Daron Malakian recalls saving a Metallica concert
Daron Malakian from System of a Down provides intriguing insight into the time he stepped in for the legendary James Hetfield of Metallica. The unexpected turn of events occurred back in 2000 when Hetfield had to step down due to a water skiing injury. Malakian, being the new kid on the block with only one album under his belt, found himself thrust into the limelight. Despite his band’s relative newcomer status, Malakian and some impromptu vocalists filled in admirably for Hetfield at a handful of shows.
Malakian’s deep knowledge of Metallica’s music stemmed from his formative years. “When I was 12 or 13, I had been playing the guitar for a year,” he recalls. “I was with these guys in my school, and in their dad’s garage, we would play Metallica covers.” Malakian’s familiarity with Metallica’s music, coupled with the fact that System of a Down was supporting Metallica on tour, made him the ideal candidate to step in for Hetfield on short notice.
The surreal experience of meeting Metallica on stage for the first time, without any prior introduction, showcased Malakian’s audacity and readiness to tackle unexpected challenges. Despite being just 22 years old and relatively unknown in the music scene at the time, Malakian found himself on stage with Metallica, handed a Les Paul, and ready to perform in front of a massive crowd.
Reflecting on his nerves as he stepped into the spotlight with Metallica, Malakian recounts how he felt like a kid in the presence of legends. “You gotta understand that [at the time] our band’s not big yet. I’m still a kid,” he explains. The pressure of opening for a band like Metallica and being called upon to perform their iconic song, “Master of Puppets,” in front of thousands was a defining moment in Malakian’s career.
The impromptu performance took an unexpected turn when Metallica deviated from their usual setlist, catching Malakian off guard. “There’s this thing that happened where, in the middle of Master Of Puppets, instead of going into that slow part, they went into Welcome Home (Sanitarium),” Malakian recalls. Despite the unexpected twist, he handled the situation like a true professional, showcasing his versatility and adaptability on stage.
The experience of filling in for James Hetfield in Metallica remains a memorable chapter in Malakian’s career. Stepping up in a moment of crisis, showcasing his musical prowess, and earning the respect of both Metallica and the fans solidified Malakian’s reputation as a talented guitarist and a rising star in the music industry.