A Drummer Greatly Remembered...

Avenged Sevenfold Drummer, James Owen Sullivan, also known as "The Rev" has died about 4 months ago on December 28th 2009. Avenged Sevenfold is a hard moderate metal band today. There first two albums were Sounding the Seventh Trumpet (2001) and Walking the Fallen (August 2003), were a great start for there band. Sounding the Seventh Trumpet was there first album and was pretty much all screaming and same with Walking the Fallen. That really didn't make me like these albums, because I'm not into screaming throughout the song. But, then on June 7th 2005 they released there 3rd album, City of Evil. This album really rose up on the music leader boards for 2005. This is my favorite album because of all the amazing choruses and solos. James also did an amazing job on the drums in this album and improved a lot on their earlier stuff. James Owen Sullivan, in his earlier years was the lead vocalist for the band Pinkly Smooth along with Synyster Gates (lead guitars for Avenged Sevenfold). He was the back up vocalist for avenged sevenfold. The Rev has a great back up voice for avenged sevenfold and it really packs a punch in their music. James uses his custom drum set, but I am not very sure what he uses because there is no information up about his kit. The Rev's signature ability which he called “‘the double-ride thing,’ just a better way to say it, because no one does it," is a technique that can be heard on the track "Almost Easy" (from their newest album signature album "Avenged Sevenfold" 2007) in which he doubles up at a fast tempo between the double bass and ride cymbals. I think that this ability is amazing, I try to use this on my drum set and I am not even close to be able to learn to do it. Some time, I will find out how to do this technique in memory of him...

Sullivan was found dead in his home on December 28, 2009. His death was reported as due to natural causes at the scene; however, the results of the death were not found, and further tests are pending. Soon after, Avenged Sevenfold made the following statement:

"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan. Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Jimmy you are forever in our hearts. We love you."

—M Shadows ( Vocalist), Synyster Gates (Lead Guitarist), Zacky Vengeance (Guitarist) and Johnny Christ (Bassist)

On January 5, 2010, a private funeral was held for Sullivan, and a day later he was buried in an undisclosed location.

The band is currently working on a tribute album with Mike Portnoy, Sullivan's "all time favorite drummer". Portnoy said “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!". Mike Portnoy even got a death bat (Avenged Sevenfold's logo) of The Rev tattooed out of respect for the Rev. Zacky Vengeance got one to match. I hope that Avenged Sevenfold will do an amazing job on this album, in memory of James Sullivan, an amazing drummer that will always be remembered...