System of a Down performed at the Interlagos racetrack, in the southern part of São Paulo, on Wednesday night, the 14th. The acclaimed Armenian-American nu metal band played the last show of their WAKE UP! South America Stadium Tour , with opening acts by the American band AFI and the Brazilian band Ego Kill Talent – who performed at all the shows on this tour.
After a huge impact in Curitiba (at the Couto Pereira Stadium) , Rio de Janeiro (Nilton Santos Stadium), and two warm nights at the Allianz Parque stadium last weekend, the 10th and 11th, we could already imagine what to expect from this show. With tickets selling out only on the morning of the show, the band's last performance became increasingly crowded, with people gathering even after the show had started.
From pure catharsis to sublimation
On a cold night in São Paulo, System of a Down took the stage 15 minutes after the scheduled time (giving everyone a chance to get in) and set the Autódromo on fire – literally. Even though it was practically the same performance as the previous nights, it's the kind of spectacle that fans – and even the most unassuming people – need to see. There were people of all ages (many children), nationalities, and styles, united to witness a show that we can define in words as chaotic, apocalyptic, sinister, exciting, and insane.
It's a grand spectacle, from a band that suffered prejudice from more conservative headbangers who don't like nu metal, but are embraced by a legion of fans who were teenagers at the time and today were finally able to witness the band's show – which hadn't played in Brazil for 10 years. The commotion even caused the São Paulo Metro to extend its hours, with a special operation to accommodate the fans. We can venture to say that it's among the biggest and most historic System of a Down shows, with the energy that only Latin America possesses.
With a fiery performance and enthusiastic fans – as expected – System of a Down impressed with a strong setlist, which, to everyone's surprise, featured 38 songs, the largest of the entire tour. The racetrack was completely packed, everyone singing, headbanging, the expected flares everywhere opening space for the insane mosh pit – something every metal and concert fan needs to experience.
Disorder, disorder, disorder
Although the venue wasn't the best for a concert, the larger space made it worthwhile, giving it the deserved grandeur. However, the chaos and disorder during the show – which everyone wanted – also took over when the audience left. With only two exit areas, people crowded together and it took up to an hour just to get out of the racetrack, which led to moments of vandalism, where people started removing the barriers installed to make more room to pass.
During the show and afterwards, on social media, there were many comments about the venue's lack of adequate infrastructure for shows of that size. Due to the overcrowding and excitement, one of the structures separating the audience collapsed, but the situation was quickly brought under control, preventing further incidents.
Will this be System of a Down's last show in Brazil?
System of a Down is that simple band, with easy chords, formed by the four members practically from the beginning – Serj Tankian (vocals), Daron Malakian (guitar), Shavo Odadjian (bass), and John Dolmayan (drums), who replaced the original drummer Andy Khachaturian in 1998. However, the impact they can have is enormous.
It's incredible to see these guys, who rocked so much in the 2000s, now much older but with the same energy and craziness, encouraging fans to "set things on fire," especially during the most anticipated moment: the song "Toxicity." At that moment, Daron said: "We don't use pyrotechnics on stage because our fans bring the fire."
They proved their relevance with the shows they put on, they captivated every country they toured, and they proved that they are the new giants of metal – if it weren't for the feeling that this was truly the band's last show in Brazil. Those who follow the band know about the disagreements between members and their lack of desire to release new material.
The tour is marked more by nostalgic energy, following that hype of bands that are returning for celebration, without any intention of continuing their career. Hopefully, this energy has also awakened the band, and they will soon return for another insane, chaotic, and sublime show.
System of a Down continues with the WAKE UP! South America Stadium Tour in August with shows across the United States.
See the full setlist:
1
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BYOB
19. Radio/Video
20. Bubbles
21. Dreaming (breakdown only)
22. Hypnotize
23. ATWA
24. Bounce
25. Suggestions
26. Psycho
27. Chop Suey!
28. Lost in Hollywood (with excerpt from “Careless Whisper”, by George Michael)
29. Lonely Day
30. Streamline
31. Mind
32. Spiders
33. Forest
34. Cigaro
35. War?
36. Roulette
37. Toxicity
38. Sugar
READ ALSO: 3 memorable moments of Avenged Sevenfold in Brazil
