Avenged Sevenfold Confirm That Mike Portnoy Is Joining Them On Tour

Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy recently announced he would be joining Avenged Sevenfold on their upcoming tour dates to sit in for the band's recently deceased drummer James Sullivan, reports antiMusic.com.

Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Zacky Vengeance has now checked in with the following comments about the touring arrangement: "After being so kind and caring to help us in the studio, the rumors are in fact true and Mike Portnoy will indeed be helping us on the upcoming Uproar tour later this year.

"We hope to see you all out on the road. We are very grateful to Mike for dedicating his time and talent to help us get back on the road so we can be where we need to be the most which is with our fans. Much Love and Respect."

Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy has issued the following statement about performing live with Avenged Sevenfold for their 2010 tour dates:

"After having had such an amazing experience recording my drum tracks for the new Avenged Sevenfold album, we all knew it would be awesome if I'd be able to do some touring with the band after its release.

"I am happy to say that the timing worked out perfectly that my touring cycle with Dream Theater (and Transatlantic) was coming to an end just as A7X's was scheduled begin! (well, perfect for everyone except my poor family!) Although I wish I could stay on board with A7X in a more permanent capacity, the reality is that I am committed to Dream Theater as my main priority (that is my baby after all!), and I will need to resume work with DT to start a new album at some point in 2011. However, I will be able to join my brothers in Avenged Sevenfold for at least the duration of their touring throughout 2010...and hopefully this will give them the time to continue to heal and get comfortable back on the road....

"You can look at me like the band's 'rebound drummer' to buy them some time until they are comfortable and ready to make a commitment to somebody new for full-time relationship in their future! In the meantime, I am real excited to hit the road with the boys...to bring my drumming from their new album to life on stage and to honor The Rev with all of their older material.... Hey, do I get to have a cool, bad-ass stage name now?"

Read more here.

Comments

[deathofarev]

it's still upsetting that the rev (james sullivan) died so young, tbh i can't wait for the new album and i know mike portnoy is an epic drummer (being a DT fan myself) live and in the studio, i hope they come to the UK =] R.I.P. james

[ordinary_story]

Holy Crap..That's great!

[guitarsftw]

Mike is one busy dude.

[Zeppelin Addict]

r.i.p. rev, cant find many greater replacements though.. mike is simply nuts behind the kit

[K!!LsWiTcH]

he seems super ****ing cool and funny

[JoeLB-PULSE]

Mike sounds like an awesome guy, and i know he's an awesome dummer. Would love to see them live.

[RazorStradlen]

Good luck Mike. Rev was one of the best!

[Micsunderland3]

This is an incredibly awesome and classy move. I honestly feel like the Rev would've greatly approved of all of this.

I cant WAIT to hear the new album.

[Banjocal]

its a shame about the death of The Rev (James Sullivan), but i really quite admire M Shadows and the rest of the band for not ending the group, and keeping on going, RIP the rev

[AllYourBass]

I am incredibly excited to hear what Mike has done with the drum tracks. I'm sure the Rev would be honored. RIP James Sullivan, and good luck to A7X with their future endeavors.

[Jack Darkley]

That's nice of Portnoy, but A7X should really start looking for an permanent replacement.

[adj209]

Hoping for an album as great as City of Evil.

[Aliens-exist182]

im ashamed to admit this, but i wasn't a huge fan of these guys while the rev was around, don't get me wrong, i did like a few of there songs, but then after people started saying how much James had affected them and how good his drumming was, i started listening to some more of there stuff, and yeah, i like it, and just wished i had of sooner
R.I.P Rev

[Raizer Sabre]

Jack Darkley wrote:

That's nice of Portnoy, but A7X should really start looking for an permanent replacement.

he did say he would be with them til they could find a permanent replacement, he's filling in, as it were

[jp_cheif]

Nice. Mike seems like a pretty classy guy. Might have to check this out whenever the tour gets going.

[NickDillon]

The new A7X album is going to be in 5/4.
Isn't it, Mike!
Really hope they tour the UK...

[MetropolisPt3]

Does this mean no progressive nation this year?

[ZeGuitarist]

Checked.

[hendrixnmorello]

Touring with Avenged Sevenfold is gonna get Mike and DT great publicity.

[wmatica]

Seeing these guys at Mayhem! They have decided to only play the MA stop on the tour. What luck! Gonna rock!

[Tarsplitter]

Who?

[devilex121]

lol
"hey do i get to have a cool bad ass stage name now?"

i really lol'd at that

[Stampede]

i'm interested in seeing how the new permanent drummer (when they find one) will tackle portnoys drum tracks.

[SmittyMan90]

guitarsftw wrote:

Mike is one busy dude.

yeah for sure! hes way to good for A7X in my opinion though

[KataklysmDeth]

SmittyMan90 wrote:

guitarsftw wrote:

Mike is one busy dude.
yeah for sure! hes way to good for A7X in my opinion though

When it comes down to it would you rather have a drummer from...I don't know...My Chemical Romance fill in after The Rev? It's an honor thing. It's not a band thing. I love this move to be completely honest.

[KataklysmDeth]

Oh and Mike portnoy, you have some serious class my friend.

[Austyn6661]

KataklysmDeth wrote:

SmittyMan90 wrote:

guitarsftw wrote:

Mike is one busy dude.
yeah for sure! hes way to good for A7X in my opinion though

When it comes down to it would you rather have a drummer from...I don't know...My Chemical Romance fill in after The Rev? It's an honor thing. It's not a band thing. I love this move to be completely honest.

mike was The Rev's hero, and Mike listen City Of Evil as one of his favorite albums of 2005.

so yeah, this is classy.

[Nameless742]

Mike Portnoy's pretty awesome to stand in for A7X.
I hope they play Scotland again.
If so. I'll be there. hope to hell the album is not shite.

[Violent Kid]

So glad these guys are pushin through, it's awesome that Mike's fillin in on drums. Seein them on the Mayhem tour in MA this summer. Can't wait. RIP The Rev

[JSellars]

im glad to see an article with no flaming whatsoever, portnoy is a pretty awesome drummer and a great guy for doing this, i read somewhere that he was the rev's favourite drummer, he wouldve been so honoured

[Creep_C-1]

port is a down to earth dude. much respect for his work and his care for other bands

[korbhag]

I HAVE to see this at least once.

[Zappanator]

I have never really gotten into A7X too much, but Mike is my favorite drummer and drums for my favorite band (Dream Theater). So I'm going to listen a little closer to A7X now.

[uninsane_guitar]

I'm so happy they're going to keep going even after Jimmy's death. I watch the All Excess DVD and laugh my ass off at Rev's crazy antics He will be missed but Mike Portnoy is a beast at drums, so this is gonna be good man. I'm also glad to see nobody hating on Dream Theater or Avenged Sevenfold on this post, I hate looking at articles that have to do with my favorite bands and 70% of the comments are "This band sucks!" Mike has class and so does everyone who's left a comment so far. R.I.P Jimmy "The Reverend Thalomeu Plague" Sullivan.

[MarkoakaNiggaK]

I just want to see them back on tour... when they find a new permanent drummer he will have a huge job by playing the drum tracks of two awesome drummers...

[srob7001]

Ohhh ssssshhhhhiiiiittttt!!!!! This tours gonna be sick!!!!!

Can't wait to see them again, but with Portnoy. Rev was a great drummer and a fantastic song writter, but I can't wait to hear how they sound with Portnoy on drums. I have a feeling things will be a lot heavier than before.

[Armagedn]

KataklysmDeth wrote:

SmittyMan90 wrote:

guitarsftw wrote:

Mike is one busy dude.
yeah for sure! hes way to good for A7X in my opinion though

When it comes down to it would you rather have a drummer from...I don't know...My Chemical Romance fill in after The Rev? It's an honor thing. It's not a band thing. I love this move to be completely honest.

Matt Pelissier and Bob Bryar from MCR are both really good drummers... But yeah, Portnoy's a great match. I wonder how this will affect his DT tour, though. I'm seeing DT open for Maiden in July, he better be there.

[Blackritual0]

are tour dates up yet???

[thegeetar12]

:') this.
so much respect for this band and mike. He is sooooo down to earth.
We need stage names like now though lol

Mike Marauder

[Jon777]

adj209 wrote:

Hoping for an album as great as City of Evil.

This. That was only A7x album I actually really liked.

[SheKILaDZE]

adj209 wrote:

Hoping for an album as great as City of Evil.

would be awesome, but I guess I don't have much hope in that happening.

[Nameless742]

SheKILaDZE wrote:

adj209 wrote:

Hoping for an album as great as City of Evil.

would be awesome, but I guess I don't have much hope in that happening.

totally agree with you there lol.
We HOPE. but in our hearts we know it's very very unlikely.

[Noverion]

Solidifies Mikes position as one of the coolest guys in metal, seriously, what a dude. Feel so sorry for A7X, their last album was one of my favourite records of all time, absolute masterpiece and far better than any of their other releases in my opinion. I hope Mike has kept that vibe alive in the new album, looking forward to hearing it!

[SamXmas94]

I respect all of the music A7X has done, City of Evil was great, but so was the self-titled album, very catchy stuff, and a range of different sounds and styles.

[siverstorm]

My respect for Portnoy can only go up.


If he did "his thing" during the recording sessions that next album should be freakin awesome.

[J Mud]

they should do at least one official live album with mike

[CPDmusic]

Wasn't this on there site like two months ago?

[CPDmusic]

CPDmusic wrote:

Wasn't this on there site like two months ago?

Sorry, that was just for their album lol never mind.

[BwareDWare94]

RazorStradlen wrote:

Good luck Mike. Rev was one of the best!

That's rather arrogant because Mike is possibly the best. As far as metal and rock goes. I don't know how he holds up against jazz drummers. Regardless, it's good to see that the band has made sure they have a quality drummer behind the kit as they look for somebody new. I may not be a huge Avenged fan, but it's never fun when a band just throws random guy A on an instrument and the guy is terrible. Mike will be blowing minds. I guarantee he adds some of his flavor to the live show. I also think his remark about the nick-names was sarcastic, honestly.

[Fadetoblack5:03]

Mike is effin crazy behind his kit
...His endless kit haha

[jbswreckfest]

A little piece of heaven is my favorite a7x song. It was the rev's only song he wrote on the self titled album, then he went and died. That made me sad. Good thing portnoy is sticking around with them for a while, he's great.

[shreducator]

Mike will liven their stage show up a lot! I saw him and John Petrucci with G3 and he was phenomenal.

[Randomrings]

That's pretty amazing, because Rev and Mike are two of my favorite drummers (and musicians as a whole) of all time. Too bad The Rev's voice can't be imitated for songs like "A Little Piece of Heaven" and "Critical Acclaim". I like Portnoy's voice but man... the REV! hehehe

[prac23]

SheKILaDZE wrote:

adj209 wrote:

Hoping for an album as great as City of Evil.

I'm sorry and I love A7X but City of Evil poutside of the singles just wasn't that great.. I'll take Waking the Fallen overjust about anything on City of Evil. I liked the self titled so much better. Each song flowed and I could listen to tht album all the way through whereas with City of Evil I'd be skipping around.


would be awesome, but I guess I don't have much hope in that happening.

[prac23]

He actually wrote parts of Afterlife and Almost Easy as well

jbswreckfest wrote:

A little piece of heaven is my favorite a7x song. It was the rev's only song he wrote on the self titled album, then he went and died. That made me sad. Good thing portnoy is sticking around with them for a while, he's great.

[prac23]

quotes r confusing..

[randymeeks81]

Epic news, Portnoy is a powerhouse.

[HavokStrife]

I'm really excited for this new CD, Portnoy's gunna push these guys whether they like it or not. The last two CD's had a few really good songs on them, and then a bunch of so-so's, here's hoping this gets them moving again.

[Dream Theaterr]

Im so eager to see what mike has done to a7x, im not huge fan of a7x but im sure mike will influence them heavily. Also i hate the way this will make your typical emo noob sevenfold fan say omg? whos Mike portnoy. *googles* then you will have a bunch of noobs bumming dream theater thinking they are awesome.

[Glenn Guitar]

Choosing jesus as their recording and touring drummer will be the best tribute and choice to drum on the album. Couldn't think of a better choice.

[leftyace]

Christ, what's next? Greenday joining forces with Luc Lemay? Bleh.

[ColbyHink]

Glenn Guitar wrote:

Choosing jesus as their recording and touring drummer will be the best tribute and choice to drum on the album. Couldn't think of a better choice.

hahaha i couldnt agree more

[TheAbsentOne]

Glenn Guitar wrote:

Choosing jesus as their recording and touring drummer will be the best tribute and choice to drum on the album. Couldn't think of a better choice.

Excuse me, you've got it all wrong.

Mike is God. Not Jesus.

(That's Trent Reznor)

[adj209]

TheAbsentOne wrote:

Glenn Guitar wrote:

Choosing jesus as their recording and touring drummer will be the best tribute and choice to drum on the album. Couldn't think of a better choice.
Excuse me, you've got it all wrong.

Mike is God. Not Jesus.

(That's Trent Reznor)

I believe you are wrong my friend, Maynard James Keenan is god.

[satch_magic]

wow, kudos to mike. We can use more people in this word that are as caring and kind as him!

[CranberryJuice]

satch_magic wrote:

wow, kudos to mike. We can use more people in this word that are as caring and kind as him!

Let alone musicians like him. Way to be Mike!

[guitarsftw]

satch_magic wrote:

wow, kudos to mike. We can use more people in this word that are as caring and kind as him!

Totally. It shows how true musicians are truly above sitting in their basements, flaming bands on the internet just because they're easy to flame. Mike is pure class.

[StewieSwan]

Is he gonna sing the live parts too? XD

[DegaDeth]

great, just means that i don't have a reason not to see them live. My friends know that Dream Theater are Gods to me, so having one of them in the band would make me go.

Just hope for my sanity that if he gets a stage name, he doesn't keep it when he goes back to Dream Theater

[-xCaMRocKx-]

Jack Darkley wrote:

That's nice of Portnoy, but A7X should really start looking for an permanent replacement.

Why? They don't need to find a permanent replacement at all if they don't want to. Lots of bands lose members and never replace them.

[adj209]

I hate to say it but the rate at which Portnoy is receiving praise in this, you'd think that he the one that just died.

[fagelamusgtr]

Even though The Rev is dead, if i had to pick one person to fill in for him it would be mike. he is in my opinion the best drummer in the world (sharing the spot with thomas lang). I really wanna go see this tour

[ginger_snapd_ha]

I have never listened to Dream Theater they aren't really the type of band I like to spend time and money on. However it is honestly nice to see that the fellahs in Avenged Sevenfold are still making music.

[godisasniper]

Portnoy says all the right things here. Hopefully A7X can find a permanent drummer eventually, and not just have a revolving door for all-star drummers...

The Rev will never be matched - he made A7X the amazing band it is, and there is no one who can quite make up for the songwriting abilities they lost with him. My hope is that they take a break after promoting the new album, and really rebuild and rework themselves. They can't just continue doing the same stuff forever, now that an integral part of the band has passed.

[J L B]

sounds like i need put down my guitar and pick up the drums and practice for an entire year and then try out for a7x. i should have a shot right, it's not like their drumming is off the charts or anything haha.

[A7Xrules666]

This guys pretty good, but he wont be able to match the rev

[SGofawesome]

If anyone has a subscription to Guitar World, it says in the May Issue (with Slash/M. Shadows) that the Rev called M. shadows every night to talk about the new album. He said this album is gonna change the world.


Now that's pretty epic.

[SGplayer1991]

thanks MP A7X is my favorite band and I'm happy that they continue on as a band...rip Rev you live on foREVer!

['Leviathan']

Hahaha, Mike is such an amazing guy. He's doing an extremely selfless thing by helping the guys out.

[espChris93]

its a damn shame Jimmy died so young but his drumming for avenged sevenfold was nothing special so maybe Mike can actually add something interesting on this album. I hope he's not wasting his time

[Dregen]

Super stoked for this.

[ThatsAgood1jay]

Just added another concert i have to get tickets too!

[TwistedRhoads]

Portnoy is great and all but why does everyone act like he is going to push the band further like they need it? It's not like Sevenfold is a bunch of amateurs. Dream Theatre and Sevenfold are two different bands, sure the guys at A7X don't go on "jazz odysseys" but that doesn't mean that they aren't talented. I'm sure Portnoy could have influenced them somewhat, but it is still Avenged Sevenfold's album.

[Acϵ♠]

this is absolutely the best music news of 2010 so far. city of life was a great album, and i think portnoy will have a huge influence on them and help them make their best album yet. man im actually really pumped for their new record now

[Acϵ♠]

TwistedRhoads wrote:

Portnoy is great and all but why does everyone act like he is going to push the band further like they need it? It's not like Sevenfold is a bunch of amateurs. Dream Theatre and Sevenfold are two different bands, sure the guys at A7X don't go on "jazz odysseys" but that doesn't mean that they aren't talented. I'm sure Portnoy could have influenced them somewhat, but it is still Avenged Sevenfold's album.

i think what most people are getting at is that because portnoy is such a huge presence in the studio and it sounds like they've got some good chemistry already that the new record will ****in own

[SynesterSeX]

Whats really cool to think about would be what could happen once they hit the studio again to record a new album. Since Mike did the drum tracks for the coming album, i can already imagine the progressive elements in it. It's rather interesting, when you think about it.

[TwistedRhoads]

It does seem like they are gelling really well together
They gotta get more progressive, with each album the band has evolved and brought something new to the table. It's always exciting to hear a new album from Sevenfold just because you have no idea what it will be like! Like Ace said this new record will own!

Acϵ♠ wrote:

TwistedRhoads wrote:

Portnoy is great and all but why does everyone act like he is going to push the band further like they need it? It's not like Sevenfold is a bunch of amateurs. Dream Theatre and Sevenfold are two different bands, sure the guys at A7X don't go on "jazz odysseys" but that doesn't mean that they aren't talented. I'm sure Portnoy could have influenced them somewhat, but it is still Avenged Sevenfold's album.

i think what most people are getting at is that because portnoy is such a huge presence in the studio and it sounds like they've got some good chemistry already that the new record will ****in own

SynesterSeX wrote:

Whats really cool to think about would be what could happen once they hit the studio again to record a new album. Since Mike did the drum tracks for the coming album, i can already imagine the progressive elements in it. It's rather interesting, when you think about it.

SynesterSeX wrote:

Whats really cool to think about would be what could happen once they hit the studio again to record a new album. Since Mike did the drum tracks for the coming album, i can already imagine the progressive elements in it. It's rather interesting, when you think about it.

[danatos]

The 30 secondes preview of Nightmare, the first single, sounds awesome, i can't wait 18th May for the entire song !

[Tster]

Mike seems liek really awesome guy. Can't wait to hear the new album

RIP rev

[juckfush]

What a top bloke. =D
Best of wishes to the band.

[Lemoninfluence]

checked

[jaapnac]

that seems awesome, but DT is a different band like A7X

[Reaper-Man]

I hope it all works out, I wish it didn't have to come to this so soon in the bands career!

[nick_b]

Mike sounds like an incredible guy but here's hoping that A7X can find a permanent drummer soon.

[JakkSatch]

TwistedRhoads wrote:

Portnoy is great and all but why does everyone act like he is going to push the band further like they need it? It's not like Sevenfold is a bunch of amateurs. Dream Theatre and Sevenfold are two different bands, sure the guys at A7X don't go on "jazz odysseys" but that doesn't mean that they aren't talented. I'm sure Portnoy could have influenced them somewhat, but it is still Avenged Sevenfold's album.

Especially because the drum parts were almost done before The Rev passed out

[c-rob6422]

mike portonoy is a beast.

[benjixoath]

A7Xrules666 wrote:

This guys pretty good, but he wont be able to match the rev

are you ****ing kidding me?

[mikeburnsred]

Stampede wrote:

i'm interested in seeing how the new permanent drummer (when they find one) will tackle portnoys drum tracks.

That's so true. They better find someone good. Not many people will be able to perfect Portnoy's stuff. Not saying it's impossible, but I just hope they find a good pick.

[Mr_Cbone93]

i was just thinking the other day(before i even knew he had recorded their new album with them), it would be awesome if a7x got someone that was ****ing awesome, like mike portnoy! and what do you know!

[lars17]

A7Xrules666 wrote:

This guys pretty good, but he wont be able to match the rev

nope not at all dude. not like mikes one of the best in the world.the revs real good but mikes real real good

[KataklysmDeth]

Armagedn wrote:

KataklysmDeth wrote:

SmittyMan90 wrote:

guitarsftw wrote:

Mike is one busy dude.
yeah for sure! hes way to good for A7X in my opinion though

When it comes down to it would you rather have a drummer from...I don't know...My Chemical Romance fill in after The Rev? It's an honor thing. It's not a band thing. I love this move to be completely honest. Matt Pelissier and Bob Bryar from MCR are both really good drummers... But yeah, Portnoy's a great match. I wonder how this will affect his DT tour, though. I'm seeing DT open for Maiden in July, he better be there.

not on this level they aren't.

[CoreysMonster]

man, they're gonna have a hard time finding someone as cool and amazing as portnoy.

Love the guy.

[jackofclubs]

Piscasis wrote:

A7Xrules666 wrote:

This guys pretty good, but he wont be able to match the rev
haha you obviously don't play drums.

Also note it's someone with A7X in their username... I love a7x and the rev was one of my favorite drummers. But Portnoy is easily one of the best in the world.

[Astyan]

Honestly, it's one of the classiest moves in Metal, ever. Portnoy is one of my favorite drummers, and I'll definitely make sure to check A7X's new album when it comes out (even though I'm not a fan).

Seriously, you're one hell of a nice guy, Mike. If it wasn't for him, the band could've went on a prolonged hiatus.

But don't forget, Mike... we want MOAR Dream Theater!

[hugh20]

Good for them, and Mike. Hopefully he'll be able to get back to DT soon, but I look forward to seeing how he gets on with A7X.

[iljh]

Mike, you are a class dude. And since you were the Rev's favorite drummer, I think it's great that you are lending them your talents. I've seen A7X 3 times and I am looking forward to seeing Avenged Portneyfold

[Tubyboulin]

This wont effect Dream Theater's Bluesfest performance in Ottawa July 6th, will it?

[Lemoninfluence]

checked.

[KilleerQueen]

Even though, Mike is an ingenious and brilliant drummer *-*, but there's no A7X without The Rev...

[SIRRON_KCUHC]

this is awesome cant wait to hear the album and maybe later on tour

[BwareDWare94]

[quote]A7Xrules666 wrote:

This guys pretty good, but he wont be able to match the rev[/quote

LOL. You might want to find out who Mike Portnoy is dude...you know, the best drummer in rock and metal by far.

[necrosis1193]

How the hell is he doing this and the Dream Theater/Iron Maiden tour?

[AJSaw]

Cool, but if portnoy leaves DT then DT will fall apart and I will have to kill you all... HEHE jk... WE WANT MORE DT

[JJJOEY]

uninsane_guitar wrote:

I'm so happy they're going to keep going even after Jimmy's death. I watch the All Excess DVD and laugh my ass off at Rev's crazy antics He will be missed but Mike Portnoy is a beast at drums, so this is gonna be good man. I'm also glad to see nobody hating on Dream Theater or Avenged Sevenfold on this post, I hate looking at articles that have to do with my favorite bands and 70% of the comments are "This band sucks!" Mike has class and so does everyone who's left a comment so far. R.I.P Jimmy "The Reverend Thalomeu Plague" Sullivan.

I second that.

[ippystratman]

i am so going to this

[jimmyled]

I personally don't like DT, but Mike is one of the best drummers out there. I hope A7X revert to their old, much better, self.

[Nergal22691]

Obviously almost nobody on here actually plays drums, The Rev was a decent drummer at best, Portnoy is one of the best prog rock drummers alive, he won't have any trouble playing anything the Rev played.

[Necro-cide]

How could you Mike...

[TJM2482]

Probably the most random news in awhile, I mean why would a prog metal veteran team up with some young punks who wear make-up and nail polish and play mediocre "metal". Homeboy should be teaming up with Mastodon or BTBAM, bands that are actually good and would use his talent efficiently

[TJM2482]

and whoever tried saying the ex drummer (whatever his name was) is better than Mike Portnoy is either the world's most obvious troll, or someone on Hellen Keller's level of musical understanding

[SGofawesome]

necrosis1193 wrote:

How the hell is he doing this and the Dream Theater/Iron Maiden tour?

Wow, I didn't even think about that...I was supposed to go to that on the 17th...WHAT IF HE QUITS?!?SHIT!

[randyaintdead82]

Tubyboulin wrote:

This wont effect Dream Theater's Bluesfest performance in Ottawa July 6th, will it?

no the THE FIRST SHOW AVENGED SEVENFOLD THIS THIS YEAR IS JULY 25TH IN MONTREAL DO NOT WORRY THE MAIDEN/DT TOUR WILL BE OVER BY THEN

[benomino324]

unfortunately, they cant replicate the rev's vocals...

[fedback]

What a classy, thoughtful and considerate statement! Mike is definitely an awesome guy!

[qrEE]

I hope that they pull a backwards metallica:

They lose a major band member and then become good!

Because Metallica became bad, but A7X was never good, so they can't possibly get any worse, so I'm hoping for the best and that they make music that doesn't make my ears cringe.

[qrEE]

Nergal22691 wrote:

Obviously almost nobody on here actually plays drums, The Rev was a decent drummer at best, Portnoy is one of the best prog rock drummers alive, he won't have any trouble playing anything the Rev played.

Ya, but even if you do play drums, you have to realize that Portnoy is only decent at best as well. For some of the more skilled drummers, you have to look MUCH deeper than something as popular as Dream Theater. Technical skill would go to Derek Roddy or George Kollias, drum writing ability would have to go to any of the drummers from Death's post-Spiritual Healing material, and innovation would have to go to one of the much older drummers, such as Neil Peart (who is highly overrated).

[Kvilvik]

I think it's awsom that Portnoy are joining A7X! There is no one better fit for the job. But i think Avenged Sevefold should focus more about finding a new drummer insted of renting other.
But still i would LOVE to see them preforming live together!

[Aborticide1986]

Well, one of my good friends was the keyboard tech for The Liquid Tension Experiment. He said Portnoy was a real prick. However, this is a very classy move, I commend him for it.

[travislausch]

He's probably more technically skilled than the other four members combined, but eh.

It's nice and all that he's paying honour to The Rev, I mean, I have nothing personal against any member of that band. But the more time Mike is with this band, the less time he's with DT and Transatlantic completely slayin'

[Nergal22691]

qrEE wrote:

Nergal22691 wrote:

Obviously almost nobody on here actually plays drums, The Rev was a decent drummer at best, Portnoy is one of the best prog rock drummers alive, he won't have any trouble playing anything the Rev played.

Ya, but even if you do play drums, you have to realize that Portnoy is only decent at best as well. For some of the more skilled drummers, you have to look MUCH deeper than something as popular as Dream Theater. Technical skill would go to Derek Roddy or George Kollias, drum writing ability would have to go to any of the drummers from Death's post-Spiritual Healing material, and innovation would have to go to one of the much older drummers, such as Neil Peart (who is highly overrated).

I agree as far as metal and rock drummers go, Roddy is basically my favorite drummer and there are a lot of drummers that are better than Portnoy, I was just saying in the context of this article that Portnoy will have no trouble playing the Revs parts and that as a drummer he is not irreplaceable as a lot of fanboys seem to think.

[skittle_eater]

this is awesome!

i loved what mike said about stagenames :p

[TMF128]

Mike Portnoy is going to make A7X 15 times more awesome.

Its not that I don't like Rev (R.I.P.,) I just think Mike Portnoy is a better drummer.

[aig91]

Checked

[the_jackyl]

I believe that's called "slumming."

[metal_cobs]

Why Mr. Portnoy?! Why?!

[mrfinkle213]

Absolutely can't ****ing wait for the new album/tour.

[niejel]

Mike Portnoy . . .

he must really like A7X. ahahaha.