Rock History

2010 – Serj Tankian says System of a Down have discussed how to deal with a potential reunion – and even though they haven’t agreed whether or when to do it, they know how they’ll tell the world.

The singer eels he’s been misquoted in stories which say he’s working on a jazz album, and System fans are underestimated when it comes to understanding his solo career.

Tankian tells Rock Radio’s Andrew Watson: “I’m not working on a jazz album at all. My album is orchestral rock, a very different thing. I’ve written a jazz opera, though, and it will open in Cambridge, Massachusetts, soon. It’s two different things.

“I’m asked if I think System fans might be bewildered with the solo work I’m doing. That’s not giving our fans enough credit. They like more than just heavy metal music – so do most people. So they’ll find it quite easy to get my music, and come with me if they want to.”

SOAD bassist Shavo Odadjian last week hinted a reunion could be on the cards, even though Tankian has commented he’s happy with his solo work. But he confirms the subject has been raised.

The frontman says: “If we decide to do it, the first people to find out will be our fans, on the website. We’ve all agreed that as a band.”

Rock Radio broadcasts a Reading/Leeds special this afternoon (Sunday, August 29) at 2pm, with Rock DJ Tom Russell presenting some of the bands playing this year while looking back at acts who have appeared in the past.