During the recent Golden Globe Awards held on January 5, 2025, legendary actress Glenn Close found herself at the center of attention—not just for her illustrious career, but for her unexpected association with the iconic heavy metal band, System of a Down. This curious connection was brought to light by the show's host, Nikki Glaser, who introduced Close with the outrageous claim, \"To present our next award, please welcome from Netflix's Back in Action, three-time Golden Globe winner, Hollywood icon, and former drummer for System of a Down, Glenn Close!\"
The audience, both live and at home, was left momentarily puzzled. Glaser's introduction sparked significant buzz on social media, propelling close's name alongside the revered band. Daron Malakian, System of a Down’s guitarist and co-vocalist, quickly joined the conversation. Taking to his Instagram account, he referred to Glaser's quirky quip with his own tongue-in-cheek comment: \"Bet you didn’t know!!!! Bet you didn’t know!!!!! Somewhere between our first drummer and John, Glenn Close was tearing shit up on the drums for us!!!!!!\" This playful interaction not only entertained fans but also prompted them to wonder about Close's purported stint with the band.
So, is there any truth to Glaser's comedic claim? According to Malakian’s post, one can humorously deduce it might be slightly embellished. If we trace back, the period mentioned would put Close's alleged time as the band’s drummer somewhere around 1997—a year when she was also starring as Vice President Kathryn Bennett in the action thriller, Air Force One. Still, it’s widely accepted among fans and the band themselves as merely a humorous segment rather than actual history.
Despite the absurdity of it all, many fans seemed to embrace the joke, commenting on Malakian's post with varying degrees of confusion and amusement. One user remarked, \"Wait what?\" expressing disbelief, whereas another added, \"True. The iconic drum part in Toxicity was a Glenn Creation. So obvious.\" This highlights how easily the line between humor and reality can blur, especially on social media where jokes can be taken literally.
It's important to note, though, Glenn Close is no stranger to being perceived differently from her on-screen persona. Having received multiple accolades throughout her career, she delivered her presentation speech at the Golden Globes with the same dynamism as she showcases her diverse roles. During her speech, Close, who infamously portrays Cruella de Vil, shared her experiences tied to Hollywood's grueling reality. Yet she found herself momentarily censored for dropping the F-bomb, declaring, \"We are all so blessed and lucky,\" as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
While it’s understandable how her supposed role as drummer could incite disbelief, the sketch of any truth doesn’t diminish the levity it offered during such formal awards. The segment serves as reminder of how humor can overflow from unexpected corners, captivating audiences and fostering dialogue online. Its absurdity flowed seamlessly with Systems of Down’s ethos, which frequently lyrically tackled heavy subjects with irreverent energy. Did Close shred on the drums? Hardly. But certainly, it is fun to think about!
This light-hearted moment adds to the growing list of memorable incidents occurring during the Golden Globes, which this year also saw notable wins and performances. The event celebrated significant names across various categories, reflecting the dynamic nature of storytelling on screen. While the Golden Globes showcased serious business—presenting awards for cinematic excellence—it also encapsulated the spirit of Hollywood, which breathes life through humor and wit.
While System of Down has experienced changes over the years with fans eagerly anticipating their summer North American tour alongside big names like Korn and Deftones, this viral moment connects two seemingly disparate worlds: Hollywood glitz and rock music rebellion. The blending of Glenn Close’s name with legendary metal acts creates conversations about our perceptions of celebrities and the quirks of celebrity culture.
It’s worth pondering whether moments like this can inspire additional chatter among fans about their favorite artists or perhaps even lead to unexpected collaborations. The joy of Glaser's quip lies not solely within the humor but evokes broader themes of identity and the permeable boundaries between genres.
Strengthening its impact, this moment from the Golden Globes shines brightly as fans continue to reminisce about the quirks and follies of Hollywood. Whether the seriousness of these awards or the joy from comedic relief, one thing remains clear—within the whirlwind of screen and stage, laughter will always hold its rightful place.
News such as this reminds us of the unexpected joy found within the entertainment industry. Just as we unravel truths from fabrications, the chance discoveries create bonds between audiences and artists. Matthew’s insight, \"Hell yeah that's Glenn Closian,\" states simply what many feel about the unpredictable yet exhilarating event of merging reality with humor, proving once again, sometimes laughter is the best audience applause.