System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian addressed the political differences between himself and bandmate John Dolmayan in a recent interview. He reassured fans that the two remain on good terms ahead of the band’s upcoming Australian tour.
Tankian spoke candidly about how differing political views have affected his relationship with Dolmayan, who is also his brother-in-law. He explained why their bond remains strong despite the disagreements.
“First of all, I don’t want to speak for John about his political views; that wouldn’t be fair,” Tankian said. “I can say that the verb ‘was’ [a Trump supporter] is correct. I can’t say for sure that it still is. I think he, too, got tired of Trump, like many others. Do differences make things more difficult? Of course.”
Tankian went on to highlight the personal dimension of their relationship, which extends well beyond the stage.
“But there are also many points on which we agree,” he continued. “And John isn’t just my drummer, he’s also my brother-in-law. So it’s even more complicated. Our children are together all the time. They’re cousins. We see each other at family gatherings. That part is complicated.”
The vocalist also put the situation into a broader perspective, emphasizing the shared history and values that hold them together.
“I’m certainly not the only person in the world who has a brother-in-law with different political views,” Tankian said. “It happens to a lot of people. Yet that doesn’t stop us from doing what we truly do: loving each other. We share so many things: our origins, our Armenian identity, our culture, our music, and everything we’ve built together over thirty years. And that carries a lot of weight. Yes, it’s difficult at times. But times change. Opinions change.”
The political divide between Tankian and Dolmayan has been a point of public discussion for several years. Dolmayan made headlines in 2020 when he publicly voiced support for Donald Trump on social media. This stood in sharp contrast to Tankian’s long history of progressive political activism. Tankian has consistently advocated for Armenian causes, human rights, and social justice throughout his career.
System of a Down has not released a studio album since Mezmerize and Hypnotize in 2005. Despite occasional statements from members about the difficulty of aligning creatively and personally, the band has continued to tour and keep their fanbase engaged on the live circuit.
The Australian run marks a significant moment for the group. It represents one of their most geographically ambitious touring commitments in recent years. System of a Down formed in Los Angeles in 1994 and rose to global prominence with their politically charged, genre-defying sound. They have built a loyal following across continents that has endured through every period of internal friction.
For fans in Australia and beyond, Tankian’s words serve as a reminder that the band’s foundation has proven more durable than any political disagreement. That foundation rests on shared heritage, decades of friendship, and a mutual commitment to their music.
