DISTURBED Frontman Prefers Keeping Politics Out Of Live Show

June 2, 2008

The Pulse of Radio reports: DISTURBED is known for the band's steadfast support of U.S. troops and singer David Draiman is also well-known for his outspoken views on politics and foreign affairs. But while Draiman is against the occupation of Iraq and has definite views on the upcoming presidential election, he told The Pulse of Radio he prefers to keep those to himself during the band's live show. "I'm not one to preach, and that's not why I go up there," he said. "You know, to encourage a little bit of patriotism, to remember the troops, to do things like that, that's synonymous with who we are and what we do. To get into things a little bit more than just opinion-based, that are maybe a little bit more political, it's not really the place, I feel, of a frontman to do during the show."

Footage surfaced at DISTURBED's YouTube channel late last week of DISTURBED guitarist Dan Donegan and drummer Mike Wengren hanging out with a U.S. soldier backstage before the band's show in Cincinnati last month (seee clip below). The soldier presented the band members with an American flag, while they gave him drumsticks, guitar picks and a bass pick.

DISTURBED's music is a favorite for U.S. troops when they're getting fired up for battle. When asked about this in March by MSNBC, David Draiman replied, "You have to take it out of the context that they're about to go take lives....If they can get some sort of power from the music and come home safely by utilizing our music, I couldn't be more proud."

Draiman has recently said that he tentatively supports Barack Obama for president.

DISTURBED's new album, "Indestructible", arrives in stores on Tuesday (June 3).

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