Main Image - Skyler Greene / Gallery Images - Clemente Ruiz

Upon the announcement, there was an understanding that there was a special magnitude of this kind of show. With nothing in the way of build up or rollout, two of the biggest bands in the space guitar-driven music joined forces for an epic, one-time only event at the Historic Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA. 

System Of A Down along with Deftones linked for a mammoth one-two that drew a sold out audience for an outdoor spectacle of a show with one of the most iconic locations anywhere as the backdrop. Bolstering the significance of the San Franciscan excursion, supporting set from The Mars Volta as well as punk outliers Viagra Boys and Aussie noir pop  duo VOWWS made for an unforgettable day in the Bay

For System, the band's stage time corralled selections spanning their enduring catalog. Among the highlights, System ripped through renditions of "P.L.U.C.K." and "Know" from their 1998 self-titled album for the first time in many years. The comprehensive performance that opened with "Genocidal Humanoidz" would source from not just the self-titled and Toxicity, but essentials from the Hypnotize/Mezmerize era as well as the Steal This Album LP. 

Saving their most anthemic tunes for a grand finale, System would land a knockout combination with "Toxicity" and "Sugar" cementing the legendary quality of the evening. 

As for Deftones, the old adage of the classic never going out of style proved especially true during the band's stage time, "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)", "Digital Bath", "Lotion" and "Change (in the House of Flies)" all drew a huge roar from the floor. Equally impressive is just how relevant the songs remain, asserting a unique, enduring shelf life that few bands can claim. 

Compiling a set that would resonate best with the band's longtime base of fans, Deftones only touched on their most recent offering, opting only to perform "Genesis" from Ohms. Spanning entries from Saturday Night Wrist, the self-titled album, Adrenaline, White Pony, Diamond Eyes and Koi No Yokan, Deftones managed to cover plenty of ground despite their daytime stage time. 

Closing out with the timeless intensity of "7 Words", - Chino's hushed command of "Squeal like a pig...you big fucking ape" prompted an llve eruption that sent waves from the stage throughout the Bay.

Legendary stuff in SF. 

See images from the special one-off captured by Clemente Ruiz below.  

SYSTEM OF A DOWN

DEFTONES