American heavy metal front man David Draiman called for unity at a performance by Disturbed in Amsterdam last week, after the band’s show was banned in neighboring Belgium over his pro-Israel views.

The mayor of Forest, the Brussels municipality where Disturbed had been scheduled to perform, called off the event, claiming that he was concerned about potential protests around the venue.

Draiman, who has been vocal about his Jewish heritage and support for Israel, visited the country earlier this year and posted pictures of himself signing shells intended for use by Israeli forces battling in Gaza.

According to reports, activists cited these pictures as the reason they intended to protest the concert.

Draiman eventually responded to the cancellation on social media, saying that music should be a space where all people are welcome.

“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.”

Draiman also addressed the Belgium cancellation during his show last week in Amsterdam.

Standing onstage, with his Disturbed bandmates by his side, he paused during the concert to make a statement........

© The Times of Israel