Early this month, we reported on an interview in which Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds reminisced about opening for nu-metallers Disturbed, calling the experience “gay-ass shit” and basically dumping on the band. Now, Disturbed frontman David Draiman has in a separate interview commented on the incident — and he was actually very grown-up about the whole thing.
To recap, Hinds was speaking to Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta on the vocalist’s podcast, and said, “I did a lot of tours I didn’t want to do though…like Disturbed and all that Mayhem stupid bullshit. Gay-ass shit. You gotta fuckin’ open up for Disturbed. You gotta play to people that like Disturbed.”
While speaking to Loudwire Nights, Draiman was asked about Hinds’ comments. His response, in short: it’s not that big a deal, things get blown out of proportion in the press, and Mastodon are a cool band,.
“You know, I have nothing but the greatest respect and admiration for the Mastodon guys,” said Draiman. “I have been a fan since day one, I continue to be a fan. I think that there’s just too much mutual respect and admiration. And they knew it — they knew we liked them. We were cool with each other throughout our touring times together. We’re genuine fans.”
“It was surprising, to say the least. And you know what Brent? I hope that — just know from my end — I bear no ill will, and if at any given point in time those guys are somewhere and we can break bread or have a drink together, I’m always down. I don’t hold it against them or him or anything. Too often, these things are made more of than they really should be. Everything is trying to pit one musician against another musician. Who knows? Maybe he was having a bad day and maybe it is like what the Mastodon guys said. Who knows? God knows I haven’t had all glorious moments in my past in the press, so everybody’s human and I don’t begrudge anyone. It’s all good.”
For the record, we agree with Draiman that Mastodon didn’t seem to really mean any harm throughout all of this, Brent included. The band already apologized, and as Draiman points out, Hinds doesn’t seem to be having the best day in that video. Overall, this feels like the squashing of a beef that maybe never really existed.
Anyway, kudos to Draiman for getting that, and taking it all in stride.
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Words by Chris Krovatin
