Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway

Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway

Scars on Broadway is an alternative metal and experimental rock project founded in Los Angeles, California, in 2003. It serves as a creative outlet for Daron Malakian, known for his roles as co-vocalist and guitarist in the acclaimed band System of a Down. The project's second album, "Dictator," released on July 20, 2018, is credited to Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway.

Early Beginnings and Musical Direction

Malakian, who has expressed having a wealth of unreleased material, initially conceived Scars on Broadway as a solo endeavor. In a December 2005 interview, he indicated his ability to release multiple solo records, drawing a parallel to his bandmate Serj Tankian's solo work, while emphasizing that System of a Down was not disbanding. The project's first public release was the song 'They Say,' which premiered on March 28, 2008, via the band's website and MySpace page.

Contrary to initial assumptions, material circulated as "Ghetto Blaster Rehearsals" from 2003 was later clarified by Malakian in a 2007 website letter. He stated these tracks were not associated with the current Scars on Broadway project but originated from an unnamed, disbanded group from four years prior, featuring vocals by Casey Chaos.

Debut Album and Live Performances

The launch of 'They Say' was preceded by a countdown timer on the Scars on Broadway website, building anticipation for the release. The song's debut on March 28, 2008, marked a significant milestone for the project. Scars on Broadway made its live debut on April 11, 2008, at the Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles. Further performances were confirmed, including appearances at KFMA Day 2008 with Metallica, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 26, 2008, and the KROQ Weenie Roast on May 17, 2008, alongside a diverse lineup of notable artists.

The band's self-titled debut album, *Scars on Broadway*, was announced for release on July 28 and 29, 2008.

Hiatus and Resumption

In late 2008, Scars on Broadway entered a hiatus due to Malakian's reported lack of enthusiasm for touring and a feeling that his heart wasn't fully in it. The project resumed activity in April 2010 with an announced performance at The Troubador in Los Angeles on May 2, 2010.

Further developments included the announcement on January 11, 2012, that the band was recording its second album, with a tentative release planned for the fall of that year. An accompanying EP was also revealed to be in the works for a release around the same time. Scars on Broadway performed at the Epicenter Festival in Irvine, California, on September 22, 2012.

Current and Former Members

Current Members: Daron Malakian — vocals, guitars, bass guitar, keyboards Orbel Babayan - guitar Niko Chantziantoniou - bass Roman Lomtadze - drums

Former Members: John Dolmayan — drums, percussion Dominic Cifarelli — bass guitar, backing vocals Franky Perez — guitar, vocals Danny Shamoun — keyboards, piano, percussion Jules Pampena — drums, percussion