Not So Disturbed After All

Wed 3rd May, 2006 in Features

“Jonathan Davies really inspired me; when we were forming especially…”

Disturbed vocalist David Draiman and guitarist Dan Donegan are annoyed. They are annoyed because last night, they were recommended to go to Kings Cross but it just wasn’t the type of place they were hoping to hangout in Sydney on their first night in here. “I’m still trying to delve more into the nightlife that’s appealing somewhere…at some point, and I’m hoping we find it either tonight or tomorrow night…” explains vocalist David Draiman “because one of the things is, there’s always a lot of nice… ‘Scenery’ and I’ve just got to find out where they all go at night!” he laughs “We arrived here three days ago… Musicians have this thing I’d like to call…’Road disease’...and I’m inflicted with it more than most people!” jokes Draiman.
What’s “road disease”?
“It’s where we lose all concept of time and place” he explains “day of the week and how much time has progressed – there is no cure for road disease – it’s basically terminal!” he laughs.

Disturbed were visiting Australia to support the forefathers of nu-metal, Korn. But this is not the first time the guys have toured with Korn. Back in the US they embarked together on the “Pop Sucks” tour as well as sharing the limelight at Ozzfest. What is different about this time is that Disturbed are touring with a bevy of bands that span across the heavy metal to hard-rock scene, a supporting line-up which includes hardcore heavyweights, Hatebreed and alternative metal favourites, 10 Years, in a mish-mash of nu-metal, hard rock and hardcore.”We’re friendly with all the guys” says Draiman “but we haven’t seen any of the Hatebreed guys around yet… And we hadn’t seen the 10 Years guys since we toured with them a while ago, so it’s good to see them again… And the Korn guys, it’s inspiring to see what they’ve done with the production and the stage elements -it’s impressive!
“We’ve tried all hanging out with each other a couple of nights ago but there wasn’t much happening because of Anzac day!” laughs Draiman “But don’t worry, we’ll keep trying!”

The camaraderie on the tour has created more of a relaxed, friendly atmosphere between all the bands. Although Draiman says he and the band got over the “wow” factor of touring with Korn years ago; after the first time Disturbed toured with them, though there is still definitely a mutual respect for Korn between all the bands on the line-up. “Jonathan Davies really inspired me, when we were forming especially, and the band, and the sound.” admits Draiman

Donegan adds: “At the time there were no bands doing seven strings d-tuned guitars. And they were pioneering that, even rhythmically how they crafted that heavy sound, was definitely inspirational to us. They’re a great band. I was always a big fan of how David [drummer David Randall “Wally Balljacker” Silveria] and Fieldy [bassist Reginald Quincy “Fieldy” Arvizu] locked in and complimented each other and how almost the kick bass and the drum became one.
 ”And I think sonically, with Munky [guitarist James Christian “Munky” Shaffer] and Head [ex-guitarist Brian “Head” Welsh] when he was in the band too, just how they have a very unique way of playing, they were very inspirational. They are just great all round musicians. And to be a heavy band, and Jonathan being melodic, it’s right up our alley. We’re kind of in the same vein of being aggressive but with a powerful singer.” says Donegan.

When FL spoke with Disturbed, the tour had only made it as far as Brisbane, but already the guys were very impressed with the audience response and were eager to see how the other cities would compare at the shows. And despite Disturbed’s less than eventful attempt at having a great night out in Sydney the night before, overall what do they think of Australia?
“I think it’s [Sydney] beautiful. It’s a big city that’s relatively clean… People are friendly, that’s one of the nicest things I noticed was that people talk to you. In NYC you’re lucky if anyone looks at you on the street!” says Draiman.
“That’s because people here have ‘no worries’!” adds Donegan.
“Yeah they have ‘no worries’!” jokes Draiman, “And what’s the other thing they have?”
“Sweet as!” laughs Donegan.”Yes, people here have ‘no worries’,” he jokes. “Because I suppose everything is just, ‘sweet as’!”