April 28, 2001 – What do you do with faux cherry blossom trees that were used as backdrops during Ozzfest 1999? Or used drum-kit parts, or defunct "all access" passes? If you're System of a Down, you auction them off and donate the money to the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Beginning Monday, April 30, the System of a Down auction will go live at www.systemofadown.com, with a new item available for bidding about every two weeks.

What home or garden would be complete without a pair of plywood cherry blossom trees, used as onstage scenery when System played Ozzfest '99? There are actually two trees, and they can be bid for individually or as a set; both of the trees are easily moved, as they are on wheels, and come with custom-made cases for transporting. But wait, there's more -- System will throw in the cost of the shipping of the trees to you.

In addition to the trees, drummer John Dolmayan offers up one of his Paiste cymbals and a Remo drumhead, both of which he used onstage when System toured with Metallica last year. Also up for auction will be 10 event posters from last fall's benefit concert ("Souls ­ A Benefit for Recognition of the Armenian Genocide to Stop Crimes Against Humanity"), all signed by the band, and, from the same benefit, two autographed laminated "all access" passes. A letterman-style jacket with the Vic Firth drum sticks logo stitched on it, with one of the sleeves signed by the band, will also go on the auction block.

All bidding will be done via System's web site and all bids will be posted daily via the band's site. The highest bidders for all items will be announced as they are certified.

System Debuts New Material at Radio Shows

System of a Down is currently in the studio with producer Rick Rubin finishing up their second American Recordings album which is due out this summer. The band will sneak-debut brand new material from the album at a trio of radio station-sponsored concerts to be held over the Memorial Day Weekend. These radio festivals include:

Friday, May 25 - 93XFest/93.7 KXXR/Minneapolis
Somerset, WI
Sharing the stage with Fuel, Staind, Fear Factory, Buckcherry, Monster Magnet, Spacehog, and more.

Saturday, May 26 - River Rave 2001/WBCN
Foxboro Stadium, Boston, MA
Sharing the stage with Marilyn Manson, The Black Crowes, Live, Everlast, Eve 6, Lifehouse, Sevendust, Coldplay, Tantric, and more

Sunday, May 27 - Big Ass BBQ/Lazer 103.3
Water Works Park, Des Moines, IA
Sharing the stage with Monster Magnet, Days of the New, Buckcherry, Kittie, Spine Shank, Skrape, From Zero

System is recording some thirty-three songs for the album, which will eventually be pared down to a 13-track lineup on the final CD. Two or three of these brand-new songs, including some from the band's near-platinum, self-titled debut, will be included in their 30-40-minutes live set at these radio shows.