John Dolmayan

Early Life

Hovig "John" Dolmayan was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to Armenian parents, and his name honors his grandfather. At the age of two, he developed a passion for drumming, inspired by watching his father, a saxophone player, perform. His early musical influences included jazz records from his father and rock albums shared with friends. Dolmayan cites legendary drummers like Keith Moon, John Bonham, Stewart Copeland, and Neil Peart as significant influences on his style.

Career

Dolmayan joined the iconic band System of a Down in 1997, stepping in after the departure of the original drummer. He recorded five critically acclaimed albums with the band, including the groundbreaking "Toxicity" and the double album "Mezmerize/Hypnotize." His drumming earned him recognition, including being named DRUM! Magazine's Drummer of the Year in 2006. After the band went on hiatus in 2006, he collaborated with Daron Malakian to form Scars on Broadway, releasing their debut album in 2008. The band even toured U.S. army bases in Iraq in 2009, showcasing their commitment to connecting with fans.

Personal Life

John Dolmayan is married to Diana Dolmayan, who is related to his bandmate Serj Tankian, making them brothers-in-law. He is known for his politically active presence on social media, often expressing conservative views that have led to tensions with his bandmates. Despite facing backlash for his opinions, Dolmayan remains a passionate advocate for his beliefs. Additionally, he is a comic book enthusiast and owns a comic book shop, Torpedo Comics, in Las Vegas.