Shavo Odadjian Addresses Relationship Between SOAD Members Now They’re Not ‘A Big Touring Band Anymore’

“I like what we’re doing because we’re all in agreement.”

Shavo Odadjian said that members of System of a Down still “love each other” even though the band isn’t as active, stressing that they will always be together no matter what.”The iconoclastic nu-metal pioneers’ latest two studio albums, “Mesmerize” and “Hypnotize”, were released way back in 2005, at what seemed like the height of S.O.A.D.’s popularity. Nearly two decades have passed since then, but System feels just as relevant today; its music just as gripping, even to a new generation of fans. However, the iconic quartet has been (in)famously reluctant to capitalize on their lasting relevancy, which proved to be a bone of contention for some of its members.

And while some of the discourse stemming from such a state of affairs may seem tough to fans, the four System members all maintain excellent relationships with each other, as bassist Shavo Odadjian explained during a recent interview with Riff Magazine (transcribed by Ultimate Guitar):

“We’re not a big touring band anymore, we all have our own things, families, and stuff. We haven’t released a record in a long time, but we love to play live, and we still love each other, and we’re still that unit. I don’t think we’ll ever not be, you know? We’re never gonna say, ‘Oh, we’re not together anymore.’ We’re always gonna be together no matter what.”

“So, we kind of like doing these little events, like doing a special show somewhere, with some special cool bands, like we did [with] the ‘Sick New World’. And now we have plans on doing more of these cool little experiences, one-offs.”

Although some of the band’s members would undeniably welcome more on-stage engagement, the state of the band as it is now seems to be the most democratic way forward. Shavo added:

“I like what we’re doing because we’re all in agreement. We all are happy doing what we’re doing, so that’s what it’s about. Man, life is about being comfortable and happy, and if this is what makes us happy, we’re going to do it.”

Serj Tankian, who previously said that his bandmates would have his blessing should they choose to continue forward with a new vocalist, recently stressed that the chemistry between himself, Shavo, John Dolmayan, and Daron Malakian is what makes System of a Down what it is:

“They’re your creative partners. They’re your business partners. No one can have the same exact vision. No one can have the same exact thought process. And trying to negotiate all that where everyone is happy is really, really not easy.”