i need to see system of a down play live in concert! in 1998 they were the opening act at a concert i went to. i was curious to know what they sound like because i kept seeing their name in kerrang! and such publications. also, they are from los angeles, my home. i arrived late to the concert and didn't get to see them. i did receive a promo tape that had a song of theirs on it but since i do not listen to tapes, i never heard the song. i probably still have that tape, sealed, in a box somewhere.

cut to about 2 years later: i fall in love with the single "chop suey" and buy their album "toxicity". i fall on my face, puzzling if the minimal guitar lines is due to the guitarist being incompetent or if the sparsity is a mark of his songwriting genius. i play the album constantly. i grow to like it; i grow to love it; i buy their first album. i soon realize that i can't get enough of their music. the guitar lines are brilliant, clearly the guitarist is a genius. the drums are outstanding, exactly what the song calls for with a punch. the bass is clearly audible in the mix and it is mesmerizing. the vocals and lyrics are both serious and playful. i buy a book of poetry by the singer. i feel like i could have written the lines. somewhere there is a connection between the source of my being and their music.

eventually my desire for more is partially quenched with the release of studio outtakes and the side project serart. both are superb but my desire to see them live only increases. also does their popularity increase. i am afraid they will only play stadium shows and festivals. i do not tolerate such concerts but perhaps that is my only chance to see them live. i hold out for something smaller. here i am, waiting....