With one of the most unique and recognizable voices in rock/metal, David Draiman of Disturbed has had quite the storied career since joining the band in 1994. With a staggering 17 singles to reach No. 1 at Active Rock radio, Disturbed has become one of the more successful bands of the 21st century. As we wish David Draiman a happy 50th birthday today (March 13), let’s take a look at some things you may or may not know about the Disturbed frontman.
1. During his freshman year at the Wisconsin Institute for Torah Study in Milwaukee, Draiman was asked to leave after they’d found a GQ magazine under his pillow. The actual pressing reason was his rebellious behavior, including “chucking a kid (who hit him) out of a second-story window” and “blowing up the rabbi’s van” according to Draiman himself.
2. Draiman triple majored in Business Administration, Philosophy, and Political Science at Loyola University Chicago.
3. In 2006, after cancelling a few shows, Draiman underwent successful surgery to fix a deviated septum which was making breathing difficult and affecting his vocal abilities on stage.
4. Draiman quit Twitter, saying social media “was taking away from my marriage, it was taking away from my time with my kid… I’m done being anybody’s punching bag.” He has since re-joined the social media platform and can be followed @davidmdraiman.
5. Besides English, Draiman is also fluent in Hebrew.
For more interesting fun facts about Draiman and Disturbed, we recommend checking out Loudwire’s Wikipedia: Fact Or Fiction? two-part episode about Draiman. He goes into detail about his upbringing, the creation of the band, some of the band’s more notable moments, and some personal struggles he was forced to fight through. Both parts have been included below.
Be sure to get tickets to see Disturbed at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on May 4th, 2023.
Happy 50th Birthday David!
