Disturbed frontman David Draiman has publicly defended Beartooth vocalist Caleb Shomo after the singer faced backlash surrounding the band’s new single ‘Free’.
The controversy began after Beartooth released the music video for ‘Free’, which shows Shomo appearing without his usual bandana while wearing makeup and more flamboyant clothing than fans might expect from the metalcore frontman.
The stylistic shift, combined with the song’s more melodic tone, sparked criticism across social media, according to reports circulating online, the backlash escalated beyond typical fan reactions, with some comments even targeting Shomo’s family (per the PRP).
Shortly after the reaction began spreading online, Shomo deleted his Instagram account, further fuelling speculation about the situation.
Draiman speaks out in support
Draiman weighed in on the conversation, posting a message of support for Shomo on X.
“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.
Bowie, Mercury, and so many others, took rock to a level only few dared to go, and did it with power, class, and grace.
I have watched #CalebShlomo, the singer of @BEARTOOTHband, become one of the most formidable young frontmen in rock.
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 message quickly circulated among fans, with many praising Draiman for speaking up in support of Shomo’s creative direction.
Chris Fronzak apologises for earlier joke
The conversation intensified earlier in the week after Attila frontman Chris Fronzak posted a joke on social media that some fans interpreted as homophobic, Fronzak later deleted the post and issued a public apology.
“I meant it as a joke, not a jab at gay people.”
A new chapter for Beartooth
When releasing ‘Free’, Shomo described the song as a deeply personal step forward for both his music and his life:
“‘Free‘ is the start of the next chapter of my music and my life. The emotional roller coaster that is living can be very complicated at times. In one day you can equally experience pure fear and pure joy. This song shows a glimpse of what is to come from the next Beartooth album, which is the most honest depiction of my soul I will most likely ever make.”
The track is expected to appear on Beartooth’s upcoming album, which Shomo has hinted will be one of the most personal releases of his career.
For now, the conversation around ‘Free’ shows how quickly a creative shift can ignite debate online, with high profile figures like Draiman stepping in publicly, Shomo is clearly not navigating it alone.
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