Imagine Dragons defend choice to perform in controversial nations
The internet has erupted again due to a controversial decision by Imagine Dragons. Last year, the band performed concerts in Israel and Azerbaijan. Despite pleas from industry insiders, they decided to proceed with the performances. The issue has resurfaced on major news websites because of Dan Reynolds's discussion of it.
8 July 2024 19:04
Imagine Dragons is an American pop band founded in 2008 in Las Vegas. The group consists of vocalist and leader Dan Reynolds, bassist Ben McKee, guitarist Wayne Sermon, and drummer Daniel Platzman. They are known for songs like "Thunder", "Whatever It Takes" and "Radioactive".
The band has gained international fame thanks to their music filled with messages wrapped in catchy melodies. Imagine Dragons have performed in Poland multiple times. Last year, they could be admired at the PGE Narodowy in Warsaw.
Imagine Dragons world tour
Last year, Imagine Dragons embarked on an international world tour. They visited countries like Denmark, Italy, France, Greece, Lithuania, Poland, and Croatia as part of the Mercury World Tour. However, the most controversy arose around their concerts in Israel and Azerbaijan. Dan Reynolds has once again spoken out on the matter.
Dan Reynolds explains the controversial decision
When it came to light that Imagine Dragons would perform in Israel and Azerbaijan, the band faced a wave of hate. Even the leader of System of a Down - Serj Tankian joined the discussion. He wrote on Facebook:
"I address you today to urge you to reconsider and hopefully cancel your upcoming performance in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 2 September this year. This is due to horrendous human rights abuses committed by the corrupt petro-oligarchic dictatorship of Ilham Aliyev not only against his own people, but also thousands of Armenians (my people)."
Both the concerts in Israel and in Azerbaijan took place. During a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Dan spoke again about the past events: "I don't believe in denying fans who want to see us entertainment because of their leaders' and governments' actions. I think that the moment you start doing that, you'll find corrupt leaders and warmongers worldwide, so where do you draw the line? I believe that's exactly the point. It's a very slippery slope, and I will never deny our fans the chance to play for them."
