by Disturbed has released an official statement following the cancellation of their Belgian concerts, as reported on X (formerly Twitter).
The band addressed the cancellation, which occurred after a Belgian local mayor cited safety concerns. In their statement, the band emphasized music’s unifying power.
“Belgium Update: Music is where all our differences fade into the background. Music has the power to heal, to inspire and to bring people together, it’s not about what divides us,” the band said. “We have always made it a point that at our shows ALL are welcome no matter what you believe.”
The statement continued with a message to their fans.
“Everyone who comes to a Disturbed concert is accepted and loved. We are saddened that our fans in Belgium are not going to be able to share in this celebration of music,” they continued.
The band also provided information about refunds for affected ticket holders.
“Your tickets will be refunded automatically within 30 days to the payment card used at the time of purchase. You don’t need to take any further action. We would like to thank you for your understanding, and we appreciate your support.”
The cancellation decision came from the mayor of Antwerp, Belgium, who determined that the concert posed potential security risks. The mayor’s concerns centered on recent public statements made by Draiman that were viewed as politically sensitive by local authorities.
Draiman had reportedly made statements that included criticism of certain Belgian or European political policies. Local officials considered these remarks potentially inflammatory and likely to incite unrest. The decision was based on fears that the concert could lead to protests or disturbances amid heightened political tensions connected to the singer’s comments.
The cancellation sparked significant reactions across social media platforms. Fans of Disturbed showed vocal disappointment and disagreement with the decision. Many criticized it as censorship. Some officials defended the cancellation as a necessary precaution to maintain public order and safety.
The incident marks a rare instance of a concert being stopped due to political concerns rather than logistical issues. It highlights the complex intersection of artistic expression, political speech, and public safety in contemporary Europe.
