Disturbed frontman David Draiman revealed that he recently experienced a severe battle with addiction and depression that almost ended his life.
In an extremely vulnerable, emotional speech he delivered to fans onstage last week (May 4th) in Milwaukee, the metal singer wiped tears from his eyes as he spoke candidly about the "demons that are known as addiction and depression."
Draiman lamented the death of fellow rockstar friends like Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, Soundgarden's Chris Cornell and Stone Temple Pilots' Scott Weiland, and then disclosed a sobering revelation: "A couple months ago, I almost joined them."
"A reason to fight. We all need one," Draiman began, speaking in between songs during Disturbed's set. "The demons that are known as addiction and depression are very, very real.
"They are diseases no different than cancer. You can't see depression. You can't see addiction. It festers inside. It metastasizes, takes over your body and mind, your soul.
"And I don't know about you, but I'm tired of losing everybody I love to depression and addiction. Every single band member on this stage has dealt with those feelings, with those demons.
"And I miss the friends that we've lost. I miss Chester [Bennington, singer of Linkin Park], I miss Scott [Weiland, singer of Stone Temple Pilots] I miss Chris [Cornell, singer/guitarist of Soundgarden.]
"And if I can be completely honest with you, a couple months ago, I almost joined them.
"Addiction and depression can happen to anyone ladies and gentlemen. No one is immune from it no matter how beautiful their life may look from the outside.
"No matter how blessed they may seem. It's out of our control. Now by a show of hands how many of you have dealt with the demons of addiction and depression yourself or know someone that has? Keep 'em up. Now take a look around this arena.
"As you can see my friends, you are not alone."
We're glad to hear Draiman made it through his recent battle, and commend his braveness to open up about his struggles onstage like that. Watch his speech above via YouTube.
