System Of A Down Hints at UK and European Tour After Years Away

System Of A Down fans might finally get the European shows they've been dreaming of, as the band teases a long-awaited UK and European tour.

A Glimpse of System Of A Down’s European Return?

If you’re a fan of the iconic Armenian-American metal band System Of A Down, you’ve probably been bitten by the travel bug, hoping to catch them live across Europe. Well, the buzz is real! Just recently, the band's unmistakable logo was projected onto several buildings in London on the night of September 8, sparking waves of excitement among fans.

What’s even more intriguing is that fans on the band’s dedicated subreddit have reported spotting similar visual teasers popping up in places like Italy and Germany. These cryptic but thrilling hints could signal System Of A Down’s first UK and European tour in nearly a decade.

Serj Tankian commanding the stage with his signature intensity

The Last Time System Of A Down Toured Europe

Remember 2017? That was the last time System Of A Down graced European stages. The band played a decent run of 20 shows, including a headline slot at the legendary Download Festival. Before that, in 2015, they performed at Wembley Arena, an iconic venue that holds many memories for metal fans.

Since then, their live appearances have been mostly stateside, except for their impressive ‘Wake Up!’ stadium tour across South America earlier this year. Recently, they wrapped up a series of shows across the US and Canada. In a touching moment, the band honored Ozzy Osbourne by performing ‘Snowblind’ live for the first time in 23 years, a gesture that resonated deeply with fans worldwide.

Why the Long Break and Touring Hiatus?

If you’ve ever wondered why System Of A Down’s touring slowed down, there’s a mix of reasons. Their last official album Hypnotize dropped way back in 2005, with a hiatus following the next year. They reunited in 2010 and have played live sporadically since, but the pace has been lighter.

Part of the slowdown is down to creative frustration with the grueling lifestyle of touring. Plus, frontman Serj Tankian underwent back surgery in 2021, which naturally put a pause on their live activity. Speaking to SiriusXM’s Eddie Trunk last month, Tankian opened up about these challenges, shedding light on the band’s journey.

“We love each other, we respect each other, but we have creative differences and that’s stopped us going forwards. Maybe one day it won’t.”
— Serj Tankian

Band Dynamics: Renewed Friendships But No New Album… Yet

In July, guitarist Daron Malakian shared some heartfelt thoughts on the band’s evolving relationships during an interview. He emphasized how the band members are moving past old issues and genuinely enjoying each other's company again.

“I’m really happy that we’re all putting things in the past and moving forward, enjoying each other’s company.”

Daron also reflected on their South American tour, describing how it rekindled their friendships. “That’s where we started, we were friends,” he said, pointing out how fame, money, and internal politics can sometimes create wedges in a band’s unity.

However, don't get your hopes up for new studio material just yet. Malakian’s other project, Scars On Broadway, released an album this summer, but when it comes to System Of A Down, the guitarist is cautious about diving into new recordings.

“That doesn’t mean that we’re going to make a new album, it just means that we’re friends again. It’s the album shit that drives wedges between us. I’m a little afraid to go there, to be honest with you.”
“I never say no, but at the same time, that’s not where we’re at right now.”

Instead, the band seems content touring and performing the classics—those albums and songs that, for some reason, the world still can’t get enough of.

Serj Tankian’s Thoughts and Upcoming Solo Work

Serj Tankian echoed similar sentiments in his recent chats. Asked about a new System Of A Down album, he kept it simple: “Not at this time.” It’s clear the creative differences still linger but haven’t dampened the mutual respect.

On a brighter note for fans, Tankian has a solo release on the horizon. His upcoming album, Covers, Collaborations & Collages, features previously unreleased archival recordings and is set to drop on October 24. It's the perfect treat for those eager to hear more of his unique voice and artistic vision.

The Wait Continues — But the Tour May Be Near

System Of A Down’s cryptic logo projections and recent activities hint at an exciting future for fans in the UK and Europe. While new music might not be on the immediate horizon, the prospect of seeing them live again after so many years is enough to send any metalhead into a frenzy.

Will these teasing signals turn into an official tour announcement soon? Only time will tell, but history shows that when System Of A Down hits the stage, it’s nothing short of electrifying.

FAQ

• How long has it been since System Of A Down toured Europe?
  Their last European run was in 2017, with previous notable performances in 2015 at Wembley Arena.
• Are System Of A Down planning a new album?
  Currently, there are no confirmed plans for a new album, though the band members are reconnecting as friends.
• What caused the band’s reduction in touring?
  Creative frustrations, internal differences, and Serj Tankian’s 2021 back surgery contributed to fewer tours.
• Has Serj Tankian released any new music recently?
  Yes, he will release Covers, Collaborations & Collages on October 24, featuring unreleased archival material.
• What’s the significance of the logo projections in Europe?
  They are widely seen as a teaser hinting at a possible upcoming UK and European tour.

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