System’s stage presentation is very energetic and free. The way they dance around feels like they’re just there to have fun rather than perform an accurate set. The band is set out like a standard rock band with the bassist and guitarist at either side of the vocalist and the drummer in the middle behind the vocalist. The lights they use are very intricate and highlight different things. For example, most lights respond to dynamic changes or in time with the drums while some light up the audience, on-stage smoke, the screen in the background or the entire stage.
Before Sugar, the guitarist talks to the audience to rile them up and prepare them for the final song, which works as the enthusiasm shown on camera is extraordinary. To begin the song, the guitarist’s signal was to say ‘sugar’, which prompts the band to start when they’re ready. This is also to let the audience know what song they’re about to play. The lead singer plays around a bit with the vocals to make them somewhat comical or entertaining for the band themselves, which encourages positive audience response. Mid song, the singer lists the band member’s names in time which may encourage screams. He also pauses throughout the song for a mix of breath and to hear the audience singing along. Communication had clearly taken place between the lights, sound and stage management groups to coordinate the backdrop to look how they want with the lights they want to go along with the song. Closer to the end of the song, the singer addresses the audience as the country they’re in using the national language, which may create a more personal feeling. This is especially effective as he tells the audience that they love them. Following this, gestures of appreciation like blowing a kiss and bowing occur as the show had ended and they wander around stage and slowly make an exit.
This venue in particular is in Germany and holds a maximum capacity of 85,000 people, grouped into smaller parts sectioned by barriers. The event was a festival that occurred over three days and predominantly featured rock artists. System of a Down were performing on the third and final day of the event, likely accumulating the largest audience out of any performance. Judging by the audience’s response, the majority of them knew of and liked System of a Down or showed up primarily because of them.
The introduction to this song is high energy, using the chorus instrumental part as a taste of what’s to come. Using this at the start gives the idea that the song gets more energetic or interesting. Following this, the second verse is a simplified, melodically beautiful section featuring a unique guitar part alongside vocals. It gradually builds back up into the chorus, then goes right back to the calmer verse. This doesn’t last long though, after a few bars, the chaotic chorus is back and stops for a short break. Then, a new section is introduced. This section gradually speeds up to as fast as the band can play and still make sense of the song and the dynamics build to be at the highest point throughout the song to then finish with silence. The crescendo riles up the audience to end on a euphoric release