On a rare day off in Chicago, System of a Down guitarist Daron Malakian experienced an unexpected moment that led to a once-in-a-lifetime surprise for a tribute band and their fans. With the band set to perform a pair of stadium shows at Soldier Field, Malakian found himself wandering near Wrigley Field when he heard the familiar sounds of his own music coming from a bar across the street.
Initially suspecting it might be karaoke, he and his cousin walked over to the venue, where they discovered a System of a Down cover band called Peephole: Tribute to System of a Down. Without a word, Malakian walked directly to the front of the stage, leaving both the band and the audience in a state of shock.
In an official statement, Malakian reflected on the spontaneity of the moment, calling the looks on everyone’s faces “priceless.” He joined the tribute band on stage for an impromptu performance of the SOAD classic “Cigaro,” which he later said he was just as surprised to be a part of as everyone else. The guitarist underscored the sheer unlikeliness of the event, stating that the odds of all the pieces falling into place were “so slim,” adding, “I probably had a better chance of getting struck by lightning.”
The tribute band also shared their excitement online, describing the experience as a “dream come true.” This rare, unscripted moment has become a viral sensation, and you can watch it down below. The surprise appearance served as a perfect appetizer for System of a Down‘s highly anticipated stadium shows in Chicago, where they are co-headlining with Avenged Sevenfold before concluding their limited-run tour in Toronto with Deftones.
Daron‘s full statement:
“Let me start by saying None of this was planned. We had a day off before our show in Chicago and I went out to dinner and after I decided to go take some pictures around town with @gregwatermann. We didn’t plan on going to Wrigley Field, but we ended up there. While we were taking photos in front of the stadium I heard the intro to Needles from a bar across the street. My cousin who was with me said that he thought it was karaoke. I decided to walk across the street and go into the bar and found that it was a @systemofadown cover band called @peepholesoad. I walked right to the front of the stage and surprised the band and the audience. This was all so spontaneous. The look on everyone’s faces was priceless. To be honest, I was just as surprised as anyone else was that this was happening. I joined the band and sang Cigaro, shook their hands, took some pictures with the fans in the audience, and walked out of the place. I can only imagine what a shock it was for everyone there after I left. It all happened so fast. The odds of this happening were so slim. Probably had a better chance of getting struck by lightning. So many stars had to align for me to end up at the right place and right time. One of the coolest moments I’ve ever had!!!
I’ll always remember this night, and I’m sure everyone that was there will never forget it either!!!!!!”
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