Disturbed vocalist David Draiman and former Pink Floyd guitarist Roger Waters‘ beef has newly spilled out online. In a newly posted appearance on ‘The Magnificent Others With Billy Corgan‘ that was filmed this past February, Draiman spoke freely of his criticisms and disappointment with Waters. Draiman has previously called out Waters on multiple occasions, likening him to a Nazi for his divisive commentary against Israel and more. However, according to Waters, he only just now found out about Draiman.
The Smashing Pumpkins‘ Billy Corgan, who hosts the aforementioned podcast, brought up the topic of Waters with Draiman, stating, “So, let’s talk about Roger Waters for a second. I’ve worked a little bit with Roger, so I know him personally…” to which Draiman interrupted him to say, “I’m sorry.”
Corgan continued [transcribed by theprp.com]:
“I want to come at it from a slightly different angle because I’m curious if you have any reflection on my observation. My observation is — I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the defining moment in Roger’s life is his father is killed in World War II. It’s in ‘The Wall‘; he’s made more than one record about it. He might balk at the word ‘trauma,’ but it seems like that would be very traumatic if it happened to anybody.”
And a few years back, Roger was very critical of Radiohead for playing a gig in Israel. Since then, Roger’s made some very strong statements against Israel, including to the point where he’s now estranged from at least one of his bandmates because they don’t agree with his position.
But what I’m asking I guess is sort of a slightly different question and maybe a nicer way to end this, which is, it’s not a stretch for me to understand why someone who went through what Roger‘s been through, for him to look on in horror at the Gaza and civilian population issues. I’ve seen these crazy numbers. Is there an officially recognized number by the state of Israel?”
Draiman replied:
“It’s still being discerned. But let’s go ahead and play the devil’s advocate. Let’s say the number [of Palestinians killed in the Israel-Gaza war] is the 70,000 or 75,000 that the Gaza Health Ministry claims. How many of those were combatants? How many of those died from rockets that were launched by Hamas that ended up hitting their own population.”
When Corgan interrupted with, “I’m not assigning guilt, let’s just say one is too many”, Draiman replied with “No doubt.” Corgan then continued:
“It makes sense to me that a man who grew up in the shadow of World War II, lost his daddy in a war, has really suffered the consequence of that pain…”
Draiman interjected:
“That he would be hypersensitive to a scenario like that? I agree. But then why isn’t he hypersensitive to what’s going on in Iran. Why did he defend the Iranian Regime?… Here’s the thing, Billy: I grew up on Pink Floyd. I loved Pink Floyd. It was such a massive betrayal, not just to me, but Jews everywhere when he went in the direction that he did. And it wasn’t just two years ago; he’s been doing this for a long time. Roger has a penchant for dictators — the worst [motherf*ckers] on planet earth, Roger just cozies right up to them. He has no problem whatsoever.”
Corgan went on to say, “My attemped at peacekmaking failed”, leading Draiman to fire back with:
“Not with that one, dude. He’s just such a hypocrite. He’s a hypocrite. He’s not for human rights. He’s for this weird dictator-driven socialist — I don’t even understand what he’s trying to stand for.”
Corgan then went on to ask if Draiman remains open to at least hearing opposing opinions if backed up by facts, to which Draiman replied, “Absolutely. You close off and that’s the end of anything.” That led Corgan to ask, “So, if Roger Waters called you tomorrow and said, ‘Let’s sit down and talk,’ you’d talk to him?” Draiman quipped, “I’d have to punch him first, but yeah. [laughs]”
Corgan then stated, “I thought you were a man of peace… I’m not trying to call you out as much as say that, from my perspective, the price of peace is very high.”
Draiman later went on to add, “Listen, I’d be willing to sit down and have a conversation with just about anybody — except someone that can no longer be reached. And I’m very, very convinced that Roger Waters can no longer be reached.”
Draiman‘s comments have since made their way to Waters himself, who took to social media today, April 16th, with an open letter about the exchange above. That letter read as follows:
“An open letter to William Patrick Corgan:
Dear Billy
How are you? It’s been too long. David Draiman. Someone forwarded me this chap’s appearance on your podcast. I’d never heard of him. Anyway, it turns out he has heard of me. It seems he has a problem with me standing up for human rights, particularly the human rights of my brothers and sisters in Gaza who are being slaughtered in a genocide by the armed forces of the Nazi racist, pariah state of Israel. You, being the lovely fella you are gave this little piece of sh*t a chance to clarify or even modify his position.He did. He is a psychotic racist Nazi pig. I’m told, Billy, he writes messages on bombs before the IDF drops them on civilians in Gaza. Enough said. I will continue to work with all my brothers and sisters all over the world in the movement to demand equal human rights for all human beings, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity or nationality. If you, my friend are wondering if I want a conversation with this obnoxious little prick? The answer is non merci Billy, life’s too short, he can inhabit his tiny corner of hell without the benefit of my love and truth.
Love
R.
PS. Disturbed? Er? Yeah! Just a bit!”
Draiman replied directly to Waters‘s letter on social media this afternoon stating:
“And here I was open to dialogue, even with someone I so deeply disagree with.
Honestly @rogerwaters, this is the reaction I unfortunately expected.
It’s disappointing, but predictable.
Be brave Roger.
Blessed are the peacemakers, right?
I’m always willing to try. We must all continue to try.
Even with you.”
As reported earlier today, Draiman also spoke at length during this chat about his controversial decision to sign an IDF artillery shell back in 2024.
