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SYSTEM OF A DOWN’s Shavo Odadjian Discusses Band’s Increased Touring Plans for 2025: “We’re ‘Testing the Waters'”
Artist Bio: Shavarsh "Shavo" Odadjian
Shavarsh "Shavo" Odadjian is the dynamic bassist of the iconic American rock band System of a Down. Born on April 22, 1974, in Yerevan, Armenia, Shavo moved to Los Angeles as a young child, where he would eventually form System of a Down in 1994 alongside Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, and John Dolmayan. The band’s distinctive fusion of metal, progressive rock, and Armenian folk music led to groundbreaking albums such as Toxicity, Mezmerize, and Hypnotize, propelling them to international fame. Shavo is not only celebrated for his musical prowess but also for his contributions to the band’s innovative sound and engaging performances. Over the years, he has explored various artistic avenues, including film and graphic design, and is known for his passion for visual art and community involvement.
Upcoming Events
System of a Down has officially announced new dates for their highly anticipated 2025 North American stadium tour, following the incredible sell-out success of their original run. The tour kicks off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on August 27-28, featuring the legendary band Korn as special guests. This will be followed by two electrifying nights at Soldier Field in Chicago (August 31-September 1), where they will be joined by Avenged Sevenfold. The tour will conclude with two shows at Rogers Stadium in Toronto on September 3 and September 5, with Deftones opening.
Additional South American Tour
Additionally, System of a Down will embark on their long-awaited "Wake Up! South America" tour, starting April 24, 2025, in Bogota, Colombia, at the Estadio Nemésio Camacho El Campin. The tour will include stops in Lima, Peru, and various cities across Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, wrapping up with three final shows in Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. This marks the band’s first visit to South America since 2015, making it an exciting event for fans in the region.
Social Media and Official Links
- Official Website: System of a Down
- Facebook: System of a Down Facebook
- Instagram: System of a Down Instagram
- Twitter: System of a Down Twitter
- YouTube Channel: System of a Down YouTube
Featured Video
Check out their performance of "Chop Suey!" from a recent show here: System of a Down – Chop Suey! Live
Behind the Tour Announcement
In a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk," Shavo expressed his astonishment at the overwhelming response to their ticket sales, stating, "Literally within a few hours we sold out every show, and it was a shock to us." He shared insights into the band’s decision-making process, explaining that after years of limited performances, the members are excited to reconnect with their fans on the East Coast and beyond. System of a Down has performed sporadically since 2017, but now, with renewed camaraderie among band members, they are looking forward to reconnecting with audiences.
Shavo elaborated, "There’s no heavy responsibility on anyone… we told each other, ‘Let’s play it by ear,’ and that’s what it is." With an intent to create a more organic touring experience, the band is taking their time, focusing on quality over quantity in their performances. He added, "The more we push each other to do something, the less we do. So I figure the less we push, the more we’ll do."
As they gear up for their upcoming tour, Shavo, along with his bandmates, is relishing the opportunity to perform for their dedicated fanbase, particularly those on the East Coast, where they recognize that they’ve been absent from the live scene for quite some time. The excitement is palpable, and Shavo said, “We love the East Coast… we’re looking forward to seeing the crowd and enjoying it.”
Overall, System of a Down is poised to deliver an unforgettable series of performances in 2025, continuing their legacy as one of the most influential rock bands of the modern era. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early due to the anticipated high demand!
