Mayor bans Disturbed concert at Forest National

Mayor Charles Spapens (PS) of Brussels’ Forest neighbourhood has issued a police order banning a concert by American metal band Disturbed scheduled for Wednesday, citing a high risk of public disorder.

A risk analysis by the police posited that the arrival of singer David Draiman, an outspoken supporter of the Israeli army, could lead to tensions.

Back in June, Draiman shared a photo of himself signing an artillery shell at an Israeli army base near Gaza with the words "Fuck Hamas", which caused outrage, including among pro-Palestinian groups in Brussels.

Authorities say the concert, which was set to take place in the centre of a largely-residential area, might attract counter-demonstrations or protests that could get out of hand at a time when police are already stretched.

“My responsibility and priority are the safety of the residents, spectators and staff at Forest National,” said Spapens.

“Given the negative advice from the police and the special location of the venue, it was my duty to take this decision.”

At least one protest was already scheduled for the date of the performance and was expected to draw 500 participants.

“This protest is not directed against the fans, it’s directed against the band, and also against Live Nation and Forest National,” said Serge Stephan of Intal Globalise Solidarity, one of the organisers behind the protest.

“The frontman of the band signed bombs that killed people in Gaza. He shares the propaganda of the Israeli army. Not only the band, but also the organisation that brought the band here is complicit in genocide. It’s not right to give this band a platform in Brussels.”

The Facebook page for the protest also calls for pressure to be put on Megadeth, the support act for Disturbed.

Organiser Live Nation has not yet responded to the ban. Concerts elsewhere in Europe have so far gone ahead as planned.

The decision to cancel the performance comes in an already tense security context, with a national strike planned for 14 October in Brussels and a strike by prison staff that will require considerable police reserves.

Saint-Gilles mayor Jean Spinette (PS) also expressed his concern about the Brussels-Midi police zone being overwhelmed this week.