David Draiman Booed at Ozzy Osbourne’s Farewell Show Over Israel Support
Controversy Erupts at Ozzy’s Final Show
During Ozzy Osbourne’s highly anticipated farewell concert, an unexpected moment stole the spotlight when David Draiman, frontman of Disturbed, was met with loud boos from the crowd. The backlash came after Draiman publicly expressed his support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The incident has since sparked heated debates among metal fans, with social media erupting in both condemnation and defense of the vocalist.
What Happened at the Concert?
The moment unfolded when Draiman, known for hits like “Down with the Sickness,” took the stage as a guest performer. While some fans cheered, a noticeable portion of the audience began booing and shouting, with some even turning their backs. Witnesses reported chants of “Free Palestine” mixed with the jeers.
Draiman, who is Jewish and a vocal advocate for Israel, did not immediately address the crowd’s reaction. However, later in the show, he reportedly said, “Music should unite us, but some truths are worth standing for.”
Why Did Fans React This Way?
The metal community has long prided itself on being apolitical, but recent global conflicts have forced artists and fans to take sides. Draiman has been outspoken on social media, condemning Hamas and defending Israel’s military actions. His posts have drawn both praise and criticism, with some fans accusing him of ignoring Palestinian civilian casualties.
A fan at the concert, Mark R., told Metal Hammer:
“It’s Ozzy’s night—why bring politics into it? Draiman knew this would stir things up.”
Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian activists celebrated the backlash, with one Twitter user writing:
“Finally, people are waking up. No one gets a free pass for supporting genocide.”
Draiman’s Response & Industry Reactions
Following the incident, Draiman took to X (Twitter), posting:
“Boo all you want. My heritage and the truth aren’t up for debate.”
The response was divisive. Fellow musicians like Corey Taylor (Slipknot) and Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine) have avoided direct commentary but previously urged for “peace over polarization.”
However, Gene Simmons (KISS), a longtime Israel supporter, backed Draiman, tweeting:
“Standing for your people isn’t a crime. The real crime is terrorism.”
Social Media Explodes
A video clip of the booing went viral, amassing over 500K views in hours.
Comments ranged from:
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“Disgusting behavior. Metal is about freedom, not mob mentality.”
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“Finally, fans holding celebrities accountable.”
Broader Implications for Metal & Politics
This incident highlights a growing tension in the metal scene—can artists separate their political views from their art? While bands like System of a Down (of Armenian heritage) have been praised for activism, Draiman’s stance has proven more contentious.
Music journalist Liz Ramanand noted:
“Metal has always been rebellious, but now the rebellion is against the artists themselves when their views clash with fans.”
Conclusion: A Divided Fanbase
As Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell tour continues, the Draiman controversy serves as a reminder that music and politics are increasingly intertwined. Whether fans agree with Draiman or not, the debate over artists’ roles in global discourse is far from over.
What do you think? Should musicians keep politics offstage, or is activism part of metal’s DNA? Let us know in the comments.
