There?s a fascinating story about a specific band that System of a Down opened for during the early stages of their career, which Serj Tankian described as an experience akin to going through ?rock ‘n’ roll boot camp.? This unique opportunity came when they were invited to join the tour of a prominent metal band that had just released an album around the same time. In his 2024 autobiography Down With the System, as discussed by Metal Hammer, Tankian reflects on this pivotal moment.

In his own words, ?We were opening for Slayer, which was a massive opportunity for a band who hadn?t yet released their first album.? This chance to perform before such an iconic group was monumental for the young band, marking a significant turning point in their career. While Slayer?s Diabolus in Musica was launching in the same month as System’s debut, it was already the band’s eighth studio album, which meant they had cultivated a deeply loyal and passionate fanbase over the years.

Tankian noted that, despite sharing the stage with such a legendary band, many in Slayer’s audience were not receptive to System of a Down. ?That tour was like going to rock ?n? roll boot camp. Slayer fans famously love Slayer and hate just about everything and everyone else.? As the opening act, they faced a challenging atmosphere where the audience perceived them as an obstacle between them and the band they adored, intensifying the pressure on Tankian and his bandmates.

?In fact, when we?d take the stage, we?d often be facing a wall of crossed arms and extended middle fingers,? he recalled, illustrating the daunting reception they encountered. This hostile environment was compounded by their distinctive tribal makeup and elaborate outfits, which did not help them win over the skeptical crowd. Despite the adversity, System of a Down remained resilient, determined to prove themselves and earn the respect of even the most ardent Slayer fans.

However, there were undeniably challenging moments for the band, particularly when some audience members introduced disturbing elements into the mix, such as Nazi symbolism. Tankian vividly remembered one incident: ?…We were onstage in Poland being pelted with coins by fans who were also raising Nazi salutes in our direction.? This shocking behavior reached its peak when a bagel hit him in the face, prompting an intense reaction. ?I told our lighting guy to point the lights into the audience and target the bagel-thrower. Then I launched into an angry tirade and threatened to start kicking people?s asses. When I finished, the venue went dead silent.?

Ultimately, the band made the decision to walk off the stage that night due to the unacceptable behavior exhibited by the crowd. This experience, while disheartening, was just one chapter in their journey. Within a few years, System of a Down cultivated a devoted fanbase of their own and embarked on their own successful headlining tours. As the saying goes, you have to pay your dues in the music industry, and their perseverance paid off.