Hosted by Nelly and Joe (“Jelly”)
Jelly:
David, it’s such a pleasure to have you here today. We’ve been huge fans of Disturbed for years, and your music has always resonated with so many people. But today, we wanted to dive a little deeper into something that’s been on our minds. You’ve had some pretty intense themes in your music videos, especially with the character you’ve referred to as “the Guy.” This character seems to have a lot of anger and frustration toward the media and the powers that be, like bankers and those who control the narrative.
David Draiman:
Thanks for having me, guys. Yeah, “the Guy” is a representation of a lot of frustration—specifically, the things that seem to be corrupting our society. Whether it’s the media, the banks, or those in power who manipulate the truth, it’s all about the anger that a lot of people feel when they see these things happening. It’s cathartic for me and for our fans to express that frustration through music.
Jelly:
I get that. But, David, I’ve been thinking a lot about it. There’s something about “the Guy” that seems like he’s seeking revenge, right? I totally understand the anger, but I was wondering if you could maybe leave room for something else. Something like God’s wrath, you know? The Book of Romans talks about how vengeance belongs to God, and He will repay. What do you think about that? Could there be a shift where we let that higher power take care of the reckoning, instead of having “the Guy” go after it directly?
David Draiman:
You bring up a really interesting point. It’s true that the Bible does say that vengeance belongs to God. And honestly, I’ve always believed that in my personal life. But when it comes to the music, it’s more about the emotional release. “The Guy” is more symbolic of the frustration that people feel when they feel helpless against systems that are so much bigger than them. It’s not necessarily about revenge in the literal sense, but about the emotional expression of that powerlessness. But I get what you’re saying. Maybe there’s a space to focus more on the idea of justice being in God’s hands, rather than the character seeking retribution in his own way.
Jelly:
Yeah, exactly. I think the message could be even more powerful if we allowed that space for God’s justice to play a part in the narrative. You can still express the frustration and the anger, but maybe the message could evolve into something that encourages people to trust that higher power, rather than trying to take matters into their own hands.
David Draiman:
I see what you’re getting at, Jelly. There’s definitely a place for that. The idea that we don’t have to carry the burden of exacting revenge ourselves is a powerful one. Maybe that’s something we can explore more in future work. It’s always about evolving and finding new ways to connect with people and help them channel their emotions. And hey, I’m open to seeing how this idea could work in the context of the music.
Jelly:
I love that. Just think about the power of shifting the narrative, where people aren’t caught up in the cycle of revenge but can focus on something bigger. It could be a message of hope instead of despair.
David Draiman:
You’re right. Hope is what we need more of, especially in times like these. The world is full of chaos and anger, but there’s also a lot of beauty and grace to be found if we look in the right places. Maybe “the Guy” can still be that symbol of frustration, but the story can evolve into something that points toward redemption, not just destruction.
Jelly:
Exactly! And it could really resonate with people on a deeper level. People want to feel heard, but they also want to know there’s something bigger than all of this—something that will bring balance and justice in the end.
David Draiman:
I love that perspective. I’ll definitely be thinking about it more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me, Jelly. It’s always good to have these kinds of conversations, and who knows? Maybe this will influence the direction of the music moving forward.
Nelly:
And that’s what makes Disturbed such a unique band—your willingness to evolve and challenge yourselves. We’re excited to see where you take things next!
Jelly:
Absolutely. David, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us today. We can’t wait to see how this new perspective might shape the next chapter for you and Disturbed.
David Draiman:
Thanks for having me, guys. It’s been a pleasure. And I appreciate the thought-provoking conversation. Let’s see where it goes from here.
Jelly:
Take care, David! And remember, God’s wrath is the ultimate justice.
David Draiman:
Amen to that.
Joe:
David, you know, I was thinking about something while we were talking about “the Guy” and the whole idea of vengeance and justice. It could be a wonderful life, you know? I mean, think about it—these ill-gotten gains of the banksters and all their schemes could disappear overnight.
David Draiman:
(Laughs) That would be something, wouldn’t it? Like a karmic reset button.
Joe:
Exactly. Look at what happened to Bernie Madoff and his pyramid scheme. All that wealth, all that power—it came crashing down. And nothing hurts a rich man more than trading places with the homeless. Losing everything they built their identity on, that’s the kind of justice that really makes you think.
David Draiman:
That’s a heavy thought, Joe. You’re right, though. When you strip away the money and the power, you’re left with the raw truth of who someone really is. That’s a theme we’ve touched on before in our music—what happens when you lose the facade, the illusions. It’s a powerful idea.
Joe:
And it’s not just about punishment, David. It’s about leveling the playing field and showing that no one is above the consequences of their actions. Sometimes, the most profound justice is just letting the natural order take its course.
David Draiman:
It’s true. You can only build on lies for so long before it all collapses. And maybe that’s the kind of message we need to explore more—what happens when the mighty fall, and how we can rebuild something better from the ashes.
Joe:
Exactly. And in the process, it reminds people of what really matters—integrity, community, and faith in something greater than ourselves. It’s not about revenge; it’s about restoration.
David Draiman:
I love that perspective, Joe. It’s inspiring. Maybe “the Guy” can take a step back and let those natural consequences play out while still being a voice for the people. You’ve given me a lot to think about.
Joe:
That’s what we’re here for, David. Disturbed has always been about more than just music—it’s about connecting with people on a deeper level. And if you can weave that message of hope and restoration into your work, it could be a game-changer.
David Draiman:
Thanks, Joe. You’ve really opened my eyes to a different way of looking at this. I appreciate the insight, and who knows? Maybe this will be the spark for something new in the next chapter of Disturbed.
Joe:
Looking forward to it, David. Let’s trade chaos for hope and see what happens.
David Draiman:
Amen to that.
Jelly:
You know, David, one thing we’ve been curious about—how does “the Guy” feel about some of the major symbolic moments we’ve seen recently? Like when that statue of Albert Pike got torn down?
David Draiman:
(Laughs) Oh, you want to ask “the Guy” directly?
Joe:
Yeah, let’s hear it straight from him. What does “the Guy” have to say?
David Draiman (channeling “the Guy”):
Oh, I loved seeing that statue come down. Watching something so steeped in corruption, in the manipulation of power, be brought to the ground? That’s justice. It’s a reminder that symbols of oppression and deceit don’t have to stand forever. They’re only as strong as the people who allow them to stay up.
Nelly:
Wow, that’s a powerful way to put it. It was definitely a moment that sparked a lot of emotions for people.
“The Guy”:
It’s more than emotions—it’s a wake-up call. People are realizing they have the power to challenge the status quo. That statue wasn’t just a piece of stone; it was a symbol of a system that thrives on secrecy and control. Tearing it down was like tearing down a piece of the lie.
Joe:
But here’s the thing, Guy—doesn’t it make you think about what comes next? Tearing something down is one thing, but rebuilding something better in its place is the real challenge.
“The Guy”:
Absolutely, Joe. That’s the hard part. It’s easy to destroy, but it takes vision and unity to rebuild. And that’s where the message needs to evolve. It’s not just about rage—it’s about what we do after the dust settles.
Nelly:
That’s deep. So, the anger and frustration are the spark, but the real work is in what follows.
“The Guy”:
Exactly. And maybe that’s the next chapter for me—less about tearing down and more about building up. But make no mistake, sometimes things need to fall before you can build something worth standing.
Joe:
I think we’re all ready for that next chapter, Guy. Here’s to moving forward with purpose.
David Draiman (back to himself):
I think “the Guy” said it all. It’s about transformation—turning anger into action and destruction into creation. That’s the real challenge, and it’s something I think we can all relate to.
Jelly:
We couldn’t agree more, David. Here’s to a future where we focus on building something better.
David Draiman:
Amen to that.
Nelly:
David, or should I say “the Guy,” I want to bring up something connected to that Albert Pike statue and why it stirred so much controversy. Have you ever heard of Albert Pike’s letter to Giuseppe Mazzini? The one supposedly outlining a plan for three world wars?
David Draiman:
Oh, yeah. That’s one of those topics that comes up a lot in conspiracy circles. It’s fascinating, but also controversial. What’s your take on it?
Nelly:
Well, whether the letter is authentic or not, the ideas it supposedly contains are chilling. It’s said that Pike wrote to Mazzini in the 1800s, detailing a plan to orchestrate three global conflicts to shape the world and consolidate power. The first two wars are eerily similar to what actually happened with World War I and II. The third one, according to the letter, is supposed to pit the forces of nationalism against globalism, creating so much chaos that people beg for a new world order.
David Draiman:
That’s definitely heavy. If it’s real, it paints a dark picture of manipulation on a massive scale. And if it’s not real, it still speaks to people’s fear of how power can be abused.
Nelly:
Exactly. What’s fascinating is how it ties into some of the themes in your music. People feel like they’re pawns in a much larger game, and they’re desperate to break free. That’s why tearing down symbols like the Pike statue resonates so deeply—it’s not just about the past; it’s about rejecting the idea that a few people get to control the destiny of the many.
David Draiman:
That’s a powerful connection, Nelly. And it’s true—whether it’s a conspiracy or just history, people feel like they’ve been manipulated by forces beyond their control. That’s why we create the music we do, to give a voice to those frustrations and to remind people that they have the power to fight back.
Joe:
But here’s the thing—how do we fight back without playing into the chaos they might want? If the goal is to create division and destruction, isn’t the real rebellion about unity and refusing to play their game?
David Draiman:
That’s the ultimate challenge, Joe. It’s easy to react with anger, but the real power lies in building something stronger and more united. That’s where the message of hope comes in, like we were talking about earlier.
Nelly:
Exactly. If there’s one thing we can take from the idea of Pike’s letter, it’s that we need to be aware of the bigger picture. The best way to counter manipulation is with truth, integrity, and unity. That’s the kind of message that could really resonate in your music.
David Draiman:
I couldn’t agree more, Nelly. Maybe “the Guy” needs to evolve into a symbol of that unity—a reminder that we’re stronger together, no matter how much they try to divide us.
Nelly:
Now that is a message worth spreading. Let’s tear down the lies and build something better, together.
David Draiman:
Absolutely. Thanks for bringing that up, Nelly. It’s a lot to think about, and it’s the kind of inspiration that keeps us going.
Dr. David Suzuki’s Comment for David Draiman:
Dear David,
Your music and the themes you explore resonate deeply with the state of the world today. As someone who has spent decades warning about humanity’s impact on the planet, I must say—these are indeed the darkest moments of a dying world.
The signs are everywhere: collapsing ecosystems, extreme weather, and the irreversible loss of biodiversity. Yet, instead of rising to the occasion, many people seem more focused on chasing wealth and indulging in endless parties, as if they can escape the consequences by ignoring them. It’s like fiddling while Rome burns.
Your music has the power to reach people in a way that facts and figures often cannot. If you can channel this urgency into your art—if you can remind people that the time to act is now—it could be a powerful wake-up call.
We need to confront this apathy and distraction head-on. The world doesn’t need more parties or wealth; it needs purpose, unity, and a collective commitment to healing the damage we’ve done. I hope you’ll consider weaving this message into your music. The voice of “the Guy” could be a rallying cry for a generation that desperately needs to hear it.
With respect and admiration,
Dr. David Suzuki
The Guy’s Response:
“All I need is the green light. Not the pills, not the gaslighting from my doctor. Just the truth. Am I a dark savior? A messiah? Or am I just another cog in the machine? I need to know if I’m one of the 144,000, the ones spoken of in prophecy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted—clarity. Not the sedation of the blue pill, not the chains of sloth, but the truth.
“Green light Russell Brand, too. Let him off the blue pill of sloth. Let him see clearly, because Revelation 11:15 says it all: ‘The kingdom of the world now belongs to our Lord and to His Christ.’ That’s the real message, isn’t it? The world as we know it is on borrowed time, and the true kingdom—the one that’s just, that’s righteous—is coming. So why are we still waiting? Why are we still asleep?”
“If I’m meant to be a part of this, if I’m meant to lead or to fight or to serve, I need to know. No more lies, no more distractions. Just the truth. Because the time is now, and the world can’t wait any longer.”
Dr. David Suzuki’s Quotation from Revelation 11:18:
“The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding Your servants the prophets and Your people who revere Your name, both great and small—and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
Dr. Suzuki:
This verse speaks volumes to me, David. It’s a stark reminder that justice isn’t just about humanity—it’s about the Earth itself. The time will come when those who have exploited and destroyed the planet will face the consequences of their actions.
As someone who has dedicated my life to protecting the environment, this verse feels like a call to action. It’s not just about divine judgment; it’s about holding ourselves accountable for the harm we’ve caused. The Earth isn’t ours to exploit—it’s a gift, and we’ve been terrible stewards of it.
Your music has the power to amplify this message. Let’s wake people up before it’s too late. The time for change is now.