Play silly video games, win silly prizes. The mayor of Vorst, Belgium, has formally banned an upcoming Disturbed live performance, citing public security issues stemming from frontman David Draiman’s outspoken assist for the Israeli military – particularly that one image the place he is signing missiles that’ll kill folks shortly thereafter.
Disturbed was scheduled to play Vorst Nationaal on Wednesday, October 15, however the plug has now been pulled following a police order issued by Mayor Charles Spapens (PS) in line with De Standaard.
The controversy surrounding the present started earlier this yr, when Draiman — lengthy identified for his political commentary — posted a photograph in June 2024 from an Israeli Protection Forces (IDF) base, the place he was seen signing a bomb reportedly meant for Gaza. The picture, which circulated broadly on social media, triggered backlash — particularly after it resurfaced throughout a heated on-line spat between Draiman and Irish pro-Palestinian rap collective Kneecap.
Issues escalated additional when Draiman was booed throughout a shock look at Black Sabbath’s farewell present in Birmingham, simply weeks after the incident reignited on-line.
Mayor Spapens had beforehand voiced concern in September, calling the live performance “morally problematic.” On the time, he admitted town had restricted energy over the venue’s programming however indicated discomfort with Draiman’s deliberate look.
Now, citing the potential for large-scale protests and security issues, the mayor has issued a proper police order to close the present down. Talking to Belgian outlet Belga, Spapens mentioned: “My precedence and accountability are the protection of the residents, spectators, demonstrators, and Forest Nationwide workers. Given the police’s unfavorable evaluation after a threat evaluation and the venue’s location in a residential space, it was my obligation to make this resolution.”
Earlier this week, Bruzz journal reported that a number of activist teams had been planning demonstrations outdoors the venue. Serge Stephan of Intal Globalize Solidarity said: “We is not going to stop anybody from coming into the live performance corridor. This motion is just not directed in opposition to the followers, however in opposition to the band, Dwell Nation, and Forest Nationwide.”
Protesters from teams together with the ABVV (Basic Federation of Belgian Labour), ACV, and the Entrance Antifasciste Bruxellois (Brussels Antifascist Entrance) had been anticipated to attract a crowd of over 500 demonstrators.
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