When David Draiman joined Loudwire Nights on February 21, he expressed a whirlwind of emotions surrounding the release of Disturbed’s new song, “I Will Not Break,” just days before their highly anticipated tour kicks off.
Emotional Rollercoaster Ahead of Tour
“Nervous and excited and stressed,” Draiman shared with host Chuck Armstrong. “But it’s good. It’s good, all good things.” Much of his anxiety stems from the preparations for Disturbed’s tour, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of their seminal album, The Sickness.
Challenges and Nostalgia in Preparation
Draiman elaborated on the complexities of the tour, describing it as “[incredibly challenging], in terms of there being a lot of moving parts.” He hinted at an exciting lineup of surprises and nostalgic elements that fans can expect. “A lot of toys we’re bringing out on this one… People are going to be barraged with surprise after surprise. It’s going to be fun.”
Performing The Sickness in Full
This tour marks a significant milestone for the band, as Draiman noted, “This is the first time in our entire career that we’re going to be performing the first album front to back in its entirety.” Some tracks have been dormant for 15 to 18 years, making this a unique experience for both the band and fans alike.
New Music on the Horizon
Alongside celebrating their past, Draiman expressed enthusiasm for Disturbed’s new music. He assured the Loudwire Nights audience that this release is merely the beginning, stating, “This new music is the first of a slew of new material that we have in the vault that we will be releasing over the course of the next year or two, leading up to a full album release.”
According to Draiman, this new work retains the classic Disturbed sound while also promising some surprises. “We’re incredibly proud of this body of work. It’s definitely got that old-school Disturbed feel to it.”
Upcoming Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath
While gearing up for the tour and new music, Draiman is also preparing for “Back to the Beginning,” a major tribute event for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath on July 5 in Birmingham, England. He expressed his gratitude for being part of this legendary lineup, stating, “Oh God, [I’m] beyond honored, beyond humbled… It’s truly shaping up to be one of the greatest heavy metal shows of all time.”
Influence of Ozzy Osbourne
Draiman referred to Ozzy as “the Godfather of Metal,” acknowledging the profound impact Ozzy has had on his life and career. “He’s like a father to me… Without Ozzy, where would any of us be?” Draiman reflected on his own journey, crediting classic albums like the 1976 compilation We Sold Our Soul for Rock ‘n’ Roll as foundational influences.
Insights from the Interview
Draiman shared several thoughts during the interview:
- On the meaning behind “I Will Not Break”: “I’m definitely in a much more positive place… This is a vengeance track. A return track. A healing track.”
- Discussing the emotional challenges of revisiting older material: “It took so much angst and rebellion… It’s kind of a double-edged sword.”
- His reaction to Loudwire naming “Down With the Sickness” as one of the greatest songs of the last 25 years: “It’s very surreal… I’m just not used to it.”
Conclusion
David Draiman’s appearance on Loudwire Nights highlighted not only the excitement surrounding Disturbed’s upcoming tour and new music but also the deep roots of inspiration he draws from the legends of heavy metal. As fans eagerly await the band’s return to the stage and their new offerings, Draiman’s reflections remind us of the emotional connections that music creates across generations.
FAQs
What is the significance of Disturbed’s tour?
The tour celebrates the 25th anniversary of their debut album, The Sickness, and will feature performances of the album in its entirety for the first time.
What can fans expect from the new music?
David Draiman mentioned that the new music will maintain the classic Disturbed sound while also introducing surprises, with plans for more releases leading up to a full album.
Why is David Draiman participating in the Ozzy Osbourne tribute?
Draiman feels honored to be part of the tribute event for Ozzy and Black Sabbath, recognizing their monumental impact on heavy metal and his own career.