San Francisco may be known for its legendary hard rock bands, but it’s not a regular stop on the hard rock and metal tour circuit. That’s why this San Francisco concert featuring System of a Down and Deftones was such a huge event—arguably the biggest rock show the city has seen in years, aside from Metallica.
The lineup, which also included The Mars Volta, Viagra Boys, and VOWWS, had a festival-like atmosphere. According to organizers Another Planet Entertainment, the event sold out immediately, with over 50,000 tickets gone in no time, and about 80% of the crowd coming from outside the local area. The three opening bands leading up to Deftones and System of a Down each brought their own unique sound and energy to the show.
The three opening bands each brought distinct sounds and performances. The Mars Volta took the stage with a progressive, jam band-inspired approach. Their 45-minute set included six songs, with many featuring extended jams, intricate solos, and interludes.
The day kicked off with dark pop act VOWWS, who delivered a moody and rumbling set to start the night’s festivities.
Mars Volta
Mars Volta’s Vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala commanded attention with his impressive vocal range, while the band blended punk, Latin, classical, and hard rock influences into their complex arrangements. Guitarist and co-founder Omar Rodríguez-López stood out with his musicianship, and with tracks like “Roulette,” “Drunkship,” and “Graveyard,” The Mars Volta delivered a unique and dynamic energy that set them apart from the other performers.
Viagra Boys
Viagra Boys, hailing from Sweden, leaned into their satirical punk rock style. Frontman Sebastian Murphy, who once lived in San Rafael, kept the crowd entertained with humor and memorable one-liners like, “We’re the Deftones, thanks for coming out!” Musically, Viagra Boys combined punk, rock, hardcore, and new wave, and were the only band of the night to feature a saxophonist.
Murphy’s stage presence, including his shirtless and sweatpants-clad appearance, was just as eccentric as his commentary. He even gave a shout-out to the “shrimp in the mosh pit” before launching into “Troglodyte.” Highlights included “Punk Rock Loser,” with guitarist Linus Hilborg showing off a unique style by using a lighter as a slide on his guitar.
Deftones
Sacramento’s Deftones brought an electric performance. Vocalist Chino Moreno commanded the stage with intense energy, turning the concert into a rare Northern California appearance. From their opening track “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” to the high-energy “My Own Summer (Shove It),” the band’s presence was undeniable.
Deftones delivered precision with songs like “Diamond Eyes,” “Digital Bath,” and “Needles and Pens,” as Moreno’s dynamic vocal range moved seamlessly from whispering to full-on screams. The low-end rumble of their guitars reverberated throughout the venue, especially during “Rosemary” and “Rocket Skies.” Moreno even strapped on a guitar for the anthemic “Change (In the House of Flies),” closing their set with “Genesis” and “7 Words.”
System Of A Down
Guitarist Daron Malakian of System of a Down set the tone, declaring, “From Los Angeles, CA, by way of Armenia, we are System of a Down, and this is System-of-a-Down-style rock and roll.” Frontman Serj Tankian delivered a powerful, controlled performance, his voice never faltering. Malakian brought unpredictability with heavy riffs and melodic solos, while bassist Shavo Odadjian’s steady bass lines grounded the sound. Drummer John Dolmayan’s intense beats drove the music forward, especially during “Hypnotize,” after Malakian urged the crowd, “Stop letting them divide you—your neighbor is not the enemy, the government is.”
Malakian took lead vocals on “Lonely Day” and “Lost in Hollywood,” while “Aerials” garnered one of the biggest responses of the night. Late in the show, Tankian shouted, “How are you feeling, San Francisco? You look absolutely beautiful from up here.”
The setlist was a generous mix of material from their classic Toxicity album along with hits from their other records. With lasers and spotlights intensifying the experience, System of a Down tore through tracks like “Bounce,” “Suggestions,” and the rarely played “P.L.U.C.K.” Tankian and Malakian’s vocal interplay was seamless, reflecting the tension and aggression of the music. When the band launched into “Chop Suey!,” the crowd erupted in a massive singalong.
Though their message carried weight, the mood was anything but somber. The band seemed to enjoy themselves, often smiling as they played genuinely. Malakian even joked, “Sometimes we sing sweet songs like [‘Hypnotize’], but we also sing sweet songs about pulling tapeworms out of your eyes,” before diving into “Needles.”
The band ended with a powerful double punch of “Toxicity” and “Sugar,” gathering for a group hug on stage as the audience roared in approval. It was clear this was no ordinary concert, and the night would not soon be forgotten.
All in all, it was an unforgettable night of diverse performances, marking a rare and monumental moment in San Francisco’s rock and metal scene.
For more updates on Deftones, System of a Down, or other concerts in San Francisco, stay tapped in with us at RespectMyRegion.com.
