Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds hits back at furious criticism over Azerbaijan and Israel gigs

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 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. Suggesting that the gig would be seen as an endorsement of the country’s authoritarian government, Tankian said he doesn’t “respect as human beings”. It’s a slippery slope, and I’m never going to deprive our fans of playing for them.” Dan Reynolds performing with Imagine Dragons 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. F*** their art, they’re not good human beings, as far as I’m concerned.” He continued: “If you are that blind to justice that you will go play a show in a country that’s starving another country, illegally, according to the International Court of Justice, according to what Amnesty International is saying, what Human Rights Watch is saying… If you still go and play that country, I don’t know what to say about you as a f***ing human being.