System of a Down (SOAD) is making a significant return to the stage in 2025 with 13 planned live shows—their most extensive schedule since 2017. While the band remains in a unique and somewhat uncertain position, bassist Shavo Odadjian shared in a recent interview with Eddie Trunk that their relationships have improved, allowing them to explore the possibility of more frequent performances.
Speaking with optimism, Odadjian explained how the band’s dynamic has shifted after years of limited collaboration. “We haven’t played a lot together for a while. We’ve been doing one or two shows a year since 2017,” he noted. “The relationships were not as great as they are now… We’ve been talking. Everything’s great, knock on wood. Everyone’s happy.”
The upcoming shows are not part of a larger tour strategy but rather a way to gauge the band’s comfort level with performing together more regularly. “We decided to test the waters and play some shows,” Odadjian said. “If we don’t wanna do any more, we don’t do any more. If we wanna do more, we’ll do more.”
Addressing Past Tensions
The uncertainty surrounding future plans stems from past challenges within the band. Odadjian acknowledged that difficult experiences have left some members hesitant to commit fully to new endeavors. “Bad experiences have happened to certain people, and they kind of hold that as PTSD, I think,” he shared. However, the band has adopted a more laid-back, no-pressure approach: “Let’s just do it. If we like it, we do. If we don’t like it, we [don’t].”
A Turning Point
Odadjian highlighted the turning point in their relationships, citing their performance at the Sick New World festival in 2024 as a standout moment. “Serj [Tankian] had a great time at Sick New World last year. We had such an amazing, fun show and everyone left the stage hugging,” he said. “So he called back, he’s, like, ‘Dude, I loved it. Let’s do more of these.’”
The Future of SOAD
While SOAD fans may hold out hope for more live shows—or even new music—the band remains non-committal for now. Odadjian reiterated that the current focus is on these 13 performances, with no immediate plans to tour the rest of the world or record new material.
For now, fans can look forward to seeing System of a Down reunited on stage in 2025, with the promise of raw energy and the potential for a new chapter in the band’s storied career.
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