The renowned bassist of System of a Down, Shavo Odadjian, has finally set the record straight regarding the events of 2007 following the MTV Video Music Awards held in Las Vegas. This incident involved Mastodon's Brent Hinds, who sustained serious injuries during an altercation that has sparked numerous rumors over the years. Odadjian’s clarification sheds light on the confusion surrounding the events that led to Hinds being hospitalized with a broken nose, two black eyes, and a serious brain hemorrhage.

Initially, reports from Las Vegas Weekly indicated that Odadjian was involved in the physical confrontation with Hinds. However, both Hinds and the other members of Mastodon have since refuted this claim, emphasizing that the narrative has been misrepresented over time. This ongoing saga highlights the complexities of celebrity encounters and the misunderstandings that often arise in high-pressure situations.

In a candid interview with Metal Hammer, Odadjian recounted his perspective on the chaotic night that unfolded, offering insight into what really transpired and how it was misrepresented in the media. His account includes vivid details about Hinds’ condition and the events leading to his injuries, providing an important context to a story that has been shrouded in mystery.

Shavo Odadjian’s Detailed Account of the 2007 Incident with Brent Hinds

“I never knocked out Brent Hinds,” Odadjian stated firmly while addressing the incident. “That’s misinformation that someone told Brent, but I don’t know who.” He elaborated on the situation by recalling, “We were outside the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas after the MTV Music Awards when Brent, who was clearly under the influence, emerged from a taxi. He enthusiastically exclaimed, ‘Bro, I love you!’ while swinging his shirt around. His excitement was palpable as he repeatedly tried to hug me, getting very close and personal.”

According to Odadjian, the interaction was intense but ultimately friendly. However, as he was leaving to get into a taxi, he noticed Hinds taking a swing at Reverend William Burk, which missed. In a moment of self-defense, Burk retaliated with a punch that struck Hinds, resulting in a devastating fall that caused Hinds to hit his head and lose consciousness. “I was about five or six feet away from them when it all happened,” he explained, emphasizing that he was not directly involved in the fight.

Following the altercation, security quickly intervened, stopping Odadjian’s taxi and placing him in handcuffs. He recalls the frustration of being unfairly detained, insisting, “Check the fucking cameras [at the front of Mandalay Bay]! I did nothing!” After reviewing the footage, the police released him after approximately four hours of confinement, confirming that he was not responsible for the incident.

Insights from Brent Hinds and Mastodon Members on the Incident

In a 2009 interview with Revolver, which was later highlighted by Blabbermouth, Hinds seemed to distance himself from the idea that Odadjian was involved in his injuries. He stated that it was actually Reverend Burk who was responsible for the damage sustained during the altercation. At that time, Hinds mentioned the peculiar situation where he had taken off his wet T-shirt and inadvertently struck Burk while swinging it around.

Reflecting on the counterpunch from Burk, Hinds described the powerful impact, saying, “Shavo said it sounded like someone had hit a home run. I went into convulsions and seized out. Blood was coming out of my ears and mouth.” This alarming description underscores the seriousness of the injuries he sustained that night and the chaotic nature of the incident.

READ MORE: Mastodon Announces Departure of Brent Hinds

In 2012, Troy Sanders, a bandmate from Mastodon, spoke to Hysteria Magazine about the misinformation circulating regarding Odadjian’s involvement. He asserted, “This is a giant piece of false information,” strongly defending the relationship between Mastodon and System of a Down. “We’re all friends; there were no issues between us. It was a completely different individual involved in the altercation.” Sanders emphasized the camaraderie between the bands, asserting that they have no lingering animosity towards each other.

Despite the chaos, Sanders referred to the incident as a “life-changing event,” recognizing the impact it had on their lives and careers. He expressed gratitude that both bands emerged from that tumultuous time, stating, “We felt like it was a triumphant way to round out that two-year period of creating music and working together,” referring to the creative process behind their album, Crack the Skye, which was inspired by the experiences of that era.