During a tour stop in Milwaukee, Disturbed singer David Draiman opened up about his own struggles with addiction and depression, that recently almost ended his life.
Listen to Audacy’s I’m Listening Mental Health Mix and more on the free Audacy app
As has been standard, performing their 2018 track "A Reason to Fight" off their Evolution album while on tour has often given Disturbed a platform to speak about mental health. This time, Draiman delivered an extremely vulnerable and emotional speech to fans onstage during the show, while also showing audience members that they are not alone with the struggles he faces and that affect so many.
As the metal singer wiped tears from his eyes, he spoke candidly about the "demons that are known as addiction and depression." Lamenting over the death of fellow rockstar friends like Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, Soundgarden's Chris Cornell and Stone Temple Pilots' Scott Weiland, Draiman disclosed, “if I can be completely honest with you, a couple months ago, I almost joined them.”
"A reason to fight. We all need one," Draiman began, “the demons that are known as addiction and depression are very, very real. They are diseases no different than cancer.”
He continued, “You can't see depression. You can't see addiction. It festers inside. It metastasizes, takes over your body and mind, your soul. And I don't know about you, but I'm tired of losing everybody I love to depression and addiction. Every single band member on this stage has dealt with those feelings, with those demons.”
"Addiction and depression can happen to anyone ladies and gentlemen. No one is immune from it no matter how beautiful their life may look from the outside. No matter how blessed they may seem. It's out of our control.”
“Now by a show of hands how many of you have dealt with the demons of addiction and depression yourself or know someone that has? Keep 'em up,” Draiman requested as a powerful display of unity formed. “Now take a look around this arena. As you can see my friends, you are not alone.”
Check out the moving moment below.
Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.