It was about 4 in the morning of Tuesday, December 29th, 2009. I was tossing and turning on my friend’s couch after a long night of chillin’ with 2 of my homies writing an “unloveable” song. Utilizing the light of the Christmas tree, I sat up with an 8 year old notebook and began writing something else, when I began to hear stirring about in the bedroom. Solemnly he emerged, in shock, explaining that he was just informed that a friend of his who’d called him last Christmas, who he’d extensively toured with years ago, was found dead in his Huntington Beach, California home.
Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan was 28 years old.
The Rev had just finished writing the 5th Avenged Sevenfold album with bandmate, M. Shadows (vocalist). During that process The Rev would frequently call his co-writer and tell him, “this shit is gonna change the world.” The two worked together in A7X their entire adult lives.
Prior to the writing stage, M. Shadows told Loveline that the next record would be more classic metal and rock oriented (the self-titled was pretty experimental for the band who’s roots are in metalcore). He went on to say it would feature longer, more progressive songs and would be the “biggest Avenged Sevenfold record ever.” In that interview, M. Shadows also shared they were throwing around the idea of a concept record.
A few months later (November 2009) Rhythm Guitarist, Zacky Vengeance posted on the A7X blog, “We will continue finalizing our songs until we feel every note does both you as well as us justice. We are also in the final stages of solidifying our production team, studios and engineers so that the second the axe falls and the album is written we will spend day and night in the studio until it is complete. This album will definitely take you on a very dark journey…”
Prior to The Rev’s untimely passing, M. Shadows did an interview with Kerrang! Magazine (published December 31, 2009). Of their fifth studio effort he said, “It’s a dark record. The music is emotional. Our goal is to make every single part memorable, we want to evoke reactions live and at home. It’ll have big rock ballads, the big fun stuff, the piano, the choir, the orchestra and all the visual things you expect but with a different, moodier vibe. Lyrically, I’ve been inspired by everything from the ways kids are brought up nowadays, to schooling, the economy, religion, war and the behaviour of our government. It all plays into how kids are so emotionally detached from the real world right now.” It’s difficult to know how deeply involved The Rev was in the process just from reading that. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan gave more insight in an article published in the Huntington Beach Independent Newspaper. “Most important to him, Jimmy had just finished writing songs for Avenged Sevenfold’s new album — he even called one his ‘masterpiece.’ When he wrote songs, he would record tracks of his singing, playing the piano and drumming — then, when he played them for me, he would sing the orchestra or guitar parts that would be added later. I am thankful that I got to tell him how much I liked and admired his music.”
Clearly more than just a drummer, The Rev left an enormous hole in his band (let alone the individuals’ hearts) having not completed tracking the final drum cuts for the A7X record he’d poured his soul into writing.
Who better to fill the hole than Rev’s idol, the seemingly infallible, Mike Portnoy?
February 17th, 2010 the band addressed their fans.
I want our fans to know that with Jimmy in our hearts, our journey to record has officially began. Jimmy helped leave this world an amazing gift and now it’s our job to make sure to deliver that gift to our fans. We asked Jimmy’s all time favorite drummer Mike Portnoy to record on behalf of him. Mike said it would be an honor and without question that’s what Jim would have wanted. Its comforting to us that someone like Mike, who is undoubtedly revered as one of the best drummers in the world, held such respect and adoration for the Rev’s abilities. Even though it will never be the same without our brother by our side, his essence lives in our hearts and through the music he helped create. He was a legend before any of the success or any of that bullshit and we are fucking excited to lay this down for our fans, and especially for Jimmy.
-Avenged Sevenfold
Mike Portnoy is mostly known for his impeccable drumming and ridiculous skill in the legendary progressive metal band, Dream Theater. Just about every year (for two decades now) he’s voted the best drummer in the world in Modern Drummer magazine. He also plays bass and sings back-ups. MP also produces both music and videos. Additionally he’s 1/4 of the mindblowing Liquid Tension Experiment along with the great stick-man, Tony Levin. In 2008 he founded the Progressive Nation tour to showcase some of his favorite international bands (Opeth, Between the Buried and Me, 3. 2009’s line-up included Zappa Plays Zappa, Pain of Salvation, Beardfish). Additionally, he’s a stand up guy. He addressed his fans the following day.
Even under normal circumstances, I would’ve been happy to help the guys out in any way I could as I think Avenged Sevenfold are a great band…but under these incredibly sad and tragic circumstances, I must say I am truly honored to have been asked to play with them…and I didn’t even have to think twice about saying yes.
These guys are a true family and it is an incredibly emotional experience to be here with them for the first time without their lost brother. But they have welcomed me into the family with open arms and there’s a real excitement to make the record they had set out to make…
I am treating my participation on this album with the utmost respect for Jimmy’s memory and am remaining as true as possible to the drum parts that he wrote for the songs and the record he wanted to make.
I want their fans to realize that I’m not trying to step into or fill The Rev’s shoes…I’m just merely lacing em up for him!
MP
Less than a week later we heard from both camps informing us that Mike Portnoy had finished his part of the record, set for a July release.
Finished tracking drums with MP. They sound fucking amazing. Jimmy will be proud. Jimmy’s also smiling knowing that Mike Portnoy has a deathbat forever tattooed on him. To show Mike that A7X is deeper then just a band I got one to match his. Jimmy would have done the same. Mike realized that our fans and friends are considered family. Being an A7X fan isn’t always easy because it means you’re not only gonna laugh with us, but cry with us and defend us on occasion. If you’re part of the family it’s for life. Shads dedicated his right hand to our brother, without hesitation. I believe what we all share together is magical and wouldn’t have it any other way…Ill try my best to keep you updated from the studio.
much love
ZV
A7X
The “deathbat,” Avenged Sevenfold’s logo (shown above with The Rev’s likeness), was originally designed by Micah Montague, a friend of the band’s from high school. It’s present on every album cover and when I saw them 5 times in 2006 was brought to life as a tremendous flapping prop behind Rev.
Just finished my drum tracks for the Avenged Sevenfold album…what an amazing and emotional experience! Me & Zacky celebrated by getting matching Death Bat tats here in the studio….
(I also went with Matt on Sat night when he got a new Death Bat tat with Jimmy’s face…)
I must thank the amazing A7X fans for being so open and welcoming to me…I was fearing them being very defensive over The Rev’s drum throne but they’ve all been so supportive, open-minded, understanding and excited by the news…it is a huge relief to me and the guys!
What an awesome family spirit these guys have…lotsa love! Shadows, Gates, Zacky & Johnny are now my brothers for life…hopefully this wont be the last time I play with them….
MP
PS - And oh yeah…the album is gonna be incredible!
The Rev is absolutely looking down with a big-ass smile on his face! : )
> http://avengedsevenfold.com
> http://myspace.com/avengedsevenfold
> @TheOfficialA7X
> http://mikeportnoy.com
> http://myspace.com/mikeportnoyofficial
> @MikePortnoyDT
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