Disturbed vocalist David Draiman has publicly voiced his support for Beartooth vocalist Caleb Shomo. The latter deleted his Instagram earlier this week, with many assuming it was in response to continued backlash from his dramatic image change. That makeover of sorts was showcased in the band’s latest music video for “Free“, which debuted online last week. In it, Shomo appeared without his trademark bandana, instead opting for makeup and more flamboyant attire.
That makeover and the softer nature of the song itself haven’t entirely sat well with some however, leading to a negative backlash that swept through not only the social media of Shomo and the band, but also allegedly saw his family members targeted as well.
While Shomo‘s deletion of his Instagram made some waves online, Attila frontman Chris Fronzak fanned the flames with a now since-deleted joke that some perceived as being homophobic. Last night, March 03rd, Fronzak issued an apology for the joke, stating, “I meant it as a joke, not a jab at gay people.”
Draiman added his own thoughts on the matter this morning, March 04th, stating on his X account:
“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.”
Upon releasing “Free” last week, Shomo stated:
“‘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.”
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…
— David Draiman 🟦🇺🇸🇮🇱✡️☮️ (@davidmdraiman) March 4, 2026