theme of hope and togetherness.
Many fans praised Draiman for speaking from the heart and focusing on peace instead of division. Others still questioned his political stance, showing how complicated things can become when music and politics mix.
Still, one thing was clear that night in Amsterdam — Disturbed’s message was about bringing people together, no matter their background or beliefs. Draiman reminded the world that music can unite people even when everything else seems to be falling apart.
Watch the clip shared on their social media below.