DISTURBED’s Brussels Concert Canceled Over Security Concerns Tied To David Draiman’s IDF Support

According to a report from Belga News Agency, Disturbed have been prohibited from performing in Brussels, Belgium next week. The multi-platinum alternative metal act were scheduled to headline Forest National on October 15th as part of their ongoing ‘The Sickness’ 25th Anniversary Tour.

Authorities reportedly made the decision to cancel the concert following a police-led security assessment. The move comes amid heightened tensions surrounding frontman David Draiman’s outspoken support for Israel and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Draiman’s stance has drawn significant backlash since 2024, when he was photographed signing an IDF artillery shell with the words “Fuck Hamas.” While some viewed the act as solidarity with Israel’s right to defend itself, critics accused him of insensitivity toward the civilian casualties of the conflict.

In a statement, Charles Spapens, mayor of the Brussels municipality of Forest, explained the reasoning behind the cancellation:

“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.”

The decision also coincides with a planned national strike in Belgium on October 14th, which will already demand substantial police resources. Officials noted that security personnel could be stretched too thin to manage potential unrest surrounding the show.

The remaining dates on Disturbed’s ‘The Sickness’ 25th Anniversary Tour with Megadeth are as follows:

10/10 Krakow, POL – Tauron Arena Krakow
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

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