Serj Tankian Has a Breakthrough Case of COVID-19; System of a Down Shows Postponed

System of a Down have been forced to postpone a pair of shows in Los Angeles this weekend as a result of frontman Serj Tankian contracting a breakthrough case of COVID-19.

The shows, which would have also featured Korn (replacing Faith No More), Helmet, and Russian Circles, were scheduled to take place tonight (October 22) and tomorrow (October 23) at Banc of California Stadium. The concerts will now take place on February 4 and 5, 2022.

Commenting on social media, Tankian assured fans that he had contracted the virus despite being both vaccinated and “incredibly careful.”

He also, rather notably, asserted that “Touring is not something I intend to continue doing down the line.” He didn’t specify how far “down the line” would be or whether a cessation of touring would mean just that or mark the end of his career as a live performer altogether:

“After having 3 really fun shows, I got back to LA with flu-like symptoms. I am shocked that it could even be Covid as I am not just vaccinated but also incredibly careful. I am so sorry to have to push these dates yet again especially to those who made sacrifices to be here from out of town. Touring is not something I intend to continue doing down the line so these handful of shows have meant the world to me. Thank you for your love and understanding.”

Prior to this postponement, SOAD were able to play the first three concerts of this five-show run. Those performances were their first since 2019, and included the live debuts of the two new songs they released last year, “Genocidal Humanoidz” and Protect The Land.” Those songs marked the band’s only new recordings since their last album came out in 2006. You can watch fan-filmed video of those shows here.

[via Deadline]