System of a Down’s 2025 stadium mini-tour has been one of the year’s most anticipated rock events, with the Armenian American band staging a handful of massive shows across the US and Canada this summer including a pair that just wrapped last week in Jersey, followed by a mammoth gig in Chicago.
The doubleheader at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, (8/27, 8/28) and the performances at Soldier Field in Chicago a few days later (8/31, 9/1) drew some of the largest crowds of the run.
The football stadiums were packed by some of the most patient and forgiving fans who hardly ever get to see the band live.
In the last 13 years, the beloved LA group has played a mere 134 gigs. With 15 appearances this year, it was more than all the other years since 2019 combined.
Frontman Serj Tankian, who also plays keyboards and occasional guitar, has said repeatedly how he has no interest in long tours, in part because he wants each show to be special.
Their discography is also one of being few and far between. 20 years ago they knocked out two albums (recorded during the same sessions) and then none since.
And yet the band has stuck together for roughly 28 years: Daron Malakian on lead guitar and shared lead vocals, Shavo Odadjian slappin the bass, and the complicated rhythms of John Dolmayan on drums and percussion.
As if getting a chance to see SOAD wasn't cool enough, attendees at the stadiums also got to checkout headline-worthy openers.
Nu-metal stalwarts KoRn opened at the East Rutherford dates, Avenged Sevenfold rocked in Chicago, and Deftones are the openers in Toronto.
Of the 26 bangers SOAD played opening night at the stadium formerly known as The Meadowlands, 10 were from Toxicity and a half dozen were from their self titled debut.
But what made each show truly special were the tiny covers that were played before tunes like "Lonely Day."
On night one in Jersey, Daron played the Go-Go's breakthrough "Our Lips Are Sealed" - a tune that was co-written by Jane Wiedlin and Terry Hall (of The Specials and Fun Boy Three).
Night two stuck to the '80s when Daron led the audience into the Wham! hit "Careless Whisper." And yes the crowd not only knew the words but freakin loved it.
In a tip of the cap to the Prince of Darkness, someone SOAD was close to, they covered Black Sabbath's "Snowblind" for the first time in 23 years.
It's a relationship and a tune they loved so much they recorded it for the 2002 compilation The Osbourne Family Album that also featured Pat Boone doing "Crazy Train" and Kelly Osbourne covering "Papa Don't Preach."
System of a Down played it at both Jersey gigs and both shows in Chicago because you can never give enough love to Ozzy.
Speaking of Chicago, one night Daron just happened to be strolling at night around the home of the Cubs, Wrigley Field, and heard familiar music coming out of the doors of the Cubby Bear. Was that a SOAD cover band?
Why yes it was.
So he did what anyone would do so close to the Friendly Confines: he strolled into the club and knocked out "Cigaro" with the cover band (who shredded) and gave them a memory they won't soon forget.
Of note about the Soldier Field gigs - the same venue MCR brought Billy Corgan out last week in - Avenged Sevenfold was able to unleash their majesty at the 60k seat football stadium.
Fans were stoked to hear "Not Ready to Die" which has been dusted off during their 2025 shows, a tune they hadn't been playing since 2011. Call of Duty players were thrilled to get to see it live for once.
You have one last chance to see SOAD this year. They are playing their second gig at Rogers Stadium on the outskirts of Toronto on Friday.
Tickets can be obtained via SOAD's website at reasonable prices. This is the new, temporary, venue that Oasis just played at. Get an airplane ticket. Don't forget your passport. And head north!
