System of a Down Reunite to Play European Tour Dates

All the speculation regarding the status of quirk rockers System of a Down is finally over. Despite rumors of a reportedly acrimonious hiatus that began in 2006 -- which saw singer Serj Tankian moving on to a prosperous solo career, guitarist Daron Malakian and drummer John Dolmayan reteaming in the short-lived Scars on Broadway and bassist Shavo Odadjian working with hip-hop guru RZA and scoring films -- it's been officially announced that they'll reunite for a spate of System of a Down European tour dates in 2011.

System of a Down issued a somewhat nebulous statement about their reunion and the European tour dates, saying, "We also want to thank you for your loyalty and support, not only to System of a Down, but to all of our solo efforts as well. We have no master plan of sorts -- we are playing these shows simply because we want to play together again as a band and for you, our amazing fans."

European festivals are major cash grabs for bands, but in this case, the fans will benefit from seeing one of the most explosive bands in hard rock reunited and onstage again after a lengthy break.



System of a Down European tour dates

6/2 -- Italy, Milan -- Milan Fiera Arena (on sale Dec 1, 10am)

6/4 -- Germany, Nurnberg -- Rock im Park (available now)

6/5 -- Germany, Nurburgring -- Rock am Ring (available now)

6/6 -- France, Paris -- Omnisports de Bercy (on sale Dec 14, 10am)

6/9 -- Switzerland, Interlaken -- Greenfield Festival (on sale Dec 1, 10am)

6/11 -- UK, Castle Donington -- Download Festival (on sale Dec 3, 9am)

6/13 -- Austria, Nickelsdorf -- Novarock (available now)

6/15 -- Germany, Berlin -- Wuhlheide (on sale Dec 1, 9am)

6/17 -- Sweden, Gothenburg -- Metaltown Festival (on sale Dec 2, 9am)

6/19 -- Finland, Turku -- Provinssirock (on sale Dec 1, 9am)