In a new Consequence of Sound interview, System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian was asked about the recent announcement that they would be playing the Sonic Temple festival in 2019 with Foo Fighters, and how the lineup proves rock isn’t dead.
“Dude, how could rock be dead with all those bands blasting in Ohio? Tell me that! Rock’s not dead. It just needs more creative bands busting their balls right now. The time will come. The industry is so oversaturated with these fly-by-night rappers who come in and come out. People who say ‘rock is dead,’ it’s because of that. It’s because of what’s out there saturating the industry. But it takes a couple of good bands to come with some good albums, and some great tours and festivals to bring it back.”
He also said it was important for bands like Tool and System of a Down to release new music. It was recently announced that Tool and System of a Down will play at the Chicago Open Air festival in 2019.
“One-hundred percent! Bro, if it was up to me, we would have done that already. I think it kind of started with us singing that ‘Kill Rock N’ Roll’ song, and then it kind of happened [laughs]. I would love to bring it back. And, can I be honest with you? Between you and me and this world, and to the people who read this interview, we have material that tops everything we’ve done. And that’s me telling you, honestly. I can’t wait to record that and drop it.”
Tool are expected to release a new album in 2019. System of a Down haven’t released a new album since 2005.
