Dan Reynolds , the frontman of the American rock band Imagine Dragons, has hit back at criticism of the band’s recent live performances in Azerbaijan and Israel . Last month, Imagine Dragons were called out by System of a Down’s Serj Tankian after performing in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, last year. Suggesting that the gig would be seen as an endorsement of the country’s authoritarian government, Tankian said he doesn’t “respect [Imagine Dragons] as human beings”.
Tankian had, along with a number of other prominent musicians, signed a letter last year asking the band to cancel their scheduled Baku gig, which ended up going ahead as planned in September. In a new interview with Rolling Stone , Reynolds addressed the backlash the band had received following the concerts. “I don’t believe in depriving our fans who want to see us play because of the acts of their leaders and their governments,” he said.
“I think that’s a really slippery slope. I think the second you start to do that, there’s corrupt leaders and warmongers all over the world, and where do you draw the line?” Asked about Tankian’s remarks, Reynolds responded: “I think I just said it. It’s a slippery slope, and I’m never going to deprive our fans of playing for them.
” Speaking to music outlet Metal Hammer last month, Armenian-American musician Tankian was asked about his thoughts on Imagine Dragons, having previously condemned the gig in Baku. “Look, I’m not a judge for peop.
