When Draiman took the stage at Black Sabbath’s Back To The Beginning show, he received quite a few boos from the crowd. Draiman has since issued a statement that’s pretty much as defiant as you’d expect it to be…
Recently, I took to the stage at Black Sabbath’s Back To The Beginning show—a moment I had anticipated with a mixture of excitement and reverence for a legendary band that has shaped the landscape of heavy music. However, what transpired was not the warm reception I had hoped for. Instead, I was met with a chorus of boos from a portion of the crowd. Let me be clear: I expected some level of initial resistance, but what I experienced was a stark reminder that music, and the people who bring it to life, are often misunderstood and misjudged.
First and foremost, I want to address the boos directly. To those who voiced their displeasure, I say this: I respect your right to express your opinion. Art is subjective, and every artist must face criticism. But understand this—when I step onto that stage, I do so with respect for the legacy of Black Sabbath and the fans who cherish that history. My role was to honor that legacy, to pay tribute to the band that has been a beacon of innovation and darkness in rock history. I was not there to replace or diminish Black Sabbath but to celebrate its enduring influence.
The boos, I believe, stem from a misunderstanding. Perhaps some felt that my presence was not fitting, or that my style clashed with the traditional Sabbath sound. To those critics, I say this: music evolves, and so do its custodians. Black Sabbath was innovative in their time, blending heavy riffs with dark themes, and they have inspired countless artists—including myself. I am not here to imitate or compete; I am here to respect and carry forward the torch of heavy, meaningful music. If that doesn’t fit neatly into some people’s expectations, so be it.
To the fans who cheered, thank you. Your support means everything. It reminds me that music is a shared experience, one that transcends individual preferences. I stand with you in honoring the past while embracing the present and future of heavy music. For those who booed, I challenge you to look beyond your preconceived notions. Sometimes, true respect for a legacy requires us to be open-minded and willing to accept different interpretations and tributes.
Now, let me be unequivocal: I am proud of my career and my contributions to music. I am a vocalist who has spent decades pushing boundaries, exploring darkness, and expressing raw emotion through my art. My voice is my own, shaped by my experiences and influences, but always rooted in respect for those who came before me. If my presence at a Black Sabbath event stirs controversy, so be it. Controversy often accompanies change and progress.
I refuse to be silenced or intimidated by boos or criticism. Art is a battle—sometimes fought with silence, sometimes with words, and sometimes with defiance. I stand firm in my conviction that my participation in paying homage to Black Sabbath was genuine and heartfelt. I did not step onto that stage to disrespect the band or its fans. I did so to honor them and to keep their spirit alive for new generations.
To the organizers of the event, I extend my gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this historic occasion. I hope that future performances will foster understanding rather than division. Music is a universal language meant to unite, not divide. It’s easy to criticize from the sidelines, but it takes courage to stand up, pay tribute, and do so authentically.
In closing, I want to say this: I am proud of my journey and my artistry. I will continue to respect the legends and push my own boundaries. The boos I received will not define me, nor will they silence my passion. Instead, they serve as a reminder that music, like life, is a complex tapestry of opinions, emotions, and history. I will carry that complexity forward with pride, integrity, and unwavering respect for the past, present, and future of heavy music.
Thank you to those who understand and support the power of tribute and evolution. And to those still skeptical—keep listening. The story of rock is far from over.
