Disturbed will not perform in Belgium for their 25th anniversary of “The Sickness”

According to a Belga News Agency story reported by theprp, Disturbed will not be able to perform in Brussels, Belgium, next week. As part of their current 25th anniversary tour for their debut album “The Sickness,” the multi-platinum alternative metal band was scheduled to perform at the Forest National in that city on October 15. However, local authorities have canceled the show due to Disturbed singer David Draiman’s strong support for Israel and the criticism he has gotten for it, particularly his advocacy of the Israel Defense Forces during the Israel-Gaza war. After the local police conducted a risk analysis about the concert, that choice was made. Since he was seen signing an Israel Defense Force artillery shell in 2024, Draiman’s repeated support for Israel during the conflict has generated controversy. Despite Draiman’s addition of the words “Fuck Hamas” to that shell, his critics have criticized the conflict’s high civilian death toll, pointing out that the shell might have been used against defenseless civilians. He has been charged by others for inciting conflict and endorsing the murder of Palestinians. Cold live receptions and feuds with other musicians have been examples of backlash. Charles Spapens, the mayor of the Forest municipality in Brussels, has called for the cancellation of the Disturbed performance due to a police evaluation of possible disturbances at the event.

My priority and responsibility is the safety of residents, demonstrators, spectators and the staff of Forest National. Given the unfavourable opinion of the police and the unique geographical location of the venue, it was my duty to take this decision.

According to the Belga News Agency, a nationwide strike is scheduled for October 14 in Belgium, and substantial police resources have already been allocated to meet the demands of the scenario. Therefore, in the event that something went wrong during Disturbed‘s performance, authorities might be overburdened. The following dates are still available for Disturbed‘s 25th anniversary tour of “The Sickness” with Megadeth as special guest:

10/12 Paris, FRA – Zenith
10/14 Amsterdam, NET – Ziggo Dome
10/15 Brussels, BEL – Forest National (canceled)
10/17 Munich, GER – Olympiahalle
10/18 Berlin, GER – Velodrom
10/20 Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena Birmingham
10/22 Dublin, IRE – 3Arena
10/24 Manchester, UK – AO Arena
10/26 London, UK – The O2
10/28 Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro