Last week saw Disturbed‘s planned October 15th show at Forest National in Brussels, Belgium was canceled in light of security concerns. Citing a local police risk assessment, the mayor of the Brussels municipality of Forest, Charles Spapens, made the call to scrap that performance, stating:
“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.”
Local reports indicated that Disturbed vocalist David Draiman‘s longtime support for Israel and the IDF amid the now tentatively concluded Israel Gaza war was among one of the chief security concerns. Draiman infamously signed an Israel Defense Forces artillery shell back in 2024, leading to a firestorm of criticism that has persisted to this day, as the controversy and criticisms surrounding that conflict grew louder.
A planned national strike in Belgium being booked for October 14th was apparently factored into that risk assessment report, with police resources potentially already being stretched thin if an incident were to occur at the Disturbed concert. This morning, October 13th, the multi-platinum Chicago, IL-based band addressed the matter, offering the following statement:
“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. We have always made it a point that at our shows ALL are welcome no matter what you believe. 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.
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.”
Disturbed are currently out touring across Europe and the UK on the 25h anniversary of their 3x multi-platinum debut album “The Sickness” with thrash metal legends Megadeth as direct support.
10/14 Amsterdam, NET – Ziggo Dome10/15 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
— Disturbed (@Disturbed) October 13, 2025
