System of a Down’s Serj Tankian Shares True Feelings Over Losing Fans Due to His Activism

Aside from performing and delivering songs to his fans through his band System of A Down, frontman Serj Tankian has also been involved with political activism for many years. More recently, the singer shared his true feelings over losing supporters due to his beliefs.

The musician recently spoke to NPR for an interview, in which he revealed that he was "okay" with losing fans because he wanted to be an artist rather than just an entertainer.

"I'm okay with that because an artist isn't supposed to please everyone," he said.

Tankian later explained what an artist meant, saying that holding that title is supposed to "try to receive through the collective consciousness whatever truths that we're trying to live by."

He noted that if people couldn't do that as artists, they would be considered "entertainers."

The lead singer said it's "cool" being an entertainer, as there are many musicians he loves and supports, but if someone chooses to become "an artist," it wouldn't be easy as they have to be honest with themselves and the people around them.

Aside from that, the public would also be divided into two groups as there would be supporters who would support and like them, but there would also be people who would hate them.

READ ALSO: Serj Tankian Reveals System of A Down's 'Creative Differences' That Halted Them to Create New Album

Despite being politically active, Tankian said he considers his bandmate, John Dolmayan, the "more of the activist" within the group than anyone else, even though he has different political beliefs.

In other updates about the singer, he just published his new book, Down with the System, in which he shares details about his personal life and work with System of a Down. 

In an excerpt shared by Rolling Stone, Tankian recalled the time when he admitted that he was holding back his bandmates as he didn't want to do a proper tour.

He recalled telling his bandmates to look for a new singer and that the transition would be seamless as he was willing to train the new vocalist.

Although the idea didn't happen, he was later "taken aback" when he found out that his group had auditioned for a new singer without his knowledge.

"I was taken aback. Not that they had been auditioning replacements, but that they'd kept it a secret," he added.

READ MORE: Serj Tankian Recalls System of a Down Bandmates Holding an Audition for a New Singer Without His Knowledge