Exclusively Van Halen: John Dolmayan on #VANHALEN & #LEDZEPPELIN's Influence. 12/28/24

https://www.youtube.com/live/ZXDgOqA62vY?si=KCiOXOEQkpoiu3SK SYSTEM OF A DOWN drummer John Dolmayan recently shared his thoughts on VAN HALEN's impact during an interview with Paltrocast host Darren Paltrowitz. When asked if VAN HALEN inspired him to start playing drums, Dolmayan explained, "I wanted to play drums before I even knew who VAN HALEN was. But VAN HALEN introduced a unique style. While some of the drumming might have hints of [LED ZEPPELIN's] John Bonham—because, honestly, everyone’s drumming has been influenced by Bonham since his time—they brought their own twist to it. VAN HALEN’s style was more straightforward and heavy, like a blend of AC/DC and LED ZEPPELIN, combined with exceptional musicianship. At that time, there were a lot of great musicians, but few played as melodically as VAN HALEN. Each member of the band brought something distinctive and compelling to the table, regardless of how they were perceived." As previously reported, SYSTEM OF A DOWN will embark on a series of stadium shows in South America next spring. The "Wake Up!" tour begins on April 24 in Bogota, Colombia, and concludes on May 10 in São Paulo, Brazil. Additionally, the band has added second shows for their massive stadium events in North America later in the year. These include performances in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at MetLife Stadium on August 27 with KORN; Chicago, Illinois, at Soldier Field on September 1 with AVENGED SEVENFOLD; and Toronto, Ontario, at Rogers Stadium on September 5 with DEFTONES. Their Toronto dates will mark the first time a hard rock act has played two nights at the brand-new Rogers Stadium. Special guests POLYPHIA and WISP will open all shows. SYSTEM OF A DOWN has toured intermittently since ending its hiatus in 2011 but has only managed to record two songs in the past 19 years: "Protect The Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz." Released in November 2020, the tracks were inspired by the conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan. Proceeds from the songs, along with donations from fans through social media, raised over $600,000 to support humanitarian efforts in the band's ancestral homeland of Armenia. “Exclusively Van Halen" is the ultimate destination for all things Van Halen. Step into the world of rock and roll legends as we delve deep into the history, music, and trivia surrounding one of the most iconic bands of all time. Join us as we explore Van Halen's storied career, from their electrifying performances to the making of their timeless hits. Get to know the band members, their inspirations, and the stories behind the songs that have rocked generations. But that's not all – tune in for exciting giveaways where you can win exclusive Van Halen merchandise and more. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering the magic of Van Halen, this show promises to keep you entertained, informed, and rocking out from start to finish. Get ready to jump into the world of "Exclusively Van Halen" and experience the music like never before. We talk all things Van Halen!