Mike Portnoy Comments On Recording with Avenged Sevenfold
Band Photo: Avenged Sevenfold (?)
Yesterday, Avenged Sevenfold--whose drummer James "the Rev" Sullivan tragically passed away in December 2009--announced on their website that they are recording their new album with Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy. Avenged Sevenfold said in part: "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. It's 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."
Mike Portnoy today (2/18/09) issued this statement:
"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!"
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32 Comments on "Mike Portnoy Comments On Recording w/ A7X"
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4. writes:
i so glade that mike portnoy is part of *avenged sevenfold* it brings me so much hope,pride,honor to see dat a7x`is gona come back : U dont know how long i bin waitin 4 diz happy-est day of my life you guy`s R goin 2 come up so hardcore dat ur fanz R goin 2 love more n more mike portnoy i give u my respect n giv u tha` best luck 4 u 2 be a part of family wit m.shaows,zacky vengeance,johnny christ,synyster gates ...........4 lovin memory of "the rev"...james owen sullivan dat rest in peace" love u very much n miss you ^^avenged sevenfold^^ 4-life lovelovelovelovelovelovelovelove always your jacquelyn solorio "jack"
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11. writes:
I really have respect for Mike. The last sentence made me feel comfort in him helping out A7X. No one will be like Jimmy and for him to say that he isnt trying to fill his shoes but lace them up for him. Im happy there coming out with an album and I am sure Jim will be jumping in heaven to know his favorite drummer will be helping his brothers out.
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16. writes:
Wilco: LMFAO!!!
thegoosegoblin: GREAT anology! As I said in the related thread, I've lost a little respect for Portnoy. It seems to me that this is one of those situations where the reply should have been: "I'm honored that you would ask me to do this for you, but I have a student that would fit the bill much better. Here's his name and number".
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17. writes:
BG1: If it was any other reason to fill in other than someone dying I would agree with you but here I think this goes beyond if a type of music fits your taste.. I just have a hard time seeing how you can lose respect for someone for doing something very respectful, even if you dont like A7X... I understand that you are a metal elitist but some things go beyond the music
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18. writes:
Gutter: I understand what your saying, but I just think it would have been better for everyone involved to just recommend someone rather than doing it himself. I HATE A7X, but don't you think even THEY would be better off with a new drummer? Is Portnow going to tour and record exclusively for A7X now? Doubtful. Someone will have to pick up the peices sooner or later and I am of the opinion that in situations like this sooner is the better option.
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21. writes:
I think a lot of people are surprised with Mikes decision on joining Avenged Sevenfold to help out this album.
He is one of the greatest drummers and maybe he can give Avenged Sevenfold that extra jolt that they seemed to have lost after making the City of Evil album.
In my opinion the best of A7X is Waking the Fallen and earlier.
22. writes:
In my opinion the best of A7x is before they started making music. They were always terrible faux-metal, just sh**tier versions of Guns n' Roses, who arent that great to begin with anyway.
I dont like Dream Theater, but even I know Mike joining up in this fiasco of a band is a sign of end times...
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24. writes:
FAN FTW \m/!!!
i don't HATE a7x, but i'm not pretty fond of them as i used to b back when i was a young lad (1-3 yr.'s ago lol) but even i kinda just want them to go away. then again, there's plenty of bands that i wish that upon, but it aint happening any time soon.
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25. writes:
Yeah, it would make more sense for the band to find a permanent drummer rather than a temp... I dont think you can take anything away from Portnoy for doing this tho, not a bad decision on his part... What if A7X and Dream Theatre toured together?, How strange would that be
I actually havent listened to Dream Theatres newest album yet, I need to check it out
NP: Dream Theatre, The Root of All Evil
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30. writes:
Why dont you so called Mike Portnoy fans actually support him in his decision because hes not going to see you as much of a fan if you just go on about how much of a sh** decision he has made when he believes its a good one because Avenged Sevenfold are a great band. And goosegoblin, Mike Portnoy is fatter and older than any member of Avenged Sevenfold so shutup man
32. writes:
Alright so Dream Theater is one of my all time favorite bands, and MP is my all time favorite drummer. I can't understand, and won't acknowledge beyond this post, any bashing of his decision to honor this request. His decision simply exemplifies the kind of human being he is and his pure passion and respect for music and talent that he so anxiously immerses himself in. Anyone that is a fan of MP knows that his range of musical adoration is extremely far reaching. Just look at his list of favorite bands and influences.
Whether you're an Avenged Sevenfold or Dream Theater fan, it's simply ignorant and selfish to put your own musical tastes in front of the fact that 1) MP was The Rev's favorite drummer. and 2) MP's comments on joining the band (as stated above) come from a place of pure humility and respect, RESPECT being the operative word here. RESPECT the music! and to all you haters from either side.. Get over yourselves!!
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1. spiral_architect writes:
can't wait for the new A7X album. i hope they continue to progress in a positive direction.....
now listening to: amon amarth "twilight of the thunder god"