Malakian was born in 1975. He was the only child of Vartan Malakian and Zepur Malakian. He first started playing guitar when he was 11. He says his main inspirations were The Beatles, Metallica, Slayer, The Who and Iggy Pop. Daron met Serj Tankian in 1993. System of a Down was formed in 1994. Shortly after Scars on Broadway's first album was released, Daron cancelled all of the band's tours and TV appearances, saying that his "heart wasn't up to touring". Before the band announced the actual reason, there were many rumours about Daron's health, but these were not true.