System Of A Down bassist Shavo Odadjian recently expressed his desire for a more active band, drawing inspiration from a chance encounter with Gene Simmons of Kiss.
System Of A Down have been in an up and down dry spell for a while now. In 2020, the band released two new songs, but then just stopped everything outside of sparse shows. Many fans felt that the two singles were leading to an album, but insiders reported that Serj Tankian wanted “nothing” to do with any creation of new material as he was focused on his own music.
In a recent interview on the “Tuna on Toast with Stryker” podcast, Odadjian playfully remarked, “The less we do, the more there is,” alluding to the enduring love and support from fans. Despite the band’s relatively quiet period, System of a Down’s music continues to resonate strongly with existing fans while attracting a new generation of listeners.
Odadjian, however, openly admits his longing for increased activity and more frequent live performances. He expressed his desire to play ten months out of the year and to immerse himself in the live music experience. Yet, he acknowledges that it takes all four band members to make it happen, and everyone is in a different place in their lives.
Reflecting on the band’s immense legacy and enduring fan appreciation, Odadjian emphasized his gratitude and feeling blessed. He marveled at the paradoxical nature of the band’s popularity, noting that their output seems inversely proportional to their fans’ enthusiasm. He added, “The less we do, the more there is.”
Despite this sentiment, Odadjian remains grateful for what System of a Down has accomplished and acknowledges the impact they have had on their fans’ lives. He finds solace in the band’s connection with their devoted fan base and relishes the opportunity to create memorable experiences during live shows.
In a touching revelation, as reported by Ultimate Guitar, Odadjian shared a formative experience he had as a young fan attending a Kiss and Anthrax concert. He recalled a moment when he believed Gene Simmons made eye contact with him, leaving a lasting impression.
He said: “When I was a kid, one of my first concerts was Kiss and Anthrax. I was in the ninth row or something. I was 13 years old. And I was watching the stage, and I thought Gene Simmons looked at me. And that was it. Of course, he looked at my section, he didn’t really look at me. But… now, I’m pushing 50, I’m still telling you that story. That means something to me. So, if I can give that experience to as many kids as possible, or people as possible, I’m going to, because that’s a cool feeling. And I do catch their eyes, and I look at them, and I’ll make a face, they’ll make a face back. And we know we got each other, and I’ll move to the next person.”
For Odadjian, engaging with fans and establishing that unique bond remains a paramount aspect of his live performances. Moving through the crowd, he exchanges looks and expressions with audience members, creating moments of connection and shared energy. He finds joy in knowing that he can evoke the same excitement he once felt as a young concertgoer. It is through these interactions that he believes he can make a positive impact and contribute to the power of music as a unifying force.
While System of a Down’s future remains uncertain, Shavo Odadjian’s desire for increased activity and his commitment to fan connection serve as a testament to the band’s enduring spirit. Whether it’s through their legacy-defining albums or Odadjian’s forthcoming solo project, fans can continue to cherish and celebrate the music that has resonated with them for over two decades. As we eagerly await further developments, let us appreciate the enduring impact of System of a Down and the remarkable connection they foster between musicians and fans.
