Disturbed: New Bassist Still To Pay Dues
DISTURBED singer David Draiman and guitarist Dan Donegan have posted separate statements on the group's official web site addressing fan concerns over the fact that the band's new bassist, John Moyer (ex-THE UNION UNDERGROUND), is not being prominently featured in the group's latest video, on the new CD cover or in promotional photos. Their statements follow:
David Draiman (posting dated August 28, 2005): "Many people have inquired as to why John is not seen prevalently in the video or in certain press items. Allow me to explain.
"First and foremost, there is nothing to worry about. We are very happy with John, and all is going exceptionally well. We are all getting along together great, and things are really beginning to jell live.
"John has a long road to travel on before he gets to the point where is a 'full member' of the band. Please understand, we hold him in the highest regard, but until he has withstood several tests of time and has paid some dues with us, he will have a lesser role than the three remaining founding members. We are just being careful, much like someone getting out of a bad relationship and starting anew. We're going to have to 'date for awhile before we put the ring on his finger.' We are excited to have him with us, and look forward to him growing into what we all hope he will become. These things take time. We could not be more proud of his work with us thus far and look forward to a bright future for him in the DISTURBED family.
"I hope that explains some things."
Dan Donegan (posting dated September 17, 2005): "For those of you who have an issue with the decisions we make in this band, that's too bad. [Neither] us nor John have any issues and that is all that matters. We shouldn't have to defend ourselves on how this band operates. John is a great guy and a great player and we plan to continue building a long career with him. We are more open to our fans than any band I know. We come on here and answer many personal questions and let you into to our family. Who else does that? Some of you just feel that it isn't enough. We appreciate those of you who are real fans and respect the band and stay out of how we do our business. Find something new to talk about. This is how it is, so deal with it. Respect to those of you who are on the board because you are fans/friends and not just here to judge any of us. We have a new CD coming out this Tuesday [Sept. 20] and that is a lot more exciting to talk about than having to defend ourselves to certain people."
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18 Comments on "Disturbed: New Bassist Still To Pay Dues "
3. writes:
There's a lot of falicy in those statements. First off, I met the singer and drummer outside of the bathroom of the Vic Theater in Chicago during a Machine Head concert, tried to say "hey" and Draiman just nodded his head and walked past me. The drummer did talk to me for a minute. Other bands are far more open of those I've met. Lajon from Sevendust talked to me and a friend for ten minutes at the bar of a venue during an opening band. The drummer from Dry Kill Logic had a beer with me during the same situation.
4. writes:
Former Contributor
5. writes:
Dues are dues and I agree new guy gets the Newsted treatment.....Which was harsh I gathered, more severe than VH1 behind the music lets on.....
Regardless, there was a less heavy handed way to respond to fans who are just curious. They want to know if the guy is a hired gun or fullfledged band member....Particularly if you happen to be a friend or fan of John Moyers previous work (I'm not, but I know a friend/bassist/drummer who does know some Union songs).
As far as bands that have "made it" commercially that are good to their fans i would have to agree Brian SD on Sevendust (the whole band particularly Morgan Rose and while he was there Clint Lowery)
Colds Scooter Ward is very fan friendly despite his breaking the camera of a co-worker of mine (on purpose!) I seem to remember Static X and SOAD hanging out with fans during a show in 99 too, Shavo drinks like a beast....And while I dont care for their music so much all of (HED) pe are super nice guys.....and they are crazy....like running start slip and slide on long bar tables with beer crazy.
7. writes:
you guys are forgetting the fact that john also posted, stating that he doesn't believe he's getting the raw deal. he's happy to just be in the band. i too was very angry because when i got the cd, his pic wasnt in there. but we dont know what really happened between the badn, and fuzz. maybe they're just taking precautions. meh w/e. i love the music. and they are a pretty open band. i havent been on other message boards where theres an 'ask the band' section, where the band actually replies. and i've met the band too, they actually hung out with me before their show in toronto. dan and we were talking for a long time, same with john and me. whatever. i dunno. but how about we let john decide whether or not he's getting enough recognition or whatnot? it isnt our place to say anything. we're the fans, they're the band, they make the music.
8. writes:
I don't know if anything is posted on why Fuzz is gone. I do know that one of my friends is cousins with Fuzz and got tickets and backstage passes and if I remember correctly, Fuzz left because he has a family now or something. I could be remembering wrong though.
9. writes:
well i dunno. i just read a post by dan, and he said their friendship is dead too. something else has to be going on. =/ because they were friends for what, a decade or so? something real serious must've happened for them to just stopped talking to each other.
10. writes:
some of you guys get it and others are not fans. i love this band ase much ase static-x. they both are very cool people who take time to explaine the jiz of whats going on, then geting dumped on for telling the truth. so be happy they told you ass-holes the truth.
11. writes:
I think it's funny... those comments were made on the Disturbed Message board, and were in response to a few fans who were worried that John was being treated unfairly. Now it's been posted here, and it looks like David/Dan are being a$$holes, and they're not. Another thing that they failed to mention was John's comment on the issue:
"FOR THOSE WHO FEEL THAT I AM GETTING A RAW DEAL-
I AM NOT. SO JUST CHILL! AND MORE SO THAN THAT STOP GIVING DAVE AND THE GUYS sh** ABOUT IT. I APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT YOU GUYS WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE OF ME BUT GIVE THE GUYS A BREAK. I AM HAVING THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE. I GET TO JAM EVERY NIGHT WITH THE BEST ROCK BAND IN THE WORLD AND FOR THE CRAZIEST FANS OUT THERE. EVERY NIGHT AND EVERY DAY GETS BETTER. SO WHAT IF THE BAND DIDN'T GIVE ME THE KEYS TO THE CITY. WHAT THEY DID GIVE ME WAS A GREAT OPPURTUNITY THAT HAS A LOT OF GROWTH AHEAD OF ME FOR MY FUTURE. I INTEND ON BEING AROUND FOR A QUITE AWHILE AND I EXPECT YOU ALL TO BE AROUND ALSO SO JUST ENJOY THE RIDE. I KNOW I AM.
MUCH RESPECT,
JM"
12. writes:
First of all, Disturbed answers questions on their message boards for fans religiously, and after the show at CBGB's they chilled with the fans for over 35 min until management had to pull them away. I even smoked a ciggarette with John the bassist no one at their level is more open then Disturbed...
13. writes:
First of all, Disturbed answers questions on their message boards for fans religiously, and after the show at CBGB's they chilled with the fans for over 35 min until management had to pull them away. I even smoked a ciggarette with John the bassist no one at their level is more open then Disturbed...
18. writes:
ok i guess i'd be in the middle on this one.
disturbed without fuzz is only really 75 percent.. and if by chance dan, mike or dave decide to leave
would it still be disturbed?
i guess what im tryin to say is i really love disturbed. the music and their cool personalities.
i understand that sh** happens and things dont always work out..
but i just hope disturbed stay together for a long time and i will worship them forever
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1. salla writes:
"We are more open to our fans than any band I know."
I don't know about that one..