Disturbed’s David Draiman recently showed support for Beartooth singer Caleb Shomo, who faced criticism on social media after releasing the band’s new single, ‘Free, and music video. A statement was shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The statement addressed the homophobic comments directed at Shomo following the release of Beartooth’s new single “Free” and its accompanying music video.
“Some of the greatest frontmen of all time have never held anything back, fully embracing their own aspects of flamboyance and expressing themselves as powerfully as they knew how,” Draiman said. “Bowie, Mercury, and so many others, took rock to a level only few dared to go, and did it with power, class, and grace.”
Draiman continued his message of support by praising Shomo’s artistic development and the band’s current work.
“I have watched Caleb Shomo, the singer of Beartooth, become one of the most formidable young frontmen in rock,” he continued. “The song is great, the video is great, and the band is firing on all cylinders. Bowie, Mercury and so many others, including yours truly, are PROUD OF YOU.”
The supportive statement came in response to the negative reaction Beartooth received after their latest release.
This show of solidarity highlights the ongoing challenges artists face when expressing themselves authentically in the rock and metal community. This is particularly true when their artistic choices challenge traditional expectations.
The Beartooth singer recently received some controversial comments online, including one from Attila vocalist Chris Fronzak, who mocked the vocalist’s sexual orientation using his last name, Shomo. Later, Fronzak issued an apology, in which he said, “I would like to formally apologize for my tweet about Caleb Shomo. I meant it as a joke, but it didn’t come across that way. I don’t know what he’s going through at the moment, but I wish him the best. The world has too much hate rn & I don’t want to add any fuel to that fire.”
Shomo is a multi-instrumentalist who founded Beartooth in 2012. He has consistently incorporated raw emotional themes into the band’s metalcore sound throughout their career. The band has built a dedicated following through their honest approach to mental health struggles and personal vulnerability in their music.
Draiman’s public support comes at a time when he has been actively participating in major festival circuits. Wired Head News reported that recent festival lineups have featured next-generation rock icons alongside established acts. Draiman appeared alongside legendary bands like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and Alice in Chains.
The incident reflects broader conversations within the rock and metal communities about artistic expression and acceptance. Draiman’s reference to iconic performers like David Bowie and Freddie Mercury serves as a reminder of how groundbreaking artists have historically faced similar criticism for challenging conventional norms.
Beartooth’s “Free” represents the band’s continued evolution in addressing themes of self-acceptance and breaking free from societal constraints. The controversy surrounding the video demonstrates the ongoing tension between artistic expression and audience expectations in the modern music landscape.
