Serendipity struck the Chicago music scene on August 30, 2025, when System of a Down guitarist Daron Malakian delivered an electrifying impromptu performance with tribute band Peephole at the Cubby Bear near Wrigley Field.
The unplanned collaboration occurred during a day off before SOAD’s scheduled performances at Soldier Field on August 31 and September 1.
Malakian, who was taking photos in the area, initially heard the familiar intro to SOAD’s “Needles” emanating from the venue. A family member mistakenly suggested it might be karaoke, prompting the guitarist’s curiosity.
The unmistakable riffs of “Needles” drew Malakian inside, despite his relative’s karaoke assumption.
Without hesitation or prior arrangement, Malakian walked into the bar and joined Peephole: Tribute to System of a Down for their rendition of “Cigaro.”
The audience was visibly stunned as the original SOAD guitarist appeared onstage, seamlessly integrating with the tribute act. Malakian took control of guitar and vocals, lending authentic artistry to the performance while the tribute band members adjusted to the surreal situation unfolding before them.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when he just walked in and started playing with us,” one Peephole member later commented.
The collaboration was captured by numerous fans on smartphones, with footage quickly spreading across social media platforms including YouTube and Instagram.
Following the performance, Malakian graciously posed for photos with audience members and the tribute band, creating a memorable experience that merged tribute authenticity with original artistry.
He later shared video of the encounter on his own social media, emphasizing its spontaneous nature.
This surprise appearance happened after Malakian made a spontaneous decision to attend the show following dinner and a photo session in the area.
The band’s immaculate sound setup contributed significantly to the high-quality performance that impressed the SOAD guitarist.
The event highlights a rare and significant moment in rock culture where established musicians support tribute acts through direct participation.
Similar incidents have occurred recently with other major artists, but few match the serendipitous nature of Malakian’s appearance.
The surprise performance generated substantial buzz for SOAD’s upcoming Chicago shows, though Malakian made no explicit promotional effort during his impromptu appearance, instead simply celebrating the tribute band’s dedication to SOAD’s music.
Malakian later described the experience as one of the coolest moments of his life, comparing the rare odds of such an event to being struck by lightning.
The guitarist noted that events like these offer musicians unique opportunities for sync deals that can generate additional revenue streams when properly licensed footage goes viral.
