System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian is “doing well” after coming down with Covid-19 according to a post from the singer on social media.
System of a Down postponed a pair of shows in Los Angeles this past weekend as a result of Tankian contracting the coronavirus despite being fully vaccinated. Serj noted in his statement that his symptoms are mild and that he believes “being vaccinated helped minimize my symptoms and suffering.”
Interestingly given Tankian’s typically outspoken political leanings on the left side of the spectrum, he stopped short of outright encouraging his fans to get vaccinated, arguing that it’s a personal decision that should be connected to each patient’s medical needs. Still, he expressed no hesitation in asserting that he’s glad he and his “elder parents” are inoculated.
His statement, posted on Instagram, reads:
“I am overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and concern from friends and strangers alike. I am doing well and hoping to be clear of all symptoms soon. I believe that being vaccinated helped minimize my symptoms and suffering. We have many in our community who are resistant to the vaccine. I do understand and am not someone who takes sides on this issue. I think every medical situation requires proper understanding of the patients gender, age, medical history and preconditions. Vaccines should be no different and their side effects taken into serious consideration. The health industry cannot operate as a one size fits all on anything anymore. It’s medically irresponsible. That said I’m happy I along with my elder parents are vaccinated. Thank you again for all the love.”
In the initial statement revealing he had Covid-19, Tankian said that “I am shocked that it could even be Covid as I am not just vaccinated but also incredibly careful.”
The postponed concerts, which were also set to feature Korn, Helmet and Russian Circles, will now take place on February 4 and 5, 2022
Prior to the postponement, SOAD were able to play the first three concerts of this five-show run. Those performances were their first since 2019, and included the live debuts of the two new songs they released last year, “Genocidal Humanoidz” and Protect The Land.” Those songs marked the band’s only new recordings since their last album came out in 2006. You can watch fan-filmed video of those shows here.