Daron Malakian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daron Malakian
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Malakian performing with System of a Down in 2011
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| Born | July 18, 1975 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1990–present |
Daron Malakian (born July 18, 1975) is an Armenian-American musician. He is famous for being the guitarist, songwriter, and second singer for the metal band System of a Down. He is also the lead singer and guitarist for his other band, Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway.
Malakian is known for his unique guitar-playing style. He has been named one of the best metal guitarists of all time by magazines like Guitar World and websites like Loudwire.
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Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Daron Malakian was born in Hollywood, California. He was the only child of Vartan and Zepur Malakian, who were both artists from an Armenian background.
From a young age, Daron loved heavy metal music. When he was four, a cousin showed him a record by the band Kiss. He soon started listening to other famous rock bands like Van Halen, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden.
Daron always wanted to play the drums. However, his parents bought him a guitar instead because it was quieter. He got his first guitar when he was 11 years old. He taught himself to play by listening to songs. By the time he was a teenager, he was known as a talented guitar player at his school.
He later realized the guitar was great for writing songs. He was influenced by songwriters like John Lennon from the Beatles. He also liked bands such as the Kinks and the Who.
Daron went to the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School. His future bandmates, Shavo Odadjian and Andy Khachaturian, also went there. The lead singer of System of a Down, Serj Tankian, attended the same school but was a few years older.
Career with System of a Down
In 1993, Malakian met Serj Tankian at a music studio where their separate bands were practicing. They decided to start a new band together called Soil. They were joined by a bassist and a drummer. Their friend, Shavo Odadjian, became their manager and later joined as a second guitarist.
After Soil broke up, Malakian, Tankian, and Odadjian formed a new band. Odadjian switched from guitar to bass. They first called themselves "Victims of a Down," based on a poem Malakian wrote. They changed "Victims" to "System" because they thought it sounded better. It also put their albums on store shelves next to one of their favorite bands, Slayer. They later found their permanent drummer, John Dolmayan.
Malakian was very involved in making the band's music. He co-produced their albums with the famous producer Rick Rubin. He also helped produce albums for other bands.
Scars on Broadway Project
When System of a Down took a break, Malakian started a new project called Scars on Broadway. System of a Down's drummer, John Dolmayan, also joined this new band.
In 2008, they released their first album, also called Scars on Broadway. It had the hit single "They Say". Malakian wrote the songs and played most of the instruments on the album himself, except for the drums.
Shortly after the album came out, Malakian canceled the tour. He said he needed a break from touring. For a while, he stayed out of the public eye.
In 2010, Malakian and Scars on Broadway reunited for a show in West Hollywood. They played old songs and some new ones. That same year, System of a Down also announced they would reunite for a European tour in 2011.
On July 20, 2018, Scars on Broadway released its second album, Dictator. Their third album, Addicted to the Violence, was released on July 18, 2025.
Personal Life
Malakian is a big sports fan. He has been a lifelong fan of the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings hockey teams. He has a large collection of Oilers merchandise. He is also a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
Discography
System of a Down
- System of a Down (1998)
- Toxicity (2001)
- Steal This Album! (2002)
- Mezmerize (2005)
- Hypnotize (2005)
Scars on Broadway
- Scars on Broadway (2008)
- Dictator (2018)
- Addicted to the Violence (2025)
Other Appearances
Malakian has also worked with other famous artists.
- In 2010, he was featured on the song "Trouble Seeker" by the band Cypress Hill.
- In 2014, he played guitar on the song "Rebellion" by Linkin Park.
- In 2017, he performed "Rebellion" live with Linkin Park at a special concert honoring their singer, Chester Bennington.
See also
In Spanish: Daron Malakian para niños
