Gibson, the world-renowned instrument manufacturer, has officially announced the Serj Tankian “Foundations” Les Paul Modern, a limited-edition guitar and experience bundle inspired by the SYSTEM OF A DOWN frontman’s acclaimed Foundations EP. Released through Gibson Records last fall, this package is part of a broader series of Gibson Custom Collaborations with iconic artists.
Launching globally on April 17, this exclusive offering is limited to just 25 units. Each package includes a signed “Foundations” Les Paul Modern guitar, a signed vinyl copy of Tankian’s Foundations EP, a signed edition of his memoir Down With The System, and a signed 18×24” museum-quality print of his artwork Sunburst—which also appears on the guitar body and EP cover. Buyers will also receive two VIP tickets to a SYSTEM OF A DOWN concert of their choosing.
Tankian recently sat down with Araksya Karapetyan of FOX 11 Los Angeles to talk about the inspiration behind the “Foundations” guitar and what the project means to him.
As SYSTEM OF A DOWN’s lead vocalist and songwriter, Serj Tankian has helped the band release five studio albums, earn a Grammy Award in 2006 for their hit “B.Y.O.B.,” and sell more than 42 million records globally. Outside of the band, Tankian has flourished as a solo musician, composer, activist, visual artist, poet, and filmmaker. Born in Lebanon to Armenian parents and raised in Los Angeles, Tankian has long drawn creative influence from his multicultural upbringing, channeling these perspectives into both his music and visual art.
His solo EP Foundations received some of the highest critical praise of his career. According to Tankian, the record serves as “a retrospective of songs from different eras of my life, meant to complement the memoir.” The EP capped off a remarkable year that included the release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, Down With The System, and a massive sold-out SYSTEM OF A DOWN performance at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, drawing over 50,000 fans.
Even with Foundations still making waves, Tankian is already planning his next steps. He revealed that his upcoming project might feature covers, collaborations, and musical collages, reflecting his constant desire to explore new creative territory. “I’m always moving in different directions,” Tankian says. “Repetition is boring, and the death of art.”
Looking ahead, Tankian will reunite with SYSTEM OF A DOWN for a sold-out South American tour beginning April 24 in Bogotá, Colombia. The band is also set to embark on a North American tour in August 2025, featuring powerhouse special guests KORN, DEFTONES, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, and POLYPHIA.
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