Tag: mike portnoy

Avenged Sevenfold’s Zacky Vengeance commented on the band’s recent recording session with Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy:

“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.”

Drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) has checked in with an update on his drum tracking sessions with Avenged Sevenfold. Portnoy was tapped by the band to play drums on their new record following the recent death of Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. Portnoy comments:

“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.”

“PS – And oh yeah…the album is gonna be incredible!”

“The Rev is absolutely looking down with a big-ass smile on his face!  : )”

Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) has released a statement after being tapped to play drums on Avenged Sevenfold’s fothcoming album following the passing of Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. Portnoy comments:

“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!”