Editing John Dolmayan

{{short description|American drummer (born 1972)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name             = John Dolmayan
| image            = John dolmayan (cropped).jpg
| caption          = Dolmayan in 2018
| alias            = 
| birth_date       = {{Birth date and age|1972|07|15}}
| birth_place      = [[Beirut]], Lebanon
| origin           = [[Glendale, California]], U.S.<!-- Per Template:Infobox musical artist, origin should be the town, city etc., from which the musician originated rather than ethnicity. -->
| genre            = {{hlist|[[Alternative metal]]|[[nu metal]]|[[alternative rock]]|[[experimental rock]]}}
| occupations      = Drummer
| years_active     = 1997–present
| associated_acts  = {{hlist|[[System of a Down]]|[[Axis of Justice]]|[[Serj Tankian]]|[[Scars on Broadway]]}}
| website          = {{URL|systemofadown.com}}
}}
'''John Dolmayan''' ({{Langx|hy|Ջոն Դոլմայան}}) (born July 15, 1972<!-- Do NOT change! Multiple sources incorrectly state 1973 as the birth year, a fact corrected by Dolmayan multiple times, including a live stream referenced here! --><ref>{{Citation |last=Dolmayan |first=John |title=Instagram live stream on YouTube |date=April 27, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFk6Kghy3iU |publication-date=April 28, 2022 |language=en |quote=Q&A: (What's your moon sign?) Hmm, well I'm uh, I'm born July 15th, 1972, so uh I think, I'm a cancer—I don't know what the moon sign is... [Timestamp, 46:51] |access-date=July 15, 2022}}</ref>) is an [[Armenian-American]] musician, best known as the drummer of [[System of a Down]]. He is also the former drummer for [[Scars on Broadway]]. Dolmayan was ranked number 33 on ''[[Loudwire]]''{{'}}s list of ''Top 200 Hard Rock + Metal Drummers of All Time''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/top-hard-rock-metal-drummers-of-all-time/|title=Top 200 Hard Rock + Metal Drummers of All Time|website=[[Loudwire]] |access-date=December 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127111438/http://loudwire.com/top-hard-rock-metal-drummers-of-all-time/|archive-date=November 27, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Early life ==
John Dolmayan was born in [[Beirut]], Lebanon, to Armenian parents.<!-- Dolmayan was born in Beirut, not Armenia, DO NOT CHANGE! Also, his middle name is NOT Ohannes or Hovig--those just mean John in Armenian! --><ref>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p357160|pure_url=yes}}|title=allmusic (((John Dolmayan> Feedback)))|website=allmusic |access-date=July 26, 2010}}</ref> During [[Lebanese Civil War (1975–1977)|the Lebanese Civil War]], his family moved to California.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-john-dolmayan-20180619-story.html|title=System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan snares a home in Glendale|first=Jack|last=Flemming|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=June 19, 2018|access-date=June 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009175653/http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-john-dolmayan-20180619-story.html|archive-date=October 9, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dolmayan first became interested in drums at the age of two.<ref name="Interview with John Dolmayan" /> His father was a saxophone player and when his mother would take him to watch his father play, he would mimic his father's drummer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/john_dolmayan_i_never_wanted_us_to_take_a_break_in_the_first_place.html|title=John Dolmayan: 'I Never Wanted Us to Take a Break in the First Place'|website=www.ultimate-guitar.com}}</ref> He learned to play the drums by putting on records and practicing for hours a day, and continued said practice for years.<ref name="Interview with John Dolmayan" /> Dolmayan describes his musical style as one influenced by whatever he could get his hands on, including the jazz albums belonging to his father and the rock albums he shared with his friends.<ref name="Interview with John Dolmayan">{{cite web|url=http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/artist/tama_interview.php?interview_id=8|title=Interview with John Dolmayan|date=September 15, 2006|publisher=Tama|access-date=July 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720233832/http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/artist/tama_interview.php?interview_id=8|archive-date=July 20, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Dolmayan is a fan of [[the Who]] and cites Who drummer [[Keith Moon]] as his biggest influence. Other drummers that he cites as major influences include [[Led Zeppelin]]'s [[John Bonham]], [[Stewart Copeland]] from [[The Police (band)|the Police]], and [[Rush (band)|Rush]]'s [[Neil Peart]].<ref name="Interview with John Dolmayan" />

== Career ==

=== System of a Down ===
[[File:SoaD.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Dolmayan drumming with System of a Down in 2011]]
{{Main|System of a Down}}
Dolmayan joined System of a Down in 1997 after their original drummer, [[Ontronik "Andy" Khachaturian]], left the band due to a hand injury.<ref name="blogs.myspace.com">{{cite web |title=OnTroniK: System of a Down Information |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=512654515&blogId=526325472 |access-date=July 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220180824/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=512654515&blogId=526325472 |archive-date=February 20, 2010 }}</ref>

Dolmayan recorded five albums with System of a Down: ''[[System of a Down (album)|System of a Down]]'' (1998), ''[[Toxicity (album)|Toxicity]]'' (2001), ''[[Steal This Album!]]'' (2002), ''[[Mezmerize (album)|Mezmerize]]'' (2005) and ''[[Hypnotize (album)|Hypnotize]]'' (2005).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/john-dolmayan-mn0000110971/credits|title=John Dolmayan – Credits|website=AllMusic}}</ref>

Dolmayan won ''[[DRUM! Magazine]]''{{'}}s 2006 Drummer of the year and was the feature story in their March edition.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Drum! March 2006 John Dolmayan |url=https://www.drummagazinestore.com/products/drum-march-2006-john-dolmayan|journal=[[Drum!]] |volume=117}}{{dead link|date=June 2019}}</ref>
The band went on hiatus in 2006, but reunited in 2010 to occasionally tour.

=== Scars on Broadway ===
{{Main|Scars on Broadway}}
After System of a Down went on hiatus in 2006, Dolmayan teamed up with [[Daron Malakian]] (System of a Down's guitarist/vocalist) to form a new band called Scars on Broadway, which recorded their [[Scars on Broadway (album)|eponymous debut album]] in 2007 and 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-members-recording-18-songs-for-scars-on-broadway-debut/|title=SYSTEM OF A DOWN Members Recording 18 Songs For SCARS ON BROADWAY Debut|date=September 29, 2007|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622140102/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-members-recording-18-songs-for-scars-on-broadway-debut/|archive-date=June 22, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was released in the summer of 2008 and Dolmayan, Malakian, guitarist [[Franky Perez]], bassist Dominic Cifarelli, and keyboardist Danny Shamoun performed concerts and prepared to embark on a tour in support of the album before Malakian suddenly cancelled the tour in October 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/scars-on-broadway-3-1331205|title=Scars On Broadway cancel US tour – NME|date=October 10, 2008|website=Nme.com|access-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621043205/http://www.nme.com/news/music/scars-on-broadway-3-1331205|archive-date=June 21, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2009, Dolmayan, Perez, Shamoun, and Cifarelli as Scars on Broadway traveled to Iraq for a USO tour across the U.S. army bases. Their setlist consisted of covers as well as a few Scars on Broadway songs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.artisannews.com/scars-on-broadway-on-hiatus-or-broken-up/|title=SCARS ON BROADWAY ON HIATUS OR BROKEN UP|date=January 18, 2010|website=Artisannews.com|access-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425114827/http://www.artisannews.com/scars-on-broadway-on-hiatus-or-broken-up/|archive-date=April 25, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/scars-on-broadway-members-touring-army-bases-in-iraq/|title=SCARS ON BROADWAY Members Touring Army Bases In Iraq|date=August 24, 2009|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622032741/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/scars-on-broadway-members-touring-army-bases-in-iraq/|archive-date=June 22, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Scars on Broadway]] reunited with Malakian on May 2, 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/scars-on-broadway-announces-comeback-show/|title=SCARS ON BROADWAY Announces Comeback Show|date=April 13, 2010|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013031033/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/scars-on-broadway-announces-comeback-show/|archive-date=October 13, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> and released a new single later that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/scars-on-broadway-new-song-available-for-free-download/|title=SCARS ON BROADWAY: New Song Available For Free Download|date=July 29, 2010|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018004602/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/scars-on-broadway-new-song-available-for-free-download|archive-date=October 18, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the project went dormant and Dolmayan was no longer involved when Malakian reformed the group in 2018.<ref name="soad">{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/bummer-alert/daron-malakian-says-scars-on-broadways-new-album-could-have-been-new-system-of-a-down-music|title=Daron Malakian Says SCARS ON BROADWAY's New Album Could Have Been New SYSTEM OF A DOWN Music|date=April 24, 2018|website=Metalinjection.net|access-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817055523/http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/bummer-alert/daron-malakian-says-scars-on-broadways-new-album-could-have-been-new-system-of-a-down-music|archive-date=August 17, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Other projects ===
[[File:JohnDolmayanSitting (cropped).jpg|thumb|Dolmayan in 2009|left]]
Dolmayan recorded drums for [[Killing Joke]]'s [[Killing Joke (2003 album)|2003 self-titled album]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/nirvana-pay-back-killing-joke-20030410|title=Nirvana Pay Back Killing Joke|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=June 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608162836/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/nirvana-pay-back-killing-joke-20030410|archive-date=June 8, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> (although the band ended up going with [[Dave Grohl]]'s tracks<ref>[http://www.anirrationaldomain.net/articles/current/drummedia04112003.html TENSION MAKES THE JOKE WORK] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070909022411/http://www.anirrationaldomain.net/articles/current/drummedia04112003.html |date=September 9, 2007 }} Murray Engleheart, Drum Media, November 4, 2003</ref>) as well as [[Scum of the Earth (band)|Scum of the Earth]]'s debut album, ''[[Blah...Blah...Blah...Love Songs for the New Millennium]]''. He also played drums on the [[Axis of Justice]] concert tour with various artists and on the [[Serj Tankian]] solo debut, ''[[Elect the Dead]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.moderndrummer.com/2008/06/john-dolmayan-2/|title=John Dolmayan of System Of A Down|date=June 20, 2008|access-date=June 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129104646/https://www.moderndrummer.com/2008/06/john-dolmayan-2/|archive-date=January 29, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2009, Dolmayan formed a new rock band called Indicator with three friends from [[Southern California]], members of the recently disbanded [[punk rock]] band If All Else Fails: Tom Capossela, Ryan Huber, and Ryan Murphy.<ref name="myspace.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.myspace.com/weareindicator |title=Indicator &#124; Gratis muziek, tourneedata, foto's, video's |publisher=Myspace.com |access-date=October 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204055750/https://myspace.com/weareindicator |archive-date=February 4, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The band played their first show at The Bitter End in San Diego on July 22, 2009, with Dolmayan's fellow Scars on Broadway member Franky Perez joining the band for a few songs. Their second and final show took place at a strip club in Las Vegas.<ref>{{Citation|title=Indicator – Precedence and Stem Cells (John Dolmayan's new project)| date=November 19, 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDQIQlCyX7Q |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/aDQIQlCyX7Q| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=January 25, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The band wrote 10-12 songs from 2009 to 2010; live and acoustic demos exist of them all.<ref>{{Citation|title=Indicator – Symbolic Eyes (Acoustic Demo)| date=December 6, 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmV1U_n0-c4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/FmV1U_n0-c4| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=January 25, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The four remain in contact although it is uncertain whether the songs will ever be properly recorded.

Dolmayan performed with System of a Down bandmates [[Daron Malakian]] and bassist [[Shavo Odadjian]] and Scars on Broadway guitarist Franky Perez for Odadjian's Halloween show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noisecreep.com/system-of-a-down-reunite/|title=System of a Down Reunite for Quick Halloween Gig … Sort Of|first=Chris|last=Harris|website=Noisecreep|date=November 3, 2009 |access-date=June 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413153746/https://noisecreep.com/system-of-a-down-reunite/|archive-date=April 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Dolmayan, Malakian, and Odadjian performed together again in November 2009 during a charity show for [[Deftones]] bassist [[Chi Cheng (musician)|Chi Cheng]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20091221005644/en/DEFTONES-Benefit-Shows-%E2%80%98CHI-LING-CHENG-SPECIAL|title=DEFTONES Benefit Shows for 'CHI LING CHENG SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST' a Tremendous Success|date=December 21, 2009|website=www.businesswire.com}}</ref>

Dolmayan has devoted much of his life to the comic book retail industry, including launching Torpedo Comics out of Nevada.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://vegasseven.com/2016/12/07/how-system-of-a-downs-drummer-went-from-rock-god-to-comic-book-hero/|title=How System of a Down's Drummer Went From Rock God to Comic-Book Hero – Vegas Seven|date=December 7, 2016|work=Vegas Seven|access-date=February 21, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221222505/http://vegasseven.com/2016/12/07/how-system-of-a-downs-drummer-went-from-rock-god-to-comic-book-hero/|archive-date=February 21, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Torpedo Comics has two brick and mortar stores in addition to a significant online presence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://torpedocomics.com/|title=Torpedo Comics |website=Torpedo Comics|access-date=January 25, 2020}}</ref>

In 2009, John auditioned for [[the Smashing Pumpkins]], in the absence of [[Jimmy Chamberlin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drummertalk.org/2009/04/20/john-dolmayan-auditions-for-smashing-pumpkins/|title=John Dolmayan Auditions For Smashing Pumpkins|last=Carter|date=April 21, 2009|access-date=December 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423232334/http://www.drummertalk.org/2009/04/20/john-dolmayan-auditions-for-smashing-pumpkins/|archive-date=April 23, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, Dolmayan started a [[Kickstarter]] to fund cover project, These Grey Men, releasing their first single, a cover of [[Radiohead]]'s "[[Street Spirit (Fade Out)]]", in January 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesegreymen.com/|title=THESE GREY MEN|website=THESE GREY MEN|language=en-US|access-date=January 25, 2020}}</ref> [[Avenged Sevenfold]] singer [[M. Shadows]] contributed vocals to the track; [[Tom Morello]] contributed the guitar solo at the song's close.<ref>{{Citation|title=John Dolmayan – These Grey Men: "Street Spirit" (Official Video)| date=January 24, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xvNSoXTB9Q |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/8xvNSoXTB9Q| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=January 25, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The second single features System of a Down bandmate Serj Tankian in a cover of [[David Bowie]]'s "[[Starman (song)|Starman]]".<ref>[https://meaww.com/john-dolmayan-serj-tankian-james-hazley-david-bowie-starman-album-these-grey-men-system-of-a-down starman]</ref>

== Personal life ==
John Dolmayan is married to Diana Dolmayan (''[[née]]'' Madatyan), who is the sister of Tankian's wife Angela, making them brothers-in-law.<ref>"SERJ TANKIAN Says SYSTEM OF A DOWN Members Don't See 'Eye To Eye' On How To Proceed With New Album" December 20, 2017.''Blabbermouth''. https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-says-system-of-a-down-members-dont-see-eye-to-eye-on-how-to-proceed-with-new-album/</ref><ref>Gary Graff. "John Dolmayan's Frustration With System of a Down Led to His New Solo Album" February 27, 2020.''Billboard''.https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/9324365/system-of-a-down-john-dolmayan-these-grey-men-interview-premiere</ref>

On his social media accounts, Dolmayan is very politically active like his bandmates; unlike most members of System of a Down, particularly Tankian, Dolmayan supported [[Donald Trump]]'s presidency.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/system-of-a-downs-john-dolmayan-donald-trump-is-the-greatest-friend-to-minorities-2681859 |title=System Of A Down's John Dolmayan: "Donald Trump is the greatest friend to minorities" |date=June 4, 2020 |publisher=NME }}</ref> Tankian has stated that it is "frustrating" to be politically opposite with his bandmate and brother-in-law.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trapp |first1=Philip |title=Serj Tankian: It's 'Frustrating' Having a Bandmate Who's My Political Opposite |url=https://loudwire.com/serj-tankian-john-dolmayan-trump-frustrating-system-of-a-down/ |website=LoudWire |date=October 20, 2020 |access-date=October 21, 2020}}</ref> In October 2023, Dolmayan claimed he had lost friends as well as "hundreds of thousands of fans" on Instagram due to his controversial opinions about Trump, his beliefs that [[Black Lives Matter]] "never had legitimacy" and was a "propaganda tool" for the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], and his arguments that the [[COVID-19|COVID-19 pandemic]] "has always been about money".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilkes |first1=Emma |title=System Of A Down's John Dolmayan claims he lost "hundreds of thousands of fans" who "couldn't handle" his opinions |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/system-of-a-downs-john-dolmayan-claims-he-lost-hundreds-of-thousands-of-fans-who-couldnt-handle-his-opinions-3521398 |website=NME |date=October 25, 2023 |access-date=November 28, 2023}}</ref>

A long time comic book fan, Dolmayan owns a comic book shop, Torpedo Comics, in Las Vegas.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 22, 2017|title=John Dolmayan opens comic book shop in Las Vegas|url=https://www.ktnv.com/positivelylv/john-dolmayan-opens-high-end-comic-book-shop-in-las-vegas|access-date=September 15, 2020|website=KTNV|language=en}}</ref>

== Discography ==
{{See also|System of a Down discography|Serj Tankian discography}}
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
;[[System of a Down]]
*''[[System of a Down (album)|System of a Down]]'' (1998)
*''[[Toxicity (album)|Toxicity]]'' (2001)
*''[[Steal This Album!]]'' (2002)
*''[[Mezmerize (album)|Mezmerize]]'' (2005)
*''[[Hypnotize (album)|Hypnotize]]'' (2005)

;[[Serj Tankian]]
*''[[Elect the Dead]]'' (2007)
{{col-2}}

;[[Scars on Broadway]]
*''[[Scars on Broadway (album)|Scars on Broadway]]'' (2008)

;[[Axis of Justice]]
*''[[Axis of Justice: Concert Series Volume 1|Concert Series Volume 1]]'' (2004)

;[[Scum of the Earth (band)|Scum of the Earth]]
*''[[Blah...Blah...Blah...Love Songs for the New Millennium]]'' <small>(Guest Drums)</small> (2004)

;These Grey Men
*''These Grey Men'' (2020)
{{col-end}}

== Equipment ==
[[File:John Dolmayan's Drum Kit @ Super-Con 2007.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Dolmayan's drumset]]
Dolmayan uses [[Tama Drums]] and hardware, [[Paiste]] cymbals, [[Evans Drumheads]], LP percussion and his signature [[Vater Percussion|Vater]] drumsticks.
*'''Drums''' – [[Tama Drums|Tama]] Starclassic Bubinga<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/artist/tama_artist.php?artist_id=132 |title=John Dolmayan's drum setup on the Tama USA website |language=ja |publisher=Tamadrum.co.jp |access-date=October 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929160745/http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/artist/tama_artist.php?artist_id=132 |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
**10"×8" Rack Tom
**12"×9" Rack Tom
**13"x10" Rack Tom
**16"×14" Floor Tom
**18"×16" Floor Tom
**22"×18" Bass Drum
**14"×6" John Dolmayan Signature Snare
*'''Cymbals''' – [[Paiste]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paiste.com/e/endorser_det.php?page=setup&endorserid=394 |title=John Dolmayan's cymbal setup on the Paiste website |publisher=Paiste.com |date=February 8, 2007 |access-date=October 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927132347/http://www.paiste.com/e/endorser_det.php?page=setup&endorserid=394 |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
**Traditionals 22" Medium Light Swish
**RUDE 14" Hi-Hat
**2002 6" Bell Chime
**Signature 18" Fast Crash
**Signature 10" Splash
**Signature 8" Splash
**RUDE 14" Hi-Hat
**Signature 19" Full Crash
**RUDE 24" Mega Power Ride
**2002 24" Big Ride
**2002 19" Wild China
*'''Sticks''' – [[Vic Firth]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vicfirth.com/artists/dolmayan.php|title=Artists – Vic Firth|access-date=December 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225080420/http://vicfirth.com/artists/dolmayan.php/|archive-date=December 25, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**John Dolmayan Signature 16" length, .580" diameter

In the early 2000s, Dolmayan, an avid comic book collector and vendor since childhood, commissioned a group of notable [[comics artist]]s to create artwork for the [[drum kit]] he used. He had [[Arthur Adams (comics)|Arthur Adams]] illustrate a scene of giant women fighting robots and [[Godzilla]]; [[Simon Bisley]] illustrated the [[Hulk]] and [[Thing (comics)|Thing]]; [[Kevin Eastman]] provided illustration of the [[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]; and [[Tim Vigil]] depicted a sexually explicit scene of demons engaged in a sex act.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2006/08/08/system-downs-drummer-his-art-covered-kit/|title=System of a Down's drummer on his art-covered kit|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|author=Collis, Clark|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=August 8, 2006|access-date=May 12, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120165340/https://ew.com/article/2006/08/08/system-downs-drummer-his-art-covered-kit/}}</ref>

==Awards==
*In 2006, Dolmayan won ''Drum! Magazine''{{'}}s drummer of the year award. He also won the [[alternative rock]] drummer of the year award.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120723101910/http://stereokill.net/2009/05/17/interview-john-dolmayan-system-of-a-down-scars-on-broadway/ Stereokill Interview: May 2009]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061109024338/http://www.soadfans.com/John_Dolmayan.htm John Dolmayan page at SOADFans]
*[http://www.torpedocomics.com/ Torpedo Comics Website]
*[http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/John_Dolmayan.html John Dolmayan page at drummerworld.com]

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{{System of a Down}}
{{Scars on Broadway}}
{{Serj Tankian}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dolmayan, John}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:21st-century American drummers]]
[[Category:Armenian rock musicians]]
[[Category:California Republicans]]
[[Category:COVID-19 conspiracy theorists]]
[[Category:System of a Down members]]
[[Category:American heavy metal drummers]]
[[Category:American people of Armenian descent]]
[[Category:Lebanese emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:American experimental musicians]]
[[Category:Alternative metal musicians]]
[[Category:Musicians from Beirut]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Progressive rock drummers]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Scum of the Earth (band) members]]
[[Category:20th-century American drummers]]
[[Category:American male drummers]]
[[Category:Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway members]]
[[Category:Nu metal drummers]]