Down with the System
A Memoir (of Sorts)
By: Serj Tankian
The incredible first memoir by System Of A Down frontman Serj Tankian With nearly 40 million record sales, three albums topping the Billboard charts, a Grammy win and a legion of fans, System Of A Down are one of the biggest metal bands on the planet. At their core has always been Serj Tankian, whose journey from the streets of Beirut to rock superstardom is as remarkable and unlikely as you'll get. By dint of luck, circumstance, struggle, and more than a little talent, Serj has had the chance to live an extraordinary life. In Down With the System, he retraces this remarkable and unlikely journey, and explores what it's taught him - about music, about art, about activism, and about himself. From teaming up with Tom Morello to push social justice causes on unsuspecting metalheads, arguing with LAPD officers over the best way to quell his rioting fans, and traveling with Anthony Bourdain through Armenia one meal at a time, Down With the System is an immigrant's tale, an activist's awakening, and rock memoir unlike any other.
AI Overview
Book Overview: "Down with the System" by Serj Tankian
Plot Summary: "Down with the System" is a memoir by Serj Tankian, the lead singer of the rock band System of a Down. The book is more than just a rock 'n' roll fable; it is an immigrant's tale, an activist's awakening, and a spiritual journey from darkness toward light. Serj Tankian was born to Armenian parents in Beirut, where he grew up during the country's civil war. At the age of seven, he moved to Los Angeles and became immersed in the SoCal community of "Little Armenia," where he learned about the brutal genocide faced by his ancestors and helped his parents adapt to the American Dream.
The memoir follows Serj's pivotal decision to turn away from a promising future in business and law to pursue a career in music. This decision led him to tour five continents as the lead singer of a hugely popular rock band, achieving significant success, including hitting number #1 on the Billboard album charts the morning of 9/11. However, his hit single from the same album was banned from radio two days later.
The book recounts various experiences, including evading glass bottles hurled at a cancelled show by angry Slayer fans, teaming up with Tom Morello to push social justice causes on unsuspecting metalheads, and arguing with LAPD officers over how to quell rioting fans. Serj also defines new sounds and singing tactics with Rick Rubin.
Key Themes:
- Immigrant Experience: The book explores Serj's journey as an immigrant, highlighting the challenges and cultural adaptations he faced.
- Activism: Serj's involvement in social justice causes is a significant theme, particularly his work with Tom Morello.
- Spiritual Journey: The memoir documents Serj's spiritual awakening and how it influenced his life and music.
- Music and Art: The book delves into the creative process and the impact of music on Serj's life.
- Personal Growth: It explores what Serj has learned about himself, music, art, and activism through his experiences.
Critical Reception:
- Book Reviews: The book has received positive reviews for its thought-provoking insight and heartfelt, poetic prose. Reviewers have praised the memoir for its unique blend of personal memoir, cultural/personal history, and activism.
- BookAnon Review: The review on BookAnon.com describes the book as a "fascinating and humble blend of personal memoir, cultural/personal history, and activism".
Overall, "Down with the System" is an unforgettable ride that retraces Serj Tankian's remarkable and unlikely journey, offering insights into music, art, activism, and personal growth. It is an absolute delight for both new and old fans of Serj Tankian and System of a Down.