There comes a time in every metalhead’s life when they decide it’s time to finally venture into the dangers of the pit. For you it may’ve happened early, perhaps even at your first show, no fucks given. Perhaps it came later once you worked up the courage. And for a few of you, never at all, preferring to stand back and watch (that’s OK!).
For Zander and Wyatt, sons of Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn, that moment came during Korn’s performance last night at the Oakland Arena. In a post to Instagram that includes video of what looks like a monstrously large circle pit, Flynn explained that his kids, who are now 17 and 14, had been fans of System of a Down since they were little, so the three decided to make a family outing of it along with their friend Braeden. Seized by the energy, they couldn’t even wait for System’s set, darting into the madness during Korn’s.
You can have a look at video of the incident below, including the initial clip of Korn and a few of System’s performance! Looks like they stayed up front among the everymen and everywomen for the whole show. Robb claims the last time he was in a circle pit was the Sounds of the Underground tour in 2006, but I beg to differ! He entrenched himself in the audience during a Metallica set at Wembley Stadium in 2009, although maybe he didn’t fully get into the pit that night.
Robb explained of the experience:
“Took my kids in their first circle pit yesterday. To say that this would be a “proud dad” moment would be the understatement of the year. I wanted to do this for so long, really since they were both born. In the past they were just a little too young, or Genevra was feeling a little over protective at the time, and it just didn’t happen. Now at 17 and 14 they were literally the perfect age, especially now that my 17-year-old is a big musclebound galoot!
“Both of my kids very first favorite songs when they were young were System of a Down songs. Zander‘s was “waiting for my girl“ and Wyatts was “old school Hollywood”. We were there with their forever-friend Braeden who is a gigantic fan of both bands as well, but in particular is bananas about Korn.
“So my friend Deen and I grabbed all three kids and made our way from the soundboard to the edge of the circle pit. From there, Braeden just bolted into it, zero fucks given. We quickly followed suit and man, we had the BEST fucking time.
“It’s been a looooooooong time since I’ve been in a circle pit, I think Gwar when we were on the sounds of the underground tour was the last one. It was a blast for me, but it was thrilling as fuck for the three of them. The excitement, the danger of getting knocked down, the vibe of everybody screaming along… man, it was so much fun. Maybe it was the two years off from live music, but it was exhilarating in every letter of the word. Getting the opportunity to share that moment with my kids was fucking priceless.
“Eventually Zander and Braeden got super close to the front row, and Wyatt and I stayed in the pit for “Bounce“ by System which was absolutely bonkers.
“It’s wild watching the kids grow up, it goes so fast. And having been a metalhead dad that knew how much fun this was going to be, to literally watch this dream come true was truly special. I wish I could’ve hung out with the Korn and System dudes some more, but unfortunately I was having too much fun in the circle pit with my boys at their show!🤪🤘🏻👊🏻🖤🔥🏆”
Aric Improta (Fever 333, Night Verses) is currently filling in for Korn drummer Ray Luzier, who tested positive for Covid-19. Luzier follows singer Jonathan Davis and guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer in contracting the virus on this current trek. Several shows were called off before Davis eventually returned to the stage with the aid of a throne on which he could rest. Meanwhile J.R. Bareis, who plays in Love and Death with Korn’s other guitarist, Brian “Head” Welch, stepped in to take Munky’s place until Munky was able to return.
System of a Down have been performing their two new songs live. You can watch footage here.
There are two dates left on the System of a Down / Korn tour:
10/22 Los Angeles, CA – Banc Of California Stadium (feat. Helmet) [tickets]
10/23 Los Angeles, CA – Banc Of California Stadium (feat. Helmet) [tickets]