When tickets for System of a Down and Deftones’ co-headlining concert at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park went on sale, they sold out within an hour. The highly anticipated event, promoted by Another Planet Entertainment, drew a crowd of over 50,000, with 90% of attendees traveling into the city to see not only the headliners but also The Mars Volta, Viagra Boys, and VOWWS.
On Saturday, August 17th, fans filled the west end of the park under typical gray San Francisco skies to witness the impressive lineup. The show kicked off with VOWWS, an L.A.-based “death pop” band, who captivated the growing crowd during their 30-minute set.
Next, Swedish punk band Viagra Boys delivered one of the day’s most entertaining performances. With songs like “Slow Learner” and “Punk Rock Loser,” frontman Sebastian Murphy kept the audience engaged and smiling, perfectly setting the stage for the following acts.
The Mars Volta took the energy up a notch with a 50-minute set, led by the dynamic Cedric Bixler-Zavala. Despite performing only four lengthy songs, including “Drunkship of Lanterns,” they had the crowd moving and eager for more.
Deftones embraced their co-headliner status with a 15-song set that spanned their career, featuring tracks like “Digital Bath,” “Cherry Waves,” and “Change (In the House of Flies).” Frontman Chino Moreno commanded the stage, connecting with the massive audience as the band built anticipation for System of a Down.
When System of a Down finally took the stage, they opened with “Genocidal Humanoidz,” one of their newer tracks from 2020. Despite their infrequent performances, the band delivered a powerhouse 25-song set that included fan favorites like “B.Y.O.B.,” “Chop Suey!,” and “Aerials.” They also surprised the crowd with rarities like “Mr. Jack” and “P.L.U.C.K.”
The night concluded with “Sugar,” leaving the audience electrified and marking the event as an undeniable success. The sold-out show was a testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic bands and their ability to draw fans from far and wide for an unforgettable experience.
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