Singer even recommended in the past that his colleagues look for someone else to fill his position, but this idea appears to have been discarded
Serj Tankian surprised the public by revealing, in his new autobiography Down with the Systemwhich even suggested the continuity of the system of a Down without your presence. According to his report, the situation happened in the last decade.
Tired of touring and in creative conflict with the guitarist Daron Malakianthe vocalist is the main impediment to the band’s continued activity. At the moment, there are only sporadic shows.
A few years passed and Tankiannow, believes that the group should not have a change in members. In an interview with Bullseye with Jesse Thorn (via Blabbermouth), the artist commented that the system of a Down should always be composed of him, Malakianthe bassist Shavo Odadjian and the drummer John Dolmayan.
The problem is the feeling that you are getting in the way. He said:
I think the system of a Down It should always be the four of us. But regardless of what I felt, because I was the only one standing in their way. I wanted to give them an option. So, that’s why I did it.”
The singer highlighted that his colleagues preferred not to adopt this solution. So, the group tours as desired. Serj.
At the time, they were like, ‘No, man, it’s okay, if any opportunities come up, we’ll let you know, but we won’t push.’”
However, it wasn’t always like this. Tankian said that the previous situation was one of internal pressure. The vocalist explains:
Before that, they were saying: ‘Come on, we have to do this tour, let’s go’. “There was a lot of pressure to tour and play and stuff. And I just didn’t want that pressure anymore. So they promised they wouldn’t do that. And that kind of changed things a little bit, at least at that time.”
Unique dynamics
Still according to Serj Tankianbeing in a band is a “unique dynamic”. After all, it demands a deep relationship with a group of people.
They are your creative partners. They are your business partners. No one can have exactly the same vision. No one can have exactly the same thought process. And trying to negotiate all of this where everyone is happy is not easy.”
Lack of System of a Down tours
THE system of a Down It closed its activities in 2006. It returned in 2010, but at a very different pace than in the past. Before their hiatus, the group performed more than 130 shows per year. Afterwards, it was no more than 30.
Since 2018, such presentations have not even happened in series: they are just isolated events, usually at large festivals.
In the opinion of Serj Tankianthis even increased the value of the band. In an interview with Loudwire Nights (via website Igor Miranda), he commented:
Look, there are bands that tour all year round, release an album every year or two years, and their impact on music, many of them, was not as strong as that of system of a Down. You don’t have to do a million things to have an impact on people’s lives or on music itself. Just do one thing right.”
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
