David Draiman Sets Record Straight On Lemmy Comments

DISTURBED and DEVICE frontman David Draiman has posted the following in regards to fans thinking he hates Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister.

"I've got to get something off my chest;

"Last night at the Gigantour date in Everett, Washington, we (DEVICE) were in the middle of our signing at the merch booth in between BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and MEGADETH's sets, meeting and greeting the fans, when some guy (big dude in a BLS vest/gear) ran by the signing table, looked me in the face, and blurted out, 'Lemmy is god!,' and then ran off like some little kid in high school getting off on taunting someone, and then running off like a little pussy (I mean, seriously, the guy was like 6'5" and had to weigh about 300 lbs!).

"I can only assume that this is a result of the false, and I repeat, false story that Lemmy and I have some sort of beef.

"Let me make myself completely crystal clear. We don't. I have nothing but tremendous respect for Lemmy and all of MOTÖRHEAD. They are pioneers in the genre and are living legends walking the face of this earth. Their fusion of punk and metal has influenced and inspired just about anyone who is a part of the world of hard rock and heavy metal.

"This nonsense that certain elements of the press like to perpetuate in order to create drama where there is none is irresponsible and shoddy reporting.

"This all stems from an interview where I was asked what I thought of Lemmy wearing Nazi paraphernalia, or brandishing Nazi symbolism. [Late SLAYER guitarist] Jeff Hanneman (RIP) was brought up as well, I believe.

"Coming from a family of Holocaust survivors, this is obviously a very sensitive subject for me and I said, 'I don't care who you are, if you're going to wear Nazi paraphernalia, I'm going to have a problem with it,' and I still do. Always will.

"How could anyone in their right mind expect me to be OK with someone wearing Nazi gear?

"I have nothing but love and respect for both artists, but I will never be OK with Nazi symbolism/paraphernalia being brandished by anyone. That doesn't mean that I had a personal 'beef' with either one of them. I mourned Jeff Hanneman's death as much as anyone; he was an inspiring and brilliant musician, and I still hail Lemmy as one of the greatest of all time. That doesnt mean I have to agree with that particular choice of symbolism or fashion, because I don't and never will.

"The drama which can be perpetuated by certain press elements, like so many children gossiping in some corner (yes, Blabbermouth, PRP, and all you other hater sites, I'm talking to you), does not help the genre, it only hurts it.

"I have had a beer at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in L.A. (where you can find Lemmy playing video poker many nights at the outdoor bar) with Lemmy on several occasions, and will always be honored to do so again.

"When the press baits you in order to get a response they know will cause controversy, knowing they can expect an honest answer out of you, and then uses it to start some kind of bullshit rumor, that's not reporting, that's manipulation. It's immature, and irresponsible. Instead of strengthening brotherhood within the genre, they consciously create rifts and separations for the sake of funneling traffic to their pages. It's quite pathetic, actually.

"So to set the record straight, I have nothing but respect and admiration for the talent and accomplishments of Mr. Lemmy Kilmister, even though I may vehemently disagree with his choice of apparel from time to time.

"Now let's put this piece-of-shit rumor to rest, shall we?"

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Tags:  Device, Disturbed, David Draiman  

Jason Fisher    July 31, 2013