Imagine Dragons singer defends performances in Azerbaijan and Israel: “I will never discriminate against our fans”

System of a Down’s Serj Tankian recently reiterated his dislike for Imagine Dragons, the band that provided the soundtracks for truck commercials. Last year, he wrote an open letter to them asking them not to hold a planned concert in Azerbaijan. In his opinion, the concert would “help whitewash the image of a dictatorial regime” while the country is waging an ethnic cleansing campaign against the Armenian people.

Imagine Dragons ignored Tankian’s request and also performed in Israel last August. Singer Dan Reynolds has now defended his band’s decision to perform in both countries.

In an interview with Rolling Stone about the new album loomjournalist Andy Greene asked the frontman directly if he regretted playing those concerts last year. “No,” replied Reynolds. “I don’t believe in denying our fans who want to see us play the show just because of what their politicians and governments are doing. I think it’s a very sensitive issue. I think once you start doing that, there are corrupt politicians and warmongers all over the world, and where do you draw the line?”

Greene then mentioned that Tankian had insisted that he had no respect for Imagine Dragons after they ignored his request to perform in Azerbaijan, and asked if Reynolds had responded.

“I think I just said it,” Reynolds said, repeating, “It’s a sensitive subject and I will never take away our fans’ opportunity to play for them.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Reynolds talked about his Mormon upbringing and his divorce from Nico Vegas’ Aja Volkman after 13 years of marriage – but he didn’t say much about the fact that longtime Imagine Dragons drummer Daniel Platzman took an indefinite hiatus from the band a year ago. “He doesn’t play on the record, and I can’t talk about it,” the singer told Greene. The band’s original drummer Andrew Tolman played on loom and will be part of the live lineup for the tour in support of the album.